Hey guys, so I'm one of those reefers that likes to try everything with my tank and see what works the best. My next stop is kalk. It seems like a simple way to maintain alk/calc levels and a good pH. So here are specs and info about my tank, aswell as a few questions I have about kalk.
The tank:
16gal nuvo
Kessil 360we w/ controller
Mp10
Smart ATO
Media baskets w. LR rubble
Been running for close to 2 years
Mesh top, the ATO probably kicks on 2-3 times a day, using very little water.
Maintenance and dosing:
-3g w.c every 7-10 days w/ reef crystals
-dosing 3-4mL of alk+calc every 3 days
-A few mL of fuel every 3-4 days
-5-6 drops of brightwell reef snow every 2-3 days
-5-10 mL of live phyto every 2-3 days
-normal feeding once a day with LRS
Usual tank parameters:
Nitrates <5
Sg 1.025-1.026
pH-always tests @ 7.7-7.8
Alk-10dkh
Calc-450
Mag-1500
The alk and calc levels flex a bit..lowest I've tested my alk was 8.4 and calc 400( I think 10 days with no dosing)
Livestock and corals:
2 clowns
1 longnose hawk
1 bicolor blenny
CUC
-Approx. 15 acan frags/mini colonies
-5 chalices
-Big tyree neon green toadstool
-A few other various lps pieces
-few mangroves in the back section
It is an acan dominated tank for sure.
Questions:
From what I understand, kalk can be used to maintain the alk+calc levels of the tank once kalk is started, as long as the amount used is correct. My plan is to go the dosing via ATO route, and that's where I have a few questions.
1. many retailers sell "kalk dosers" that mix the solution prior to it going into the tank. Can't I just use a small powerhead in my ATO bucket and accomplish the same goal?
2. what exactly is the white substance that builds up in the bottom ? Good/bad?
3. cautions when starting the use of kalk? I know the dangers of using too much of something (biopellets :mad and want to know the risk involved.
4. does my w.c schedule have to change? Or can I just choose to do a w.c when nitrate levels start to creep up.
I think that's about it for now...I'm sure there's more to come. Feel free to share your experiences with kalk!
The tank:
16gal nuvo
Kessil 360we w/ controller
Mp10
Smart ATO
Media baskets w. LR rubble
Been running for close to 2 years
Mesh top, the ATO probably kicks on 2-3 times a day, using very little water.
Maintenance and dosing:
-3g w.c every 7-10 days w/ reef crystals
-dosing 3-4mL of alk+calc every 3 days
-A few mL of fuel every 3-4 days
-5-6 drops of brightwell reef snow every 2-3 days
-5-10 mL of live phyto every 2-3 days
-normal feeding once a day with LRS
Usual tank parameters:
Nitrates <5
Sg 1.025-1.026
pH-always tests @ 7.7-7.8
Alk-10dkh
Calc-450
Mag-1500
The alk and calc levels flex a bit..lowest I've tested my alk was 8.4 and calc 400( I think 10 days with no dosing)
Livestock and corals:
2 clowns
1 longnose hawk
1 bicolor blenny
CUC
-Approx. 15 acan frags/mini colonies
-5 chalices
-Big tyree neon green toadstool
-A few other various lps pieces
-few mangroves in the back section
It is an acan dominated tank for sure.
Questions:
From what I understand, kalk can be used to maintain the alk+calc levels of the tank once kalk is started, as long as the amount used is correct. My plan is to go the dosing via ATO route, and that's where I have a few questions.
1. many retailers sell "kalk dosers" that mix the solution prior to it going into the tank. Can't I just use a small powerhead in my ATO bucket and accomplish the same goal?
2. what exactly is the white substance that builds up in the bottom ? Good/bad?
3. cautions when starting the use of kalk? I know the dangers of using too much of something (biopellets :mad and want to know the risk involved.
4. does my w.c schedule have to change? Or can I just choose to do a w.c when nitrate levels start to creep up.
I think that's about it for now...I'm sure there's more to come. Feel free to share your experiences with kalk!