Easiest way to dose ca and alk

[Land Shark]

IMO, the easiest method to dose ca and alk is using the Triton core7 method. But you will get those and so much more that you need for a healthy tank. It’s inexpensive, in my 109gal system anyway, and is ultra low maintenance. Not sure any reef tank is set and forget but this is close.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

Here is how I will run my Kalk Stirrer w/ my Avast Diaphragm pump in order to keep my PH from swinging.

Titan Timer

@AVAST Marine - K1 kalkwasser Stiererr including a @AVAST Marine - Diaphragm pump:

It's connected to my Saltwater mixing station. My @AVAST Marine Diaphram pump takes the water out of my Fresh RODI barrel and pushed the fresh RODI water through my KALK Stirrer into my Synergy CL-44 Sump.

 

[FLSharkvictim]

I do both, as far as dosing Kalk, Alk, Calcium, and Mag! I am currently using an Eshoops IV Master doser incl, there Salve. So I do dose a very tiny bit of Alk, Cal, Mag and Trace Elements by two little fishes. I am getting ready to SELL this fully functional Eshoops doser and slave, so if you're interested in it, PM ME? I am saving up for a new GHL 2.1 Dosing pump to match up with the rest of my GHL P4 Controller and MaxiSA doser for Automatic water changes.
Eshoops IV Master doser

Eshoops IV Master Slave

 

[dwest]

I currently run kalk which keeps my levels fairly stable, but I'm getting tired of constantly refilling my drip and mixing the kalk up. Is dosing two part easier? Are there any set it and forget it methods?

I’ve been using kalk for over 20 years. It works for me. On some of systems I’ve had I’ve needed to supplement with 2 part. My current tank needs no supplementation so far. I use an avast k2 stirrer fed with a liter meter 3 from spectrapure.

 

[McGene]

Thanks for all the fine responses. Some are a bit advanced for me right now -- plus my tank is a small 45g AIO that sits in my home office -- not a lot of room for expansion!
As mentioned, I have been using the 2-part approach (by hand). Problem is, I often forget to dose -- hey, I forget to take my meds sometimes and they're sitting on the table right in front of me!!
I think at this time, I'll try the recommendation from Randy and set an alarm on my iPhone.
My best to you all! -- gene

 

[Murica]

OP, how large is your system?
I prefer a 24/7 kalk drip but I do it with a chemical dosing pump. But, I also use another pump to constantly mix my 60g kalkwasser container (with lid). I can adjust the concentration up as needed. You CAN go above the 2tsp per gallon and it still works as it's suspended. I've now done this on two systems. The first pump I used was discontinued so had to find another this time. Found it from Stenner.

Right now, including sump and fuge it's around 300 gallons actual water volume. Next year I'm looking to tie in a 500-600 gallon fowlr to the same fuge.. Which I'm sure will make this even more fun to dose

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Can you dose a certain amount of kalk every day or does it have to be a drip? I have enough water volume that there wouldn't be a huge ph swing

There would be a huge swing and that is why it needs to be dripped or pumped slowly.

Regardless of tank volume, adding 1.4 dKH of hydroxide (whether that is limewater/kalkwasser or a high pH two part, thevpH will rise instantly by about 0.6-0.7 pH units.

 

[Ben Pedersen]

When using kalk in your ATO — I’ve read that the pumps can really become a mess. Currently I’m using an aqua lifter in my small JBJ45. I sorta made my own top off with a dual switch that operates the pump. When the pump operates it’s really just dripping the ro/is water. So that should work well with kalk (I think).
Any comments on the pump issue? I’d really like to try this but really concerned about the pump and over dosing.

I have been using saturated kalk water in my top off water for 10 years and only had a problem with the pump once. The pump is a small low volume pump that came with the auto top off system. I have had more problems with kalk slurry getting stuck in the topoff tube.

In my opinion, it is a great way to add kalk to your reef. You can add a little white vinegar to the kalk powder before mixing with the water if you want to increase the Ca and alk.