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Randy Holmes-Farley
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I actually never used the two part DIY that I published. I started with and always used limewater in my ATO. [emoji3]
Randy Holmes-Farley
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lol Yes, the limewater was just too easy. I made up 120 gallons at a time and it lasted a long time in the ATO. 
Hi Randy - first of all, thanks for supporting and contributing, I really enjoy reading your posts. I've been trying to look for an answer by reading a few of your responses about dosing Kalk, and would like to have your recommendation.lol Yes, the limewater was just too easy. I made up 120 gallons at a time and it lasted a long time in the ATO.
Sorry if it sounds repetitive, I'm dosing Kalk in my top-off reservoir, and I'm trying to avoid the dosing being dependant on the evaporation, plus having to scrub the reservoir every 3 days. I don't have the possibility to place a large container like yours near the tank.
Do you recommend any Kalk reactor such as little fishes (simple) or ReefOctopus stirrer (complicated and expensive)? Or do you suggest I start with a DYI kits from BRS with a 2.5 qt container?
For what it's worth, I had the same quandary and ended up going with BulkReefSupply's 2.5 QT container and their DIY dripper kit. I did modify it by using a bit of flex tubing between the solid acrylic tube on the inside and the top connector (more reliable), and on the outside hooked it to an IV dripper kit with a roller clamp for more precise adjustments. It's worked relatively well for me, if not as precise and consistent as a dosing pump. It is, however, a lot cheaper and is relatively compact.
You can also get more Ca and alk if you add some vinegar to the kalk as well
You can also get more Ca and alk if you add some vinegar to the kalk as well
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I'd probably elect to dose two part over limewater if you want steady dosing (meaning you already need to get at least one dosing pump) and don't have a place for a settled reservoir. Limewater will still work with a dosing pump, but some of its benefits and ease of use get lost without a large reservoir and an ATO to deliver it.
Thanks for the quick response Randy. I chose Kalk over 2 part because I don't have a major calcium and mag consumption and my alk is also stable. Hence I'm using the Kalk to maintain, and also enhance Ph - as I have CO2 issues.
I'm also dosing RedSea Reef Energy A+B on a daily basis, and Trace Colors twice a week, RedSea liquid Cal and Mag based on my consumption, but it's minimal.
My tank is LPS dominant, and I just added 6 SPS frags this week.
I've read many times that you recommend not chasing Ph - and was wondering to what extend should I allow Ph to stay low.
If I don't dose Kalk, my Ph is between 7.6 and 7.8 and approx. ~+0.1/+02 if I use the CO2 scrubber - with an inline from outside.
Any suggestion is really appreciated.
Current parameters 90 gal:
Temp: 78
Salt: 35
Ph: 7.9 to 8.05 (dosing Kalk)
Alk: 9
Cal: 460 - it doesn't come down more than 10 in a week
Mag: 1500
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: 0.02
