Need Kalkwasser advice

[skimjim]

I have a 180g DT plus a 100g sump

I have a 15gal container and I use it to drip RODI water into my sump to topoff evaporated water. I have a 1/4inch waterline connector punched thru like a bulkhead. The 1/4inch tubing is then gravity-fed to a needle-valve and drips 2-3drops per second into the sump. This driprate is very close to replacing evap-water over the week.

I want to add Kalkwasser to this very simple RODI topoff method.

1) what brand of Kalk to use?
2) how much do I add to my 15g container? (assuming I go thru 15g every 5-6 days)

Please help....

[CStrickland]

This should get you on the right track: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/

If your jug has the spout at the bottom like a Gatorade one you might need to rig something so you aren't pulling the sludge in, or mix it in a separate container.

[skimjim]

This should get you on the right track: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/

If your jug has the spout at the bottom like a Gatorade one you might need to rig something so you aren't pulling the sludge in, or mix it in a separate container.

I have a 1/4inch waterline connector punched thru like a bulkhead. The 1/4inch tubing is then gravity-fed to a needle-valve and drips 2-3drops per second. This driprate is very close to replacing evap-water over the week.

[downbeach]

You could start off with 1 tsp. per gallon(1/2 saturation), and check your pH and other param's. You can go as high as 2 tsp. per gallon(full saturation). I prefer Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime, secondly I would use the BRS kalk, although any kalkwasser mix will work.

[mfinn]

I order Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime by the case from walmart.com

I have a 5 gallon bucket with a spigot about 1-1/2" from the bottom.
I add 3 heaping tablespoons of the pickling lime to the bucket and fill it with ro/di water and stir.
I let it sit for 24-36 hours and drain off the clear liquid.
I add this to my top off container.

[sixpackgarage]

I've been using the Kalk+2 for about 6 months. No complaints. The small can has lasted me all this time since I don't go super heavy on it. Take baby steps with kalk and test the water.

[tkeracer619]

Needle valves don't work so well with kalkwasser. It is best to use a slow dosing peristaltic pump.