Kalk and 2 part

[Phillyd1990]

so i switched from kalk almost 2 months ago and added an auto doser for 2 part so i could have more control and stability over params. Ive loved it so far as my numbers are consistent and easy to figure out keep a log. The only problem now is im lucky to get my ph above 8.1 during the day and down to 7.95 at night. With kalk i always had it at 8.3 during the day and 8.15 during the night(reverse fuge schedule). My question is can i add a small amount of kalk to my top off to raise ph without really affecting my alk and ca? If so how small of a dose per gallon?

 

[Greybeard]

Can you do Kalk + 2pt? Sure. Lots of people do. Is it going to affect your Calc/Alk? Yup. You'll need to reduce your 2pt dosing to account for the Calc/Alk you're dosing with Kalkwasser.

I love Kalkwasser. I use it exclusively, up until it no longer is capable of meeting demand, and then I continue using Kalk, and supplement with 2pt. In my new system, I've got a dosing pump all set up, but the few small corals I have so far don't yet need it. One day, they will.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You can also switch to a two part that has the same pH boost as the limewater:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-diy-two-part-recipes-with-higher-ph-boost.344500/

 

[Phillyd1990]

Ill add a little of kalk to my top off and see if it helps with ph without impacting alk and cal to much. I may just have to adjust my doaing a little bit then. Although i wouldnt mind trying out that 2 part recipe

 

[Finhead]

You can also switch to a two part that has the same pH boost as the limewater:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-diy-two-part-recipes-with-higher-ph-boost.344500/

Too bad the Sodium Sulfate is 5X the cost in Canada would have liked to have switched to this to keep my PH up from the 7.65-7.85 it stays at.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Too bad the Sodium Sulfate is 5X the cost in Canada would have liked to have switched to this to keep my PH up from the 7.65-7.85 it stays at.

You can also use my normal two/three part with no sodium sulfate and just substitute sodium hydroxide for the sodium bicarbonate/carbonate.

 

[Finhead]

OP sorry to get off topic.

You can also use my normal two/three part with no sodium sulfate and just substitute sodium hydroxide for the sodium bicarbonate/carbonate.

Thanks for the Reply Randy. Sodium Hydroxide, as in Lye?

So you just use the same mix ratio etc as your Recipe #1 but use the Sodium Hydroxide instead of the baked baking soda? And I assume you would dose at the same level as Recipe #1?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

OP sorry to get off topic.



Thanks for the Reply Randy. Sodium Hydroxide, as in Lye?

So you just use the same mix ratio etc as your Recipe #1 but use the Sodium Hydroxide instead of the baked baking soda? And I assume you would dose at the same level as Recipe #1?

Yes, that's the main new ingredient in the link I showed, and it can be used in my recipe as well. Get a good quality. It has the same potency.

 

[Finhead]

Yes, that's the main new ingredient in the link I showed, and it can be used in my recipe as well. Get a good quality. It has the same potency.

Thanks, just wanted to be 100% sure since it says to add 68.7 g of sodium sulfate with the mix. I don't want to go throwing stuff in the tank I shouldn't. lol
This is the Lye Crystals I can get in town, if that is not a good enough quality I can order it from the next province over.

 

[choooch]

I picked up my sodium hydroxide from a local soap making shop. Most re-package it in smaller quantities from a bulk food grade source. I called a few and they all said they re-package from food grade source.

And you can order sodium sulfate from amazon.com. They will ship to Canada at a reasonable price.