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View Full Version : Using kalk, but ca/Dkh low?


Mcgeezer
03/10/2015, 08:12 PM
I've been using kalkwasser in my ATO for about 4-5 months now and simplified my life. Everything in my tank has been very healthy and showing clear signs of growth. I also add 5tbsp of vinegar to the limewater mix. My ATO holds about 3.5 gallons.

I tested ca/Dkh tonight....and my calcium was only 360 and Dkh about 7.5

What could I be doing wrong? Every time I've tested before now my Ca was only at 440-460 and Dkh hovering over 8. Is it just test noise? They are API tests.

My only guess is that I'm not saturating the RO water with enough kalk. I only put about 5tsp of kalk in 7 gallons of water. Should I up it to maybe 7-8tsp?

I'm just confused because everything is so healthy....?

pyithar
03/10/2015, 08:53 PM
i would do the testings again and if they're correct, you might be having fast coral growths thus they're now using up the calcium and alk faster than before. or maybe because of coralline growths? precipitations? magnesium is probably low?

tkeracer619
03/11/2015, 12:11 AM
You could likely increase your kalkwasser additions.

RocketEngineer
03/11/2015, 06:50 AM
kalk saturates at about 2tsp/gal so you are about half the max dosage. Gradually increase the concentration and see how things work out.