Increase Alk in fresh saltwater with Kalk

[ReefBeta]

I am using tropic marine pro salt. It mixed to 7 dkh. I run my tank at around 9 dkh. So I think I should bump the alk in new saltwater. Kalk sounds like the perfect ingredient since it's balance. Does it sound correct?

Should I add Kalk before adding salt, or after?

 

[Garf]

I am using tropic marine pro salt. It mixed to 7 dkh. I run my tank at around 9 dkh. So I think I should bump the alk in new saltwater. Kalk sounds like the perfect ingredient since it's balance. Does it sound correct?

Should I add Kalk before adding salt, or after?

I think you will run the risk of precipitation, with the amount you would have to add due to the pH increasing. I would use bicarb.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Right.

Baking soda is the ticket for this purpose.

 

[ReefBeta]

what about calcium balance? no need to worry about that?

 

[HuduVudu]

Balance is important.

You can use just Kalkwasser for top off to get your alk up. My guess is that your load isn't high enough to warrant heavy mineralization.

One other point is that it is generally not a good idea to pick independent numbers to shoot for. The tank will show you where it wants to balance.