Is there a dwell time for mixing Kalkwasser and vinegar prior to adding RO water?

[Brad Wilkins]

Hey, i've had a good out come from dosing Kalkwasser and vinegar to my 700L/184.92 gallon system, but have a couple of questions as i have a fair amount of calcium hydroxide settling on the bottom of my Kalk container. Its to be expected but probably not to the extent i'm experiencing.

Currently mixing 360ml of 5% vinegar thats 45ml per gallon
24 tsp calcium hydroxide at 3tsp per gallon
30L /7.93 gallons of RO water
Currently dosing in a high flow part of my tank 59ml each hr or 1.416L 24hr period lasting around 3 weeks.

My Alkalinity has been smack on 9 dkh for the past 2 months and Calcium is sitting between 430 and 450 depending on the mixed results from my Hanna checker LOL. Ph sits on 8 during night until 8am, 8.1 to around 12pm and 8.2 until around 9pm. Suspect it's the upper limits of 8.2 closer to 8.3 as my sensor flicks between 8.2 and 8.3 from time to time. It then gradually start to drop back down to 8 again late at night/early morning.

Question 1. Is there a dwell time when mixing Kalk and vinegar for the vinegar to work its magic? 5 minutes , 10 minutes a day or not at all before adding to RO water.
2. How long would you stir Kalkwasser when mixing to RO to be completely mixed.

3. how long should the Kalkwasser stand before use in a 30L bin.

Regards, Brad.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, and I would not do it that way. I’d add water and vinegar then calcium hydroxide.

I’d stir for a while (you can monitor dissolution if you have a conductivity meter). Dissolution goes slower and slower as you approach saturation. An hour may be useful.

I let it settle overnight. The settled solids may be undissolved calcium hydroxide, but also can be calcium carbonate that won’t dissolve.

 

[Brad Wilkins]

No, and I would not do it that way. I’d add water and vinegar then calcium hydroxide.

I’d stir for a while (you can monitor dissolution if you have a conductivity meter). Dissolution goes slower and slower as you approach saturation. An hour may be useful.

I let it settle overnight. The settled solids may be undissolved calcium hydroxide, but also can be calcium carbonate that won’t dissolve.

Excellent! Thanks Randy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy reefing.

 

[Brad Wilkins]

Hey Randy, i was going to get a coductivity meter and was looking at Oakton brand but also found what looks like a clone brand Ashland Drew Marine. Are they's the same meters with differat badges on ????

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

They may or may not be identical, but the specs quoted seem good.

 

[Brad Wilkins]

They may or may not be identical, the the specs quoted seem good.

Nice!