Kalk?

[jwils27]

I am going to start dosing with kalk and i wanted to get some advise. I have heard to horror stories about people killing there tank. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Jake

 

[haninja]

Here's a few threads to get you started...
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14681&highlight=Kalk">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14681&highlight=Kalk</a>
[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14614&highlight=Kalk">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14614&highlight=Kalk</a>
[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14455&highlight=Kalk">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14455&highlight=Kalk</a>

 

[drnecropolis]

Thanks for the links..

 

[jwils27]

my plan is to use it in my topoff. so would i just mix a batch and monitor for any drastic changes? i guess my over all question is if i can just add water and kalk to make the kalk mix add this to my top off and call it a day?

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Are you using an auto top off?!?

 

[jwils27]

yes

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Ok then it is really pretty easy... Start off by putting one Tsp of Kalk (Or Mrs. Wedges) per gallon of fresh water into your top off container. Let that run through and see what that does to your PH. You can cadd up to two tsb/gal but it is better to start off on the lower end since you want to see what result it has and you do not want to add too much. What does not disolve will settle to the bottom. You can give it a stir every once in a while (I don't) just make sure that it settles before your ATO goes off again, you do not want to dump the kalk into the tank. Make sure your ATO pump is off the bottom so you do not suck up the paste (Will clog the pump easy and again, kalk paste in a tank is not a good thing). You still want to test for Alk and CA on a regular basis and add both if needed. Kalk will add a bit of both but is a pretty poor source of both Alk and CA. I recommend not trying to add vinager or anything else like you might read about, this is done to disolve more Kalk to reach a higher CA content, it is just not a good idea for many reason. Any questions?

 

[derek_s]

Very good instructions! I am in the process of setting up a kalk stirrer and ATO on my 34 gal.

When you say Kalk is not a great source of calc and alk, you do mean for a large tank right? I have been dripping it, which seemingly does the job on my 34 gal.

Cool to see my thread referenced. I feel special.

 

[olds350racer]

By saying that "kalk is not a great source of calc and alk", he means that it has a definate max amount that can be added. If the tank demand is higher the kalk can provide, you will have to use another way to add ca/alk.

 

[drnecropolis]

I have questions... If its a poor source for alk and CA, then what would be the benefit of adding a substance that could easily doom a tank?

 

[drnecropolis]

Oops nvrm lol