How to increase solubility of Kalkwasser?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have purchased multiple sps on line with stn that recovered quickly, there colors never faded and showing signs of rapid growth. I only dose kalk and part c in a 100 gallon total water volume

I would just caution that the result may be inspite of the Part C and not because of it, and the accumulation of sulfate and other ions may continue to get worse.

it is adding magnesium, which is likely good, and potassium, which may be good, but driving up sulfate and lots of other minor ions may be undesirable.

 

[The Farmer]

Do you recommend to remove part c

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Do you recommend to remove part c

If kalkwasser is the only alk and calcium additive, yes. It is not designed properly to be a general trace or magnesium additive.

 

[Miami Reef]

If kalkwasser is the only alk and calcium additive, yes. It is not designed properly to be a general trace or magnesium additive.

Is PVC safe inside a kalkwasser reservoir?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Is PVC safe inside a kalkwasser reservoir?

pvc is not impacted by elevated pH, but there is some concern about tin used as a heat stabilizer in PVC.

 

[Miami Reef]

I’ve been using kalkwasser in my ATO. Of course the top layer gets a nice layer of calcium carbonate. When the water level is low, I add more RODI water and the calcium carbonate floats around the ATO.

Is this ok for? Does it eventually settle out or will it remain in suspension?
(I’m asking because I cleaned out the ATO because I didn’t want to risk anything so I’m not sure. )


I was also thinking of using a BRS dosing pump instead of the tunze pump for my ATO because BRS’s pump would get corroded from the kalk.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, it is normal and OK to get that layer. Broken sheets just fall to the bottom. It likely even provides more protection from CO2 entering.

 

[Miami Reef]

It likely even provides more protection from CO2 entering.

But how? The surface of the water is going to be exposed and I’m assuming more calcium carbonate will form regardless? I thought the layer created a seal which has the action of preventing more caco3 from forming?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

But how? The surface of the water is going to be exposed and I’m assuming more calcium carbonate will form regardless? I thought the layer created a seal which has the action of preventing more caco3 from forming?

The solid provides a barrier to CO2 entering.

 

[BanjoBandito]

Stir it with a stirrer and keep up on the “refresh” (bonus points if you ph probe it and keep it up so you can monitor the true value of the solution), but if the tank is big enough and the sps/clams grow fast enough you will quickly “outrun” the kalk and have to supplemental dose or go with another method. Good luck!

be carful, you might get attacked by the 2 part police! Weeeeeeeeeee oooooooooo!