Dosing Kalk
- Thread starter gfox
- Start date
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btkrausen
Fish Hoarder
Check out these two threads...it'll be everything you want to learn about it 
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-chemistry-forum/54889-kalk-all-s-cracked-up.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...alkwasser-feeding-your-tank-what-desires.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-chemistry-forum/54889-kalk-all-s-cracked-up.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...alkwasser-feeding-your-tank-what-desires.html
secretreefer
**MAD PHANTOM SCIENTIST**
following and will read up on the links provided. thanks!
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gfox
Valuable Member
After reading the threads sounds like i can mix up some kalk and transfer it over to my top off tank.So if i mix some kalk up in a 5 gallon jug and let it settle then siphon it over to the top-off should that work?
I just got some kalk in and I am going to start putting it in my ATO. I have read up on it and still have a few questions.
I have a 10 gallon for a container and an aqua lifter for pump that pumps directly into my sump. Controlled by my reef keeper and a float switch.
Do I need to mix it in a separate container and then transfer the water to my ATO? Will I have to clean my ATO tank with each refill? What all do I need to test for before I start?
Thanks guys!
I have a 10 gallon for a container and an aqua lifter for pump that pumps directly into my sump. Controlled by my reef keeper and a float switch.
Do I need to mix it in a separate container and then transfer the water to my ATO? Will I have to clean my ATO tank with each refill? What all do I need to test for before I start?
Thanks guys!
btkrausen
Fish Hoarder
You can use the same tank you mix it in...just let it settle for a few hours before you dose with it. Additionally, you'll want to make sure the input on the aqualifter isn't at the bottom sucking up the kalk powder. Keep it a few inches above so you are only dosing the clear liquid on the top.
Dowtish
5000 Club Member
Don't you think that dosing from a seperate container, rather than your actual top off is safer? (ie the switch fails or you remove too much water bagging frags) I would much rather deal with a salinity issue rather than an alk spike as well...does that make sense?
btkrausen
Fish Hoarder
I would personally use a kalk reactor. In regards to using a separate container....the same issue can occur for the pump dosing kalk as well
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gfox
Valuable Member
Well i mix up about 4 gallons of kalk in a 5 gallon bucket and let it set for about 4 hours then siphoned to my top off tank.I noticed it was cloudy is that normal?Should i let it sit for longer period of time?
I did the same thing except I put a powerhead in the bucket and let it run for 24+ hours. It is very cloudy. This is my first time to mix it so I'm not sure if it is supposed to be clear or how clear it should be. But this I can't see one inch into the solution.
btkrausen
Fish Hoarder
I would let it sit at least overnight to let it settle enough. If I dose with a dripper, I mix it up the day before and use it the next day.
When I used my kalk reactor, the water going into the tank was almost 100% clear.
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gfox
Valuable Member
I am using the Kent Kalk it says on the directions to let it settle for a few hours,it should say overnight.Thought i would try this method for a while to see how i like it and the benifits.Up until now i have really never dosed anything in the tank.
btkrausen
Fish Hoarder
Kent is the worst one to buy...at least in my experience. It eats up pump impellers and gunks up very easily. Get the BRS kalk which is very pure and clean.
When I ran a GEO kalk reactor, I had to replace my impeller every few months on the Maxijet when using Kent. With BRS kalk, I never had to replace it once.
When I ran a GEO kalk reactor, I had to replace my impeller every few months on the Maxijet when using Kent. With BRS kalk, I never had to replace it once.
