Kalkwasser ph.

[Pockets]

I have a 35 mix reef with a low calcium and alk demand thus far my weekly water changes are enough to hold things. But I have four kids myself and wife pumping co2. Evap half gallon a day. I want to use kalk for ph management through my ato.. suggestion... thanks

 

[Pockets]

In would open a window but its minus 6 degrees out side. Lol

 

[VietExtender]

You could use a co2 scrubber.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The limewater will boost calcium and alkalinity, so that may limit how much you can add.

What is the daily pH range now?

Does the ATO add water to the tank slowly?

 

[Pockets]

7.5 all the way to 8.3 depending on the day. I know it will boost calcium and alk but my thought was it carries such a high ph (kalk) an 1/8 teaspoon per gallon might be enough to combat the p.h without big alk swings. Ato.. is on a float switch with an aqua lifter doses slow and small amounts

 

[Pockets]

7.5 all the way to 8.3 ish and varying... my thought was 1/8 teaspoon per gallon would help stabiize ph without big alk swings. And ato.. is on a float switch with an aqua lifter doses very slow and marginal amounts.

 

[Pockets]

Haha my phone messed up so I thought. so I typed it twice.... I'm not crazy lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

7.5 all the way to 8.3 depending on the day. I know it will boost calcium and alk but my thought was it carries such a high ph (kalk) an 1/8 teaspoon per gallon might be enough to combat the p.h without big alk swings. Ato.. is on a float switch with an aqua lifter doses slow and small amounts

The effect only lasts until the tank re-equilibrates with the air in your home, which isn't long.

The instantaneous pH boost is about 0.65 pH units for each 1.4 dKH of alkalinity added (it varies and is lower with higher starting alkalinity level, higher with lower starting alk).

 

[Pockets]

So basically the effects are hardly worth the effort. Maybe if i push my water change schedule to bi. weekly and introduce more kalk based on consumption for added ph balance.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So basically the effects are hardly worth the effort. Maybe if i push my water change schedule to bi. weekly and introduce more kalk based on consumption for added ph balance.

It won't hurt to try.

 

[Pockets]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

As folks mentioned, a CO2 scrubber can be the best bet in a low demand situation where you cannot bring in more fresh air.

Happy Reefing.