Kalkwasser and Auto Top Off

[rvamarcel]

I've read a lot of people add kalkwasser to their ATO water and it seems to be a great way to maintain stable PH, Alkalinity and Calcium levels.

I have a few questions regarding that: (current levels at the end of the post, just in case they are needed for the answer)


- The way to use it: use only already settled kalkwasser (~1 tsp per gal of RO/DI) in the ATO container, correct? So I'm topping off with kalkwasser, not diluting kalkwasser in the RO/DI water that's already on the ATO container, right? I know this is a silly question, but just in case...

- My tank is a 40Gal and evaporates over 1 gallon per day, isn't a gallon of kalkwasser too much to add in one day? Can that lead to an overdose?

- How do I know what ratio of kalk to gallon of RO/DI I should use? I've read it is safe up to 2tbsp per gallon and I'd start in the low end (1/2 tbsp), but is it possible to calculate how much to add without overdosing?

- Is Brightwell Aquatics Kalk+2 any good?

Here's the tank current values for reference:

Calcium = 320 ppm
Alkalinity = 3.5 meq/L - 10 dKH
sg = 1.026
Temperature = 77° F
pH = 8.1
Magnesium = 1300 ppm
Phosphate = 0.03 ppm
Ammonia = 0.1 ppm

 

[MaddyP]

How much kalk you add to your RO/DI depends entirely on your tanks consumption. When I started using kalk, I was mixing 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons to verify it wouldn't overshoot demand. The easy way to calculate demand is to stop dosing calc/alk suppliments and measure your calcium, then over the next several days monitor the drop in calcium to determine daily usage. I'd also recommend a controller to kill your ATO pump on the case of an overdose (PH goes too high), I've had this happen once or twice.

 

[rvamarcel]

How much kalk you add to your RO/DI depends entirely on your tanks consumption. When I started using kalk, I was mixing 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons to verify it wouldn't overshoot demand. The easy way to calculate demand is to stop dosing calc/alk suppliments and measure your calcium, then over the next several days monitor the drop in calcium to determine daily usage. I'd also recommend a controller to kill your ATO pump on the case of an overdose (PH goes too high), I've had this happen once or twice.

I've thought about getting a controller, but I'm not there yet ($$$). It's incredible how much money they cost! I know this is part of a separate discussion, but what entry level controller would you recommend?

 

[MaddyP]

I've thought about getting a controller, but I'm not there yet ($$$). It's incredible how much money they cost! I know this is part of a separate discussion, but what entry level controller would you recommend?

Yes, controllers can be extremely expensive! However, the value they bring to safe guarding a tank and its inhabitants cannot be denied. As far as specific controllers, there are only so many ways you can turn on and off an outlet. With that being said, I prefer Apex as it has the most versatility as far as modules and programming. Even though the Apex has exception programming control, it also has the easiest wizards built into Apex Fusion that nearly anyone can understand immediately. Depending on how much you want to control, you should be able to get away with Apex Jr, this is a good starting point for controllers and at significantly less cost than a full system. The only limitation to the Apex Jr is it won't expand beyond 12 modules, if my memory serves correct.

 

[leebo310]

Add the kalkwasser powder directly to the ATO water and stir well. I use Bulk Reef Supply. I am unfamiliar with Brightwell. I do have Brightwell substrate in my refugium though that is good. Anyway let the Kalk settle until white parcipitant is on bottom of container. Use the clear water only. I started by adding 1/2 tsp per gallon. By testing Calc and Alk, I am now using 1 tsp per gallon to maintain. Be sure to raise your Calc up to around 420 to 440 by adding Calc. Kalkwasser is used to maintain not significantly raise your Calc. Also, Apex is great but goes into it would be nice to have column but too expensive. I would look at the DIY solutions on YouTube. I have a electric float switch setup I made that shuts off ATO flow to my sump if the main float fails. I also have independent monitors for my ph and temp. Temp monitors have alarms and will maintain temp by running heaters and fan. They are much less expensive and works well. Lights and wave makers are controlled independently. In addition, a new gallon of water a day evaporation does seem high for a 40 gal tank. I have a 125 gal tank with a 30 gallon sump/refugium that evaporates at a gal a day. Environmental factors come in to play on evaporation.