Another kalkwasser question

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 6, 2018

Lasse is correct that if there is only one adjusting screw, it is only one point calibration.

I discuss using and calibrating pH meters here:

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/2/chemistry

Jorge Linares · Apr 6, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Lasse is correct that if there is only one adjusting screw, it is only one point calibration.

I discuss using and calibrating pH meters here:

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter
https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/2/chemistry

Thank you that artical. My goal is to get an APEX but till thin I may get the Hanna pH checker.

On alk it read 8.6 after 24hrs so yes very, very low consumption. Time to pack the tank with coral.

Thanks for everyone’s help.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 6, 2018

Jorge Linares said:
Thank you that artical. My goal is to get an APEX but till thin I may get the Hanna pH checker.

On alk it read 8.6 after 24hrs so yes very, very low consumption. Time to pack the tank with coral.

Thanks for everyone’s help.

If demand is low and you still want to raise pH, the best ways are more fresh air in the room, outside air line to skimmer inlet, or CO2 scrubber on the skimmer inlet.

SaltyTwigs · Apr 6, 2018

I live in Wisconsin and have a similar issue with PH during the winter. This year I bought a BRS 1ml/hr dosing pump and made full strength Kalk. Then hooked up the dosing pump to my apex and programmed the outlet to go on when the PH hit 8.0 and turn off when PH > 8.1. Has worked great for me and my tank. Doubt this does much in the way of helping with Alk/Cal but has worked awesome for me in keeping my PH above 8 in the winter.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 6, 2018

Flyer said:
I live in Wisconsin and have a similar issue with PH during the winter. This year I bought a BRS 1ml/hr dosing pump and made full strength Kalk. Then hooked up the dosing pump to my apex and programmed the outlet to go on when the PH hit 8.0 and turn off when PH > 8.1. Has worked great for me and my tank. Doubt this does much in the way of helping with Alk/Cal but has worked awesome for me in keeping my PH above 8 in the winter.

That can be a risky approach since it doesn't have any limit on how high the alkalinity might get.

SaltyTwigs · Apr 6, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
That can be a risky approach since it doesn't have any limit on how high the alkalinity might get.

Very true... however I test Alk daily and actually have to dose 2 part to keep up with demand. But every tank is different. So as long as you test Alk the risk I would think would be minimal. Basing that purely on my own reasoning and experience though (not saying this is correct way). Randy you would be a better judge of that then me.

Jorge Linares · Apr 6, 2018

This is we’re getting fully automated sounds like fun (admitted gear junkie too). Apex with their Trident monitor.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 6, 2018

Flyer said:
Very true... however I test Alk daily and actually have to dose 2 part to keep up with demand. But every tank is different. So as long as you test Alk the risk I would think would be minimal. Basing that purely on my own reasoning and experience though (not saying this is correct way). Randy you would be a better judge of that then me.

I don't know if you've seen some of the new two parts, but you can get the same pH boost from them as limewater/kalkwasser:

Second New DIY Two Part Recipe with Higher pH Boost
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/second-new-diy-two-part-recipe-with-higher-ph-boost.357080/

Jorge Linares · Apr 6, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I don't know if you've seen some of the new two parts, but you can get the same pH boost from them as limewater/kalkwasser:

Second New DIY Two Part Recipe with Higher pH Boost
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/second-new-diy-two-part-recipe-with-higher-ph-boost.357080/

Read the whole thread. Good stuff. Although still not consuming enough for the pH boost I will have this saved. Thanks Randy.