Just Mix and Use Kalk?

[jemichaeliv]

I just mixed a gallon of RO water with 1 teaspoon of Kent Kalk.

It has been sitting for about an hour so far. The directions say let it stand for several hours and to use the clear calcareous water above the white precipitate that might form on bottom of container.

My question is that can I just mix and dose, even the white foam? I know that somethings should be followed by the directions but sometimes there are other and better ways.

I would love to hear any comments on how everyone else "drips" there kalk and how long they wait.

I am a newbie at Kalk and I cannot wait to use it!

 

[Anonymous]

Let the kalkwasser sit for several hours as advised.
You don't want the skim that'll form up top, and you don't want the precipitate that'll form on the bottom. What you do want is the clear (or mostly clear) liquid in the middle. People use turkey basters or a simple siphon hose to get the good liquid. Drip it into your tank at about 1 drop per second - and it is safest at night.
There is a great thread in the archives called "kalkwasser" that has tons of info.
Go check it out.

 

[Henry1]

Visually, if the solution is only slightly hazy after settling, (hope your container is transparent,)it can be dripped in slowly.
Be sure to do it in the sump, dripping in the place with the strongest current flow. Adjust the drip rate to about 1 drip per sec.
Additional dissolution should happen here.

Having said that, a good long term practice should be one of dripping only the clear calcareous water.
There are several reasons to it namely;
* You would not end up with CaCo3 precipitate, especially if its not properly dissolved and dripping too fast or dripping in a weak flow area.

* You won't end with a blocked drip line because of the fine undissolved particles. Imagine waking up in the morning with the whole gallon still sitting around.

My question is that can I just mix and dose, even the white foam?
You should NEVER dose kalk this way unless you want to study the impact of wide pH swing on your reef.

I would suggest you get another gallon container for kalk. This way, you never have to wait . . . one drip while the other settle as it pleased.

Additionally, you can prepare kalk by first mixing 1 teaspoon in ~100mls R.O. water, then add ~15mls of vinegar slowly - exodermic reaction - shake it up then fill up with R.O.
This way, you get more calcium ion into solution.

Cheers

 

[BBReefkeeper]

I use a 2.5 gallon water jug from the grocery store. Stand it spout up, drill a hole about 1" up form the bottom, insert an airline coupler and glue in place. (I used a hot glue gun and aquarium silicone) Superglue might work better. attach airline tube, and an air regulator valve at the end of your airline. This will enable you to controll the drip rate. Place the resevoir above the water line in your sump and start dripping. Depending on your evaporation rate, 1-2 drips per seccond works well. I typically pour the whole jug excepte the last 1/2" or so in to the drip system. I don't like to seperate, and any percipitating kalk collects in the 1" buffer on the bottom. Just clean out the drip system every 2 weeks or so. If the air valve or airline tube clogs w/ kalk. Soak in vinegar for a few minutes and rise thuroughly.
Good Luck
Bryan

 

[BBReefkeeper]

P.S. If you don't like paying Kent prices for kalk, try using Ball's or Mrs Wags pickling lime. You can get in the the grocery store in the canning section. It cost $1.30 for 16oz vs. $10-$20 for Kent. Virtually identical and many people have use this method for a long time w/ great results.
Good Luck
Bryan