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terri_ann
10/14/2009, 12:39 AM
I performed the aeration test this evening to determine if the low pH was from carbon dioxide. Initial test of tank pH was 7.71 with Hanna meter (and almost the same result with an API test). After outdoor aeration of 1 cup tank water, pH rose to 8.18 units. After 1 hour indoor aeration with a new cup of tank water, pH dropped to 7.65 units! Continuing aeration for 1 hour more, pH tested at 7.64! :hmm6:

So, it appears that I need to use Kalk. I know nothing about what it is, where to buy it (I know it is also referred to as limewater), how to use it (dose, mix, etc) ... I know some people drip it in their sumps but how do you do that? I don't have a doser. Do I need to drip it?

To refresh, I have 135g tank w/ sump (I have no idea how many actual gallons of water...if someone can tell me how to figure the tank water, I'd appreciate it:bounce3:), have about 125 lbs LR, 100 lbs sand, 1.026 salinity, 10dKH, 440 calcium, 1600 mag (I know, it was an accident!) Your help is greatly appreciated....Thank you!:wave:

kaskiles
10/14/2009, 04:23 AM
The sticky at the top of the forum links to some good articles, from there do a find on Lime. You'll get:
Limewater (kalkwasser)

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

The Self Purification of Limewater (Kalkwasser)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2003/chem.htm

The Degradation of Limewater (Kalkwasser) in Air
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-0...ture/index.htm

Magnesium and Strontium in Limewater
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2003/chem.htm

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

I think the first one is the must read. Lime/Kalk can be pretty simple to use, as long as you know some basic information on how it works.

kaskiles
10/14/2009, 04:31 AM
Also, if you are dosing 2-part or using a Calcium Reactor; you will probably want to reduce those as the Kalk/Lime additions would replace some or all of the Ca/Alk they are adding.

Your tank specs of 7.7pH, 10dKH and 440 Ca look good. You may not really need to do anything at all. If you are using a Calcium Reactor, replacing it with Kalk will probably increase your pH a bit.

If you are not currently supplementing Ca/Alk by 2-part or Calcium Reactor, and your Alk/Ca are staying at 10dKH/440ppm; then adding Kalk supplementation into the system may drive those numbers up higher (and I don't know if I'd want to intentionally get above 11 dKH Alk).

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/14/2009, 04:40 AM
Some people also have some success bringing in fresh air to their skimmer. :)

terri_ann
10/15/2009, 02:06 AM
KASKILES- Thanks for the links to the articles!! I have been adding CA only(so far); do not use a reactor.

Randy, I would prefer to run fresh air to my skimmer but don't know how to do that. I have a small piece of airline that is attached to PVC and the other end attaches to the collection cup. Other than that, there is no place that I can see to run air. I'm "lost" as usual... :=(

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/15/2009, 04:29 AM
One good way, if possible, is to put the air pump outside and pump air into the skimmer air inlet, perhaps allowing for some air to enter or leave through an open T right near the skimmer in order to make sure the skimmer gets adequate but not too much air.