Kalk OD?

[Sweetaz]

So I got my alk test figured out, and my tank is on the low end, so I decided to add kalk to my ATO. Added 1/2 tsp per gallon to the ATO res., and the first time the ATO pump kicked on I got precipitant in the sump and cloudy water. Tank pH was 8.2 and dkh was 6.7 prior to the kalk addition. How did such a small amount of kalk water cause this?

 

[dwest]

So I got my alk test figured out, and my tank is on the low end, so I decided to add kalk to my ATO. Added 1/2 tsp per gallon to the ATO res., and the first time the ATO pump kicked on I got precipitant in the sump and cloudy water. Tank pH was 8.2 and dkh was 6.7 prior to the kalk addition. How did such a small amount of kalk water cause this?

Are you pumping from the bottom of the container? I would elevate the pump if so. Kalk will react with carbon dioxide from the air and form an insoluble calcium carbonate that is a fine white powder that settles in the bottom the kalk continues.

 

[Sweetaz]

Are you pumping from the bottom of the container? I would elevate the pump if so. Kalk will react with carbon dioxide from the air and form an insoluble calcium carbonate that is a fine white powder that settles in the bottom the kalk continues.

There is no sediment in the bottom, I'm guessing because I mixed it up on the weak side, and it's the first time so it hasn't accumulated yet. So I don't think it's because I fed sediment. It looks like a soon as the limewater hit the sump it precipitated something out of my tank water. It looked like it snowed on the sump.

 

[BeejReef]

Kalk has been finicky with me as well, though overall it works very nicely.
If I stare at it while the ATO is running, there is a touch of precipitation, but not like you're describing.
How long had the Kalk been mixed into your ATO reservoir before the ATO kicked on for the first time?

Also, you should probably adjust your alkalinity and calcium a little closer to where you want them to be before starting Kalk. I've gotten away with using it to slowly make 1-1.5dkh adjustmets over the course of a couple days, but it's not recommended.

 

[Sweetaz]

Kalk has been finicky with me as well, though overall it works very nicely.
If I stare at it while the ATO is running, there is a touch of precipitation, but not like you're describing.
How long had the Kalk been mixed into your ATO reservoir before the ATO kicked on for the first time?

Also, you should probably adjust your alkalinity and calcium a little closer to where you want them to be before starting Kalk. I've gotten away with using it to slowly make 1-1.5dkh adjustmets over the course of a couple days, but it's not recommended.

I had just mixed it up, so maybe 15 minutes.

 

[Saltyreef]

I had just mixed it up, so maybe 15 minutes.

Its supposed to sit for an hour or so before using. Do not mix it up again unless you are using a kalk stirer. Also leave the skinned top layer alone and do not disturb kalk mix bucket again. Its best to raise your pump as others have suggested so its not sucking the accumulated extra solids on the bottom.
Since your mix wasnt fully saturated it may not accumulate anything.
And as said above....make sure to get your alk, cal and mag to the appropriate levels by water change or dosing before addition of kalk. Its best to caclulate your tank usage fist though.

 

[dwest]

There is no sediment in the bottom, I'm guessing because I mixed it up on the weak side, and it's the first time so it hasn't accumulated yet. So I don't think it's because I fed sediment. It looks like a soon as the limewater hit the sump it precipitated something out of my tank water. It looked like it snowed on the sump.

It’s best to pump it slowly into a high flow area.