Kalk w/ no ato

[A Toadstool Leather]

Is kalk ok to use in top off water without an ato? I plan on using and starting at 3/4 tsp per gallon to be safe. Im getting ca and alk up first since both are a bit low

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes it's fine. You can add saturated kalwasser directly to the tank in small doses. That would be easier to controll the dose.
Or calculate the dose and add that to the top off.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is kalk ok to use in top off water without an ato? I plan on using and starting at 3/4 tsp per gallon to be safe. Im getting ca and alk up first since both are a bit low

Some slow addition method is best. Could be a dripper, a dosing pump, etc. Need not be connected to an ATO.

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

I use this approach. I got tired of my dripper clogging, so I use a DIY peristaltic dosing pump. I use a simple time delay relay to dose a few mL of kalk solution every 10 minutes. Just be aware of the elevating effects on pH. I use a 1 tsp/gallon solution, and the effect on my pH is pretty apparent, even with small additions.

As long as you're adding the solution slowly, you should be fine.

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

Thanks guys, I will just top off daily and use kalk so it does not mess with pH too much

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

Yes it's fine. You can add saturated kalwasser directly to the tank in small doses. That would be easier to controll the dose.
Or calculate the dose and add that to the top off.

I use this approach. I got tired of my dripper clogging, so I use a DIY peristaltic dosing pump. I use a simple time delay relay to dose a few mL of kalk solution every 10 minutes. Just be aware of the elevating effects on pH. I use a 1 tsp/gallon solution, and the effect on my pH is pretty apparent, even with small additions.

As long as you're adding the solution slowly, you should be fine.

I might just get an ato anyway to make salinity more stable. Not much evaporation occurs anyways since there is a glass lid partially covering the tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I might just get an ato anyway to make salinity more stable. Not much evaporation occurs anyways since there is a glass lid partially covering the tank.

Yea an ato is a need imo. My tanks have always been to inconsistent on the evap rates to fully dose the water. When I have I made sure to under dose. To not bump ph and alk and to not increase evap too much because kalk will do that

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks guys, I will just top off daily and use kalk so it does not mess with pH too much

I'm not sure what you mean. Adding limewater all at once will give a big pH boost.

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

I'm not sure what you mean. Adding limewater all at once will give a big pH boost.

Im planning in an ato actually. Im gone often enough where I cant be there to top off