Kalkwasser

[lilchris]

I have been trying to figure out if using Kalkwasser would benefit my set up. I have mainly LPSs and softies in my tank. I have been in Iraq for 4 months and my wife is currently taking care of my tank. I am really proud of her, she has managed my tank and had only 3 losses. Lyrentail, xenia, flowerpot. Pretty good for someone who really doesn't know much about this hobby.

Well, lets get back to the subject at hand, I know I will have to get my parameters back in line. i haven't been using Kalk in the past and i was wondering what are some pros and cons about using it. I also would like to know if I do decide to use it what is the best way of introducing it to my system. auto doser, kalkwasser stirrer???????

[seanb]

Perhaps these will help

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm


How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

[Sk8r]

If you have an autotopoff, it would work fine to get a kalk reactor to receive the inflow from the autotopoff pump, mix the kalkwasser, and spit it on into the sump at the rate demanded by the float valve.

I just started one last week, and after decorating myself and my basement with kalk paste, I can tell you a few things about the setup.
1. it will turn up any magnesium shortage you have: get that ok early and you'll have less trouble.
2. getting a checkvalve in the loc-line is easier than putting one in the half-inch hose of a maxijet; and you NEED a checkvalve between your ro/di reservoir and your sump! You don't want the reactor to empty itself backward into your reservoir...
3. Don't turn the kalk stirrer up to high: keep the milky part of the kalk low in the chamber, by running it at the absolutely minimal speed to keep the kalk from making a nasty paste at the bottom of the tube. What you want going into the sump is the only slightly milky water, not the white pasty water.
4. It is, after a week of fussing, keeping my alk and cal up. I had to add half a bottle of magnesium to support it, but the corals are responding favorably to having a steady supplement rather than one that comes and goes over 24 hours.
I have a 54g and am very happy with my BAS unit. No moving parts except the stirrer. The dissolution of kalk is based on the amount ro/di will accept, and is pegged [by the float valve] to the evaporation rate in your tank. The only caution you must take is not to have a topoff accident, ie, flooding your sump with topoff or forgetting to plug the topoff pump in: that can be bad.

[samsfishnchips]

lilchris,

I vote for auto-top(with safety features, ex. at least two float switches) off and a container with kalk mix in with fresh water,

this is the cheapest and if you don't like the results, you don't lose anything,

oh and don't forget to read the above links

good luck,

sam

[lilchris]

What is a good reactor that is good to the old pocket? $$$$$. Also, I was wondering if someone can put in lamest (sp) terms how the kalk reactor is plumbed in w/ the auto top off. I have an auto top off w/ a maxi jet powerhead, will that work also?