Tropic marin bio & Kalkwasser?

[mrcoffee2]

I currently use Tropic Marin bio calcium in my top off water (I know you do not suggest, or think that it is a good idea)

Anyways, for the most part I am fairly happy with the results. However I want see if I can get a increase in coral growth by adding some kalkwasser to the mix.

Do you see a problem with me slowly introducing kalkwasser into my top off water as long as I monitor my calc / alk levels vigorously?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You generally cannot mix any other calcium or alkalinity additives into limewater without causing precipitation of calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide.

Why not just use limewater alone if you are going that route?

If you are using dry BIO-CALCIUM ACTIF, then you are right, I do not recommend mixing that into top off as it will not be stable.

 

[Lou Ekus]

I currently use Tropic Marin bio calcium in my top off water

Randy is absolutely correct about the Bio-Calcium ACTIV. But it is also true of the regular Tropic Marin Bio-Calcium. As the directions instruct, that product needs to be added AS A POWDER directly to the flow of the water in the sump, refugium or tank and NOT premixed into top off water. Since the Bio-Calcium contains BOTH the Ca and alkalinity (carbonates), any attempt to "premix" and dose the product results in the precipitation of calcium carbonates. When it is added as a powder to the flow of water in the sump, the volume of water, coupled with the flow, dissipate the product quickly enough to avoid the precipitation issue.

If you switch to just adding the powder directly as directed, you will probably find the additional growth and benefits that you are looking for. If you want to stick to a dosing regime with a liquid, look into our Balling Method or our new Carbo-Calcium.