KALK + A4R

[Kika]

Yeah. So this leave the doors open for kalk + A4R or another dosing method that can integrate with kalk. So maybe I’m thinking Kalk + 2 part such as Sodium Bicarb & Calc chloride where I can mix them with TM A&K. I don’t need Mag as I do a lot of water changes, plus Mag testing is not accurate

If you're going to do that you could just use Randy's high PH DIY Balling or 2 parts. I used his Sodium Carbonate version on my old tank with Calcium Chloride, TM Balling part C till I went with a calcium reactor because I was dosing so much (I was using Zeo for trace at the time but I think you can use A+K with it too). I suppose you could even use a hydroxide version if you're comfortable having that around.

Interesting, do you have any PH historical data while using Randy’s 2 part?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So would it make sense to do kalk + sodium carbonate? Wouldn’t this result in a potential higher PH values than expected ? If so, then would just sodium carbonate + calcium chloride + TM A & k make more sense?

If the highest pH (or Largest boost) is a priority, then all hydroxide for alk is the best. Could be all kalk, some kalk and some sodium hydroxide alk, or just sodium hydroxide alk.

Mixing kalk and sodium carbonate is fine if you do not need to or do not want to use sodium hydroxide.,

 

[Otago]

Interesting, do you have any PH historical data while using Randy’s 2 part?

No, it was before controllers became popular. I do remember that PH was never a problem, it sat around 8.3-8.4 on the meter when I put it in the tank ( which was never in the middle of the night) but I lived alone in a drafty Victorian house in London at the time so there was naturally lots of air exchange happening.

 

[rblackmon89]

I use AFR + kalk for awhile now and like it.

I’m currently in the process of switching to all day dosing of the kalk to a period overnight. Hopefully to help compensate for nightly pH drop. (Also bringing a small bucket fuge online overnight too)

So far I’m pleased.

Keeping SPS mostly.