Accidentally mixed calcium and alk together?

carlson · May 26, 2017

So I was putting my alkalinity/Ph supplement in my ato reservoir (specifically enough to raise my Ph from 7.8 to 8.3) and I instantly noticed that it was milky and wouldn't dissolve and now I remember putting calcium in there earlier this week. So what happens now? Should I get rid of the five gallons of Rodi water? Even if it's going to be useless now I'd rather not get rid of it unless I have to, before I realized what I did I put a little power head in there to stir it up hoping it would dissolve.

thanks for any help!!

carlson · May 26, 2017

Another thing I don't want is for it to some how calcify and cover my equipment as soon as the ATO cuts on

Mal11224 · May 26, 2017

That sucks. Mixing the two causes the ingredients to precipitate. You can test the water once the cloudiness goes away to see what you got. May need to start a fresh batch. Your ph level may go up higher than you want it to.

ndrwater · May 26, 2017

I have done the same thing. Instant sludge.
That said, waiting for the sludge to dissolve doesn't work. All you end up with is water... With sludge on the bottom.
Best to start from scratch. Sucks to waste that much additive, but better to bite the bullet and have correct ALK and CA and move forward. Make sure to clean completely or better yet replace any tubing associated with a dosing pump as the sludge will clog the tubing.