Pickling Lime

[Mikef1]

I have been hearing a lot about using this for Kalk mix. Is this ok or does it have a downside to it? I know it is cheap and could save money.

 

[Mac1]

I tried using some "Ball's Pickling Lime" that another local reefer gave me. Was something like a buck-fifty for the container... lasted me a couple months. Was definitely cheaper than what I usually buy, and while it did maintain my tank well during that time, I didn't care for it. I use a Neilsen style Kalk Reactor, and occasionally check the reactor to see if I need to add more powder (I can tell if the water is milky when mixed, or just cloudy). Anyway's, the thing I didn't like, is when using the Ball's Pickling lime, the water in my Rxr had a yellowish-brown tint to it. It was clear as a bell once settled, but when mixed, had an off color. Didn't care for that. I don't know what it is in the Ball's lime that's causing it to look that color, but when I use the ESV Kalk Mix, the water stay's a nice white color.
I've got a 4 Lb. ESV Jug on it's way right now, to replace the Ball's once I've finished the container. I figure I'm already saving a ton over the B-Ion-Crack user's out there, so am happy to pay 25-bucks for a years worth of Kalk.

- Mac

 

[Bill-e]

I used Mrs Wages lime for about 6 months. It worked just as well as the ESV but because I use an internal pump in my Nilsen Reactor, it chewed through two impellers in that time. I went back to ESV.

 

[mgk65]

I am also a ESV convert. I was using Mrs. Wages (still have some) and just did not like the residue from it. I went to ESV. 4 lb jug for around $18-19. Not too bad.

mgk

 

[The Shaman]

I've heard alot of the above comments from folks using reactors w/ pickling lime. I don't use one, so I can't comment on that. However, I do drip kalk using Ball's & vinegar and, so far, it works quite well.

 

[dsc]

what does vinegar do with the lime

 

[Mikef1]

Vinager is an acid and it reacts with the kalk to lower the ph of your kalkwasser so that you dont spike the PH in your tank. The acid neutralizes it.

 

[dsc]

right now my ph is low (7.8) and I cant seem to get it up. Im dripping about a gal a day with 2 tbs af balls lime and no spike - still 7.8. Why cant I get it any higher?

 

[Mikef1]

dsc the reason your PH is probably staying low is because your alkalinity is also very low. Test your alkalinity and if it low buffer. When your alkalinity and ph isnt balanced it throws off everything.

 

[Bill-e]

Mikef,

Actually I believe the reason you would disolve your kalkwasser in a solution containing acetic acid (white vinegar) is to get more calcium into the solution. There may be a side effect which causes less of a pH spike because the reaction also increases CO2 which will tend to depress pH.

 

[dsc]

Alk test strip matches the darkest green on chart maybe a little darker. Plenty of surface movement also. Im starting seachem liquid marine buffer today so will see what happens. Sorry about hi-jackin' thread

 

[Bill-e]

dsc,

What are you using to test your pH? Short of using a pH meter you should be using a good titrating test kit like Lamotte or Salifert. If you live close to a LFS have them double check your readings. Salifert also has a very good Alk test kit.

 

[GnG]

I thought I would just throw some chemistry at the question of mixing Kalk and vinegar. Chemically, kalk (Calcium Hydroxide) is a basic material abd is related to caustic (Sodium Hydroxide). By adding white vinegar (5% acetic acid) you are doing an acid/base neutralization). The resulting products are calcium ion, acetate ion, and carbon dioxide. Depending on your alkalinity (buffering capacity), the carbon dioxide could be converted into carbonate ion. This should reduce the high pH spike resulting from Kalk and would help solubolize the Kalk. However, it does reduce the ph raising properties of the Kalk. This shouldn't be a problem if you alkalinity is high enough. My concern would be accidently adding to much vinegar resulting in a pH decrease if the buffering capacity of the tank is overcome. Buffering is the result of the balance of bicarbonate and carbonate ions in the water. Commercial buffer preparations are a 6:1 mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to sodium carbonate (soda ash). The higher the carbonate concentration in relation to the bicarbonate, the higher the ph. The reverse is true in respect to bicarbonate. 100% Bicarbonate has a ph of around 7. 100% Carbonate has a pH over 10. The balance of these two , along with a few other buffering compounds is what results in your water pH. and alkalinity.

I hope this basic water chmistry was helpful. I'm sure many of you know this already. For those of you that don't, I would recommend the chapter's on water chemistry in Moe's "Marine Aquarium Reference."

Gary

 

[dsc]

Bill-e Im using a dip and read test strip by acqua marine. I will go to my local lfs today and have them check it like you suggest. Thanks for the input. GnG - I hope your chemistry lesson helps also but Im going to have to read it a couple of times first. hehe. Thanks to you also

 

[The Shaman]

dsc - BillE summed it up pretty well. GnG also provided some chemistry behind the reaction which helps explain it all.

BTW, I'm still learning the 'whys' in reef chemistry, and yes, it can be overwhelming for peep's like you & me who do not have a chemistry background. But, stick w/ it! It does start to make sense.

For some more reading on the subject this article should help: http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/bree ... asser.html

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[dsc]

Hey Shaman - will do thanks