Alk and Calc Questions

[mpoletiek]

So I'm new to reefing and have some questions about the best way to maintain Alk and Calc.

Initially I was recommended the Seachem ReefBuilder product by LFS. Worked great for Alk, but didn't do much for Calc.

I did some research and found Kalkwasser. Seems like the ideal product, but I'm struggling to get it to work.

Initially if I remember correctly I followed the instructions and did a 2tsp to 1gal ratio, STIRRED the mixture and added to the tank with a slow drip. Over the next 3 days my Alk and Calc rose significantly (Calc from 330 all the way to 400ppm), but since then I haven't gotten the results I expected.

I did change my process however. Since I believe I only need about a gallon on hand I bought some airtight jugs with extra lids for storing vs consuming (some lids have holes for airline). However, STIRRING in these jugs is next to impossible and I just started shaking them to mix it without thinking.

Now I'm wondering if shaking the kalk mix is actually introducing enough oxygen to make it unviable. Since I've been doing this I haven't seen my Alk rise by more than 0.1dkh and Calc never gets higher than 360.

Thoughts?

 

[Jekyl]

Kalk is to maintain, regular dosing of either element is usually needed to get where desired

 

[vetteguy53081]

So I'm new to reefing and have some questions about the best way to maintain Alk and Calc.

Initially I was recommended the Seachem ReefBuilder product by LFS. Worked great for Alk, but didn't do much for Calc.

I did some research and found Kalkwasser. Seems like the ideal product, but I'm struggling to get it to work.

Initially if I remember correctly I followed the instructions and did a 2tsp to 1gal ratio, STIRRED the mixture and added to the tank with a slow drip. Over the next 3 days my Alk and Calc rose significantly (Calc from 330 all the way to 400ppm), but since then I haven't gotten the results I expected.

I did change my process however. Since I believe I only need about a gallon on hand I bought some airtight jugs with extra lids for storing vs consuming (some lids have holes for airline). However, STIRRING in these jugs is next to impossible and I just started shaking them to mix it without thinking.

Now I'm wondering if shaking the kalk mix is actually introducing enough oxygen to make it unviable. Since I've been doing this I haven't seen my Alk rise by more than 0.1dkh and Calc never gets higher than 360.

Thoughts?

Rather than chemically, water changes alone will accomplish this otherwise auto dosing once you determine consumption

 

[mpoletiek]

Kalk is to maintain, regular dosing of either element is usually needed to get where desired

Okay, things are starting to make sense if this is true.

I believe I've read this elsewhere. Can someone with as many badges as Jekyl confirm/deny?

Lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I compare most of the methods used here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION

There is no aspect of reef aquarium chemistry more important than calcium and alkalinity. Many of my previous articles have described various aspects of these systems in detail. In reading those articles, aquarists will note one pervasive theme: that maintaining appropriate levels of each are...

www.reefedition.com

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Okay, things are starting to make sense if this is true.

I believe I've read this elsewhere. Can someone with as many badges as Jekyl confirm/deny?

Lol

Kalkwasser adds 2.8 dKH of alk for each 20 ppm of calcium. Within constraints of adding it slowly to avoid a pH spike, you can use it for raising or maintaining or whatever you want, but obviously it raises both regardless of whether you want both.

Hence it is most often used for maintenance, or alk raising since the calcium rise is smallish, but never for a big calcium boost.

 

[mpoletiek]

Kalkwasser adds 2.8 dKH of alk for each 20 ppm of calcium. Within constraints of adding it slowly to avoid a pH spike, you can use it for raising or maintaining or whatever you want, but obviously it raises both regardless of whether you want both.

Hence it is most often used for maintenance, or alk raising since the calcium rise is smallish, but never for a big calcium boost.

Thanks! I'll boost my alk and Calc with 2 part and use kalk to maintain and see how it goes.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks! I'll boost my alk and Calc with 2 part and use kalk to maintain and see how it goes.

Sounds like a fine plan.

 

[mpoletiek]

Thanks for the help everyone!