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Unread 06/15/2011, 03:42 PM   #26
Randy Holmes-Farley
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IMO, all of those alk values are fine, and most of them are probably indistinguishable with many kits.

What time of day are you dosing in relation to these numbers?


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Unread 06/15/2011, 03:46 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Holmes-Farley View Post
IMO, all of those alk values are fine, and most of them are probably indistinguishable with many kits.

What time of day are you dosing in relation to these numbers?
I've been using the hanna alk checker, not sure if that helps with the accuracy part of it.

As far as dosing, if you mean the kalk, whenever the ATO kicks on to deal with the evap.

If you meant the 2part alk dose to up back to 135, I dosed it right after the test ~4:35pm


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Unread 06/15/2011, 04:42 PM   #28
Randy Holmes-Farley
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They claim: Accuracy ±5 ppm ±5% of reading.

So in that respect, most of the readings are within the error of the device.

I meant when was the limewater dosed. Some folks dose it at night, for example.

If you want to keep the alk higher than limewater can maintain it, then a two part in addition to the limewater is a fine plan. Many people do that. :


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Unread 06/15/2011, 04:53 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Holmes-Farley View Post
They claim: Accuracy ±5 ppm ±5% of reading.

So in that respect, most of the readings are within the error of the device.

I meant when was the limewater dosed. Some folks dose it at night, for example.

If you want to keep the alk higher than limewater can maintain it, then a two part in addition to the limewater is a fine plan. Many people do that. :
Ok, that makes sense.

What is limewater supposed to maintain alk at out of curiosity? I can't say I've read the number anywhere.


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Unread 06/15/2011, 05:49 PM   #30
Randy Holmes-Farley
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There is no number it can maintain because the depends on the demand in the tank and the evaporation replacement added.

Adding 1.25% of the tank volume with saturated limewater boosts alk by 0.5 meq/L (1.4 dKH) and 10 ppm calcium.


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Unread 06/15/2011, 08:53 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Holmes-Farley View Post
There is no number it can maintain because the depends on the demand in the tank and the evaporation replacement added.

Adding 1.25% of the tank volume with saturated limewater boosts alk by 0.5 meq/L (1.4 dKH) and 10 ppm calcium.
So to be clear, I should make the Kalk mix stronger since my alk is low each day and calcium is fine?


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Unread 06/15/2011, 09:30 PM   #32
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Yes, I'd try that.


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Unread 06/28/2011, 11:17 PM   #33
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Update:

So I tried the 1.25 tsp and that was a smidge too low, so I went with 2 tsp per ~4.5 gal. That seemed to do the trick.

Thanks for the help. Now to do it all over again in the new tank coming soon.


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Unread 06/12/2014, 01:32 AM   #34
uruguayanreefer
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100 total watwr volume
I lose about 1 dkh of alk in two days
At the same time I lose about 1.5gal of water
Thinking of using alk in my ato just curious as to how much would keep me at my intend parameters

Any suggestions would help


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Unread 06/12/2014, 05:14 AM   #35
Randy Holmes-Farley
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This calculator will show you how much of what types of supplements would satisfy that demand for alkalinity, and the likely related need for calcium:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html


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Unread 11/06/2017, 03:35 AM   #36
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I know this is a old thread but have decided after all the years of dosing two part I would try Kalkwasser in my ato
I have mixed 2 1/2 teaspoons in 5 gallons to start with
My Alk is currently at 8 and cal at 420
I mixed up some Kalk last night and didn’t see much on the bottom of the container after 12 hours, the container has a tap about a inch from the bottom so I filled my container I use to add top up to container and seemed clear once added to my glass top up tank it looks a bit cloudy?
Is this ok?
Or am I doing something wrong
I have shut down dosing of two part after testing tonight to see what happens tomorrow with Alk and cal
But just concerned about the slightly cloudy water in my glass ato



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Unread 11/06/2017, 02:36 PM   #37
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Kalkwasser often looks a bit cloudy. I don't think anyone is sure why, but it's never been a problem. My Kalk was a bit cloudy for a while, and I never had any issues. Just avoid dosing any precipitate, if any ever forms in your setup.


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Unread 11/06/2017, 03:25 PM   #38
muz_z
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Thanks fir the reassurance Bertoni
Just strange how it’s clear in the container I use to fill ato tank but cloudy in ato tank


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Unread 11/06/2017, 03:37 PM   #39
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You might find this helpful, if you know your evaporation rate. I dose Kalk with my ATO but the primary source for alk and calcium is my calcium reactor. I saturate my ATO water to 25% (1/2 tsp/gallon). Over the seasons my evaporation rate varies from about 1.5 to 3.5 gallons/day.

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...ntribution.php


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Unread 11/06/2017, 03:38 PM   #40
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Yes, it's not clear what's happening. Moving the liquid into the new container might have added a bit of carbon dioxide, which would have caused some precipitation. That might cause some cloudiness. Mostly, I just don't know, though.


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Unread 11/06/2017, 03:53 PM   #41
muz_z
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Might try using a hose beneath the water level instead of just pouring in


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Unread 11/07/2017, 03:59 AM   #42
muz_z
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Well just about concerned about the colour of of the Kalk in my ato reservoir still
It is very whiteish to the point I can’t see the pump in the container
It’s glass and only small only holds about 4 gallons
Shouldn’t it settle on the bottom? It seems to be suspended in the water


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Unread 11/07/2017, 04:00 AM   #43
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Unread 11/07/2017, 11:53 AM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by muz_z View Post
It is very whiteish to the point I can’t see the pump in the container
Normal


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Unread 11/07/2017, 02:14 PM   #45
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I agree. That's typical for Kalk.


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Unread 11/07/2017, 02:18 PM   #46
muz_z
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Ok great thanks
Would it be better to get a more sealed unit than a glass tank for the ato?
Would that have less impact of Co2 being absorbed by the kalk?


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Unread 11/07/2017, 11:35 PM   #47
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If the Kalk isn't stirred, it'll last for weeks if loosely covered. I might add a bit of a cover, but not a tight one. Here's more data:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-0...ture/index.htm


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Unread 11/08/2017, 12:46 AM   #48
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I laid some plastic bubble wrap cut to fit in my kalk container on the surface. It definitely cut down the precipitate formation. I have a lid but air gets sucked in of course as the kalk is dispensed. This way the "lid" floats with the level. I would think this would be a common practice but I haven't seen it mentioned.


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Unread 11/08/2017, 12:49 AM   #49
muz_z
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Good idea thanks might give it a try
I think I buggered up by just pouring it in


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Unread 11/08/2017, 04:06 PM   #50
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The floating cover should work well.


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