More questions about Kalkwasser!

[curtismaximus]

I am dosing vodka currently in my tank. How with this affect the dosing of Kalkwasser? I know adding vinegar to the Limewater solution will allow more Ca and Ak ions to dissolve. Just wondering how they would affect each other if dosed separately?

If I add vinegar to my Limewater solution am I dosing the tank with the additional carbon anyways?

Just curious how they affect each other and how they should be dosed.

 

[snowmansnow]

I wouldn't dose vinegar and limewater in the same dose. My reasoning isn't scientific, but I clean calcium with vinegar and it destroys it... it seems counter productive to me.

I'm sure you know what you're doing but why are you dosing vinegar? Are you just looking for carbon source?

B

 

[mikesmith34]

I kinda has the same question. Why vinegar and not the standard vodka. How are you controlling the dose?

 

[xyzpdq0121]

SnowManSnow;936527 wrote: I wouldn't dose vinegar and limewater in the same dose. My reasoning isn't scientific, but I clean calcium with vinegar and it destroys it... it seems counter productive to me.

I'm sure you know what you're doing but why are you dosing vinegar? Are you just looking for carbon source?

B

Vinegar has several benefits when added to kalk. 1) it adds CO2 and thus reduces the PH impact on the aquarium. 2) it helps breakdown the lime leading to a higher concentration of limewater.

Now to the original poster... I do not see why the two can't be added together. (Although I have never done it) I would just watch your O2 levels and maybe cinsider adding an airstone to your sump. Adding vinegar to your kalk can increase bacteria metabolism and growth rates. If you see any bacterial mats discontinue asap.

 

[curtismaximus]

Mixing vinegar in with Kalk keeps the calcium and hydroxide from precipitating out which forms the think slurry at the bottom of the mixture. This make the solution have a higher concentration of calcium and hydroxide (Cal and Ak respectively). The best part about this is the reduction in slurry. I will be using a aqualifter to dose the tank and hopefully this will keep the pump from failing. My theory is less sludge therefore cleaner water which yeilds longer life of the pump.

The other part of my question is how the vinegar affects the production of bacteria. Like I said in the OP I am currently dosing Vodka. I am unsure if the vinegar in the solution is used up when mixing with the Kalk or will it add to the amount of Carbon added to the tank? If it does then I will need to cut back on the amount of Vodka I dose. If the vinegar is used up in the reaction with the Kalk then I will need to continue adding my normal amount of Vodka.

Edit: Here is a video about mixing vinegar with Kalkwasser.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV1yENM0VUM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[mikesmith34]

I got it, makes sense.

 

[xyzpdq0121]

Your limewater should be clear with or without vinegar. If your aqualifter is picking up solids or sluge then you have the tube down too far. It should not be at the bottom of your container where the kalk settles.

Now on to the other part. Vinegar WILL add carbon dioxide/organic carbon to the tank. So yes, I would imagine you would need to cut back on your Vodka if a problem starts to develop. I would watch it pretty closely. One of my main concerns would be O2 levels in the tank due to the increased metabolic rates of bacteria. But again, this is part theory and part biology with a sprinkle of chemistry. I believe, if memory serves me right, that vinegar and vodka produce different stains of bacteria but I believe there has always been some debate about that. But ethanol and vinegar, sugar, acetone, methanol, and isopropanol all will have pretty much the same effects on NO3 and PO4 levels. So dosing Vinegar and Vodka could lead to the same effect as if your overdosed Vodka all together.

Sorry I am so scatter brained on this post. But I hope that made the same sense to you as it did to me.

 

[curtismaximus]

That make perfect sense. Thanks!