Dosing Kalkwasser in Saltwater

[Viper0419]

Hi All,

I've read some thread that says that it is not a good idea to dose Kalkwasser straight into saltwater but via RODI instead.

I understand the logic but I have a specific problem. My tank is not evaporating enough for me to add additional RODI especially in enough quantity for Kalkwasser to make a real difference to my tank's PH. (for reference it is a 200G)

While it is not a good idea to add Kalkwasser powder straight into saltwater in the tank, can this be done instead :-

Using a doser to push saltwater from the sump into a Kalk-Stirrer, which will then dose the required amount of Kalk mixed with saltwater back into the tank. Will there be issue with Kalkwasser mixed with saltwater rather than RODI?

Hope to hear any advice on this and thanks in advance.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, same problem: precipitation of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.

 

[Viper0419]

Hey Randy,

Thanks very much for prompt response.

Will it still work if I am dosing 3 part separately to supplement Calcium and Magnesium and the Kalk is more to supplement Alk & raise PH? Not ideal but any detrimental effect of this?

Or is trying to find a way to increase my evaporation rate the only other way to dose Kalk?

Thank again.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Hey Randy,

Thanks very much for prompt response.

Will it still work if I am dosing 3 part separately to supplement Calcium and Magnesium and the Kalk is more to supplement Alk & raise PH? Not ideal but any detrimental effect of this?

Or is trying to find a way to increase my evaporation rate the only other way to dose Kalk?

Thank again.

There is no situation where you can run any amount of salt water through a kalk stirrer. Increasing evaporation or adding vinegar to the kalk can both be useful to get more potency.

 

[KStatefan]

Hey Randy,

Thanks very much for prompt response.

Will it still work if I am dosing 3 part separately to supplement Calcium and Magnesium and the Kalk is more to supplement Alk & raise PH? Not ideal but any detrimental effect of this?

Or is trying to find a way to increase my evaporation rate the only other way to dose Kalk?

Thank again.

Kalk also adds calcium.

If your goal is to increase PH change your alk component to one that has a higher PH effect. Randy has recipes for three different ones.