Rico's Reef - Page 7

ricosuave · #61 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 07:29 PM

It's time to start adding calcium. Since the abandonement of Purple-up, my Ca is running a bit low between water changes (high 200's to low 300's). With the economy wreaking havoc on my business, I am going to DIY a drip doser (5 gallon bucket, IV tubing, valve) instead of buy one.

What I am having trouble figuring out is at what rate do I drip? In reading I have many differing opinions - some say drip a gallon over a 6-8 hour period, while others say the same amount over 48 hours.

Since kalk will undoubtedly mess with ph, should I buffer at the same time?

Will I need to dose Mg as well?

olsaltybastard · #62 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 04:19 AM

Rico,

Everyone's tank has different Ca demands, so nobody can tell you how much of what to add daily, weekly, or monthly. Usually a tank will consume Ca and carbonates so you may need to add both. If your Mg is low, you may want to bring it up. I'm adding Ca and dKH generator but haven't really had to putz with Mg yet. Water changes seem to be enough.

Thomas · #63 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 01:43 AM

Kalkwasser ands both calcium and alkalinity. You shouldn't have to add anything but keep an eye on your Mg. Water changes will most likely keep up with ant Mg losses though. PM sent

ricosuave · #64 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 02:17 AM

Thanks guys. I think I'll start somewhere in the middle like 1 gallon over 24 hours and see how that affects my Ca levels.

olsaltybastard · #65 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 02:37 AM

One gallon of what?

ricosuave · #66 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 01:45 PM

1 gallon RO/DI with 2 teaspooons kalkwasser mixed and allowed to settle for an hour or so just like the directions on the bottle say to do.

olsaltybastard · #67 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 06:42 PM

Saturated limewater is quite caustic and should be added slowly. It is ill advised to add a gallon of it all at once to your tank. This is why many people use it on their auto top-offs. Also, keep in mind that it is much easier to add than to remove. I would start off with 1 teaspoon of lime per gallon of water. Keep us posted!!

ricosuave · #68 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 10:15 PM

Good advice, OSB. I'll cut it to half strength and drip over 24 hours. My Ca to start with is 310 mg/lt [Elos - 6 drops of reagent C(50) and 1 drop reagent D(10)]. I will let you know what it is this time tomorrow.

olsaltybastard · #69 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 10:58 PM

Rico,

It is not a good idea to use limewater to increase your levels, but only to maintain them. To use limewater properly, you should first get your Ca and alk where you want them to be and in balance with each other. If your Ca is at 310, you should add some calcium suppliment to get it to where every you decide to keep Ca at. You may even want to spread this out over two or three days rather than dump 1/2 a bottle of Ca supplement into your tank. It is never a good idea to drastically change the levels of anything (unless we are talking about reducing ammonia levels.) Once your Ca is at 420 (random number) then get your alkalinity to where it needs to be. Once you have Ca and alk in balance, limewater is dripped in order to maintain the balance.

If your levels are not properly balanced, limewater will screw things up even more. If your Ca is 310 and your alkalinity is 11dkH, adding enough limewater to increase your Ca to 420 is gonna shoot your alkalinity through the roof. This leads to precipitation which will drop your Ca levels back down.

Thomas · #70 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 01:42 AM

Rico, OSB is correct. Get that calcium level up and then use the Kalkwasser to maintain it. Remember Kalkwasser adds calcium and alk both. I use it as my top off water. I also use a fan to increase evaporation. I evaporate about two gallons in 24 hours give or take. I use a duel float and a Reef doser nievomat.