How do you mix kalk in top off water?

Jl330 · Oct 26, 2017

I'm primitive and top off out of a jug of RO/DI water I get from the lfs. It's a 4.5 gallon jug I get filled as needed. I want to start adding kalk but don't know how to mix it in here.

Any suggestions?

nautical_nathaniel · Oct 26, 2017

1/2 teaspoon to 2 teaspoons per gallon, depends on the needs of your reef and how much your ATO runs.

Here is a guide made by @Bulk Reef Supply : https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/how-to-add-kalk-to-your-auto-top-off

Greybeard · Oct 26, 2017

https://www.marinedepot.com/Tunze_O...PdXn8_SjnsylXrk5h8WEE9PWWOcZJ-uRoCf7EQAvD_BwE

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 26, 2017

Unless the needed dose is very low, you will need to slowly deliver it somehow. Dripper, slow pump, etc.

Do you know how much alkalinity you consume each day?

Jl330 · Oct 26, 2017

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Unless the needed dose is very low, you will need to slowly deliver it somehow. Dripper, slow pump, etc.

Do you know how much alkalinity you consume each day?

Not a clue. I have a relatively new tank and I know my ph is on the lower side (Api test) and I want to bring it up while adding calcium to the system for my lps.

Jl330 · Oct 26, 2017

Would there be a better option for me to dose calcium and alkalinity if I don't have any auto top off? I'm sumpless so I'm trying my best here.

saltyfilmfolks · Oct 26, 2017

I have a sumpless 30 with a jebao doser and two part. I have a very high alk demand now though.

For the ato, I used to mix the saturated lime in a separate container , let it settle , then measure the lime water in ML and add it to the top off water.

Greybeard · Oct 26, 2017

Jl330 said:
Would there be a better option for me to dose calcium and alkalinity if I don't have any auto top off? I'm sumpless so I'm trying my best here.

Nothing wrong with Kalkwasser in a sumpless system. I did it for years. Get 2 containers, somewhat less than your daily evaporation rate, some air hose, and a valve for it. Mix up 1 container (I'd start with a table spoon per gallon), let it sit overnight, and then start a slow drip.... 1 drop per second or so, into the tank, and let it run. Mix up your 2nd container for use tomorrow. Lather, rinse, repeat.

If you're a bit more adventurous, there is no reason why you can't use a float valve on the display tank...

Jl330 · Oct 26, 2017

Greybeard said:
Nothing wrong with Kalkwasser in a sumpless system. I did it for years. Get 2 containers, somewhat less than your daily evaporation rate, some air hose, and a valve for it. Mix up 1 container (I'd start with a table spoon per gallon), let it sit overnight, and then start a slow drip.... 1 drop per second or so, into the tank, and let it run. Mix up your 2nd container for use tomorrow. Lather, rinse, repeat.

If you're a bit more adventurous, there is no reason why you can't use a float valve on the display tank...

I was reading about this method but I have to figure out how I'm gonna set it up. The container would have to be above the tank so that's where I'm trying to figure things out.