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View Full Version : Why would anyone use pickling lime?


Frogmanx82
10/09/2009, 01:05 PM
When calcium chloride avoids the pH issue.

edit....I read some other threads and it sounds like pickling lime will maintain alk though I'm not sure how the carbonate comes into it with Ca(OH)2 It just seems to raise calcium, if that's all you need, calcium chloride would be better.

I have high alk but low calcium at 340. I need to get it up quick. Am I correct that calcium chloride solutions would be best?

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/09/2009, 01:13 PM
I've operated my aquarium for many years using only lime for calcium and alkalinity.

I detail its use here:

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

Boomer
10/09/2009, 01:16 PM
Ca(OH)2

Ca++ + 2OH

2OH + 2CO2 ===> 2HCO3- (bicarbonate, alk)

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

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/09/2009, 01:25 PM
I have high alk but low calcium at 340. I need to get it up quick. Am I correct that calcium chloride solutions would be best?

Yes.

These will help:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

anemone123
10/09/2009, 01:35 PM
Suggestion, read Randy's articles in the Sticky: Reef Chemistry Articles

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1379607

The articles are very helpful in understanding Calcium, alkalinity and ph.

The short answer to your question is pickling lime adds both Calcium and Alkalinity to the tank. Calcium chloride will increase Calcium only, well and chloride. My recommendation is to add Calcium chloride until your calcium level is 400-450 then add pickling lime with your top off water to maintain your calcium and alkalinity.

Also check your alkalinity level if it is low you will need to supplement that as well to move it into the accepable range as well.

sjm817
10/09/2009, 02:01 PM
Avoid the pH issue? The pH boost is great. It really helps out with my low pH problems.

It add alk, ca, and helps with my pH, all in one. Its simple to use with an ATO. What could be better?

Frogmanx82
10/09/2009, 02:10 PM
The pH is an issue if you are looking for a quick boost to the calcium level. So I'll pick up a calcium chloride product. Is there a Wal-mart or Lowes option to pick up this chemical pure enough for aquarium use?

sjm817
10/09/2009, 03:15 PM
Limewater is not for a large adjustment to ca or alk. Your best bet for ca alk supplements for a good price is www.bulkreefsupply.com

lordofthereef
10/09/2009, 03:28 PM
The pH is an issue if you are looking for a quick boost to the calcium level. So I'll pick up a calcium chloride product. Is there a Wal-mart or Lowes option to pick up this chemical pure enough for aquarium use?

Mrs. Wage's Pickling Lime sold at Wal-Mart. Should be going on clearance as we are exiting the canning season now.

Billybeau1
10/09/2009, 10:34 PM
He has high alk and low calcium. Limewater is not going to help this issue.

A one or two time dose of a calcium chloride product is what he needs to get his levels squared away. Then he can start looking at ways to keep it there.

lordofthereef
10/10/2009, 01:25 AM
My bad. I misread his post. I thought he was simply asking what/where to get pickling lime. I need to learn to read better.

Frogmanx82
10/10/2009, 07:36 AM
Thanks for the education. I picked up some Kent liquid calcium which is calcium chloride. Next trip to Wally world I'll look for pickling lime to maintain my balance once I get there.