Kalkwasser

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

Hi,

So after extensive research and watching YouTube videos, I decided to give this a shot. I didn't open it yet. I just got it. I know my PH runs around 7.8ish. Wanted to get a solid 8.2ish. I see many successful stories about using this in the ato and just to be careful to not let the pump sit at the bottom. But BRS is strongly against this because the ato can fail on the on switch and kill everything in the tank. Any advice? Tips? Maybe a dosing pump? If so, which one?

Tank
-40 breeder
-mixed reef but mainly Acropora frag dominated
-5ppm nitrate
-phosphate looks almost clear
-alkalinity around 10
-calcium around 460

Acros look happy - encrusting and polyps out. Another one I got for cheap at my LFS was half dead because it wasn't getting light is starting to get its color back so I feel I'm doing something right. Only 1 fatality with what seems to be RTN.

exnisstech · Jun 17, 2023

I dose 24/7 using a brs dosing pump on a digital timer set at 45 minutes on and 5 off because the pump isn't designed to run non stop. I tried it in my ato a few times but my evaporation rate varies too much from temp humidity fluctuations.

But as to pH TBO I'm not really sure how kalk effects it as i use it to help maintain alk and calcium. I normally don't test pH but decided to last weekend. I have three tanks and 2 had a pH of 8.2 and one 8.3 but I only dose kalk in one tank so not much effect here. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will chime in.

zoomonster · Jun 17, 2023

There's always a kalk stirrer with the ATO line attached to it in/out. I tried out one for a while and it works pretty good. In the realm of reefing they are relatively inexpensive.

SpSDrew · Jun 17, 2023

Dosing pump without a doubt. Putting kalk in your ATO is asking for issues. I dose around 2.8 gallons a day into my 200 gallon system. I have the pump set up to dose l more then what I need but it turns off if my pH goes above 8.5 and/or if my alk goes above 9.5.

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

exnisstech said:
I dose 24/7 using a brs dosing pump on a digital timer set at 45 minutes on and 5 off because the pump isn't designed to run non stop. I tried it in my ato a few times but my evaporation rate varies too much from temp humidity fluctuations.

But as to pH TBO I'm not really sure how kalk effects it as i use it to help maintain alk and calcium. I normally don't test pH but decided to last weekend. I have three tanks and 2 had a pH of 8.2 and one 8.3 but I only dose kalk in one tank so not much effect here. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will chime in.

Thank you! I can look at the market for a pump. You made a good point with the evaporation

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

zoomonster said:
There's always a kalk stirrer with the ATO line attached to it in/out. I tried out one for a while and it works pretty good. In the realm of reefing they are relatively inexpensive.

Good to know. Do they work for someone with limited space?

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

SpSDrew said:
Dosing pump without a doubt. Putting kalk in your ATO is asking for issues. I dose around 2.8 gallons a day into my 200 gallon system. I have the pump set up to dose l more then what I need but it turns off if my pH goes above 8.5 and/or if my alk goes above 9.5.

Seems like dosing pump it is. I'll look for the best one that is simple. Everyone made good points why ato isn't a good idea. Thank you!

dwest · Jun 17, 2023

I use kalk and am a huge proponent. But if you are growing acros, I would consider keep doing what you are doing.

exnisstech · Jun 17, 2023

^^This. It's 's the old keep it stable and if it isn't broke don't fix it statements that come to mind.

MoshJosh · Jun 17, 2023

I add kalk to my ATO. . . you do have to be careful as this method is susceptible to error. . . human or otherwise.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jun 17, 2023

With an alk at 10, super low nitrates, and negligible phosphates, I wouldn't do anything to substantially raise alk...

MoshJosh · Jun 17, 2023

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal said:
With an alk at 10, super low nitrates, and negligible phosphates, I wouldn't do anything to substantially raise alk...

Oh I did not realise the high alk. . . I agree with Eeyore.

Also, as others said, if you are already growing acros there may be no reason to change what you are doing?

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

dwest said:
I use kalk and am a huge proponent. But if you are growing acros, I would consider keep doing what you are doing.

What I've been doing is running about 4,650 gph on flow, 2 ai prime 16hd and xr 15 g4, 25% water changes a week and having it bare bottom. I was just worried because my PH could be higher but I guess I should leave it alone right?

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

exnisstech said:
^^This. It's 's the old keep it stable and if it isn't broke don't fix it statements that come to mind.

True. I'll store the kalkwasser aside since things are working. I've literally been obsessed with wanting to squeeze out as much growth as possible but then again I can probably cause a crash

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

MoshJosh said:
I add kalk to my ATO. . . you do have to be careful as this method is susceptible to error. . . human or otherwise.

Yea I heard good things about ato but I also hear the other side saying it's a horrible idea and there's a safer way to get things done ‍

‍

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal said:
With an alk at 10, super low nitrates, and negligible phosphates, I wouldn't do anything to substantially raise alk...

THAT'S ALSO A CONCERN! I didn't want u accidentally raise my alk and things die

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

MoshJosh said:
Oh I did not realise the high alk. . . I agree with Eeyore.

Also, as others said, if you are already growing acros there may be no reason to change what you are doing?

I think my problem is that I've fallen into the trap of chasing the pH dragon ‍

. I'm grateful for this community because it helped to have me see the full picture. Never really thought to leave well enough alone - I just focused on the amount of growth I'd be getting if I did do this or that. I'll leave the kalk alone for now and just keep dosing 2 part.

Thank you

exnisstech · Jun 17, 2023

Novicereefer said:
I think my problem is that I've fallen into the trap of chasing the pH dragon ‍. I'm grateful for this community because it helped to have me see the full picture. Never really thought to leave well enough alone - I just focused on the amount of growth I'd be getting if I did do this or that. I'll leave the kalk alone for now and just keep dosing 2 part.

Thank you

It's easy to get caught up chasing numbers and tweaking things. And actually it's a fun part of the hobby at least for me it has been but it also has its consequences, sometimes good sometimes not so good

Novicereefer · Jun 17, 2023

exnisstech said:
It's easy to get caught up chasing numbers and tweaking things. And actually it's a fun part of the hobby at least for me it has been but it also has its consequences, sometimes good sometimes not so good

That's true. I enjoy this hobby a lot. I quit freshwater 3 yrs ago because I got bored. Reefing seems like there's always something new to do and there are good challenges that comes with it. I love it for that. I guess all in moderation because losing hundreds of dollars in coral and fish wouldn't be fun at all