Mistake mixing kalkwasser, dump or dilute?

October Sky

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I mixed 4.5 gallons RODI with kalkwasser for the first time yesterday, to be fed via an ATO.

The instructions called for 1/2-1 teaspoon per gallon (max 2 teaspoons per gallon). I intended to mix 1/2 teaspoons per gallon, but I mistakenly used 1/2 tablespoon per gallon, which is equal to 1.5 teaspoons per gallon. This is quite close to the max per gallon, and I don't want to introduce that immediately.

So I have a really concentrated mix in my basement. I also have an endless supply of RODI and enough buckets that I could dilute the mixture. I'd err on the side of over diluting, but I'm just too new to this, so I'm here.

I could also dump it and start over, but I though I'd ask first.
 

GoVols

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JMO...

Dump it and start over :)

Tagging along :D
 

cjd

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You defiantly don't have to dump it!!!!
Oh god a math?? If you used 3 times the amount you were shooting for you need three times the amount of water. About 13.5 gallons of RODI water will get you back down to .5 teaspoons per gallon. The 2 teaspoons max is what is said will dissolve in water . Plenty of reefers use supersaturated kalk mix with no problems(myself included). As long as you trust your ATO , I prefer a constant drip method that is dialed down to not exceed the amount of daily evaporation. Also be sure not to have the tubing at the bottom of the container so you don't suck up any of the sediment that settles at the bottom.
 
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October Sky

October Sky

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You defiantly don't have to dump it!!!!
Oh god a math?? If you used 3 times the amount you were shooting for you need three times the amount of water. About 13.5 gallons of RODI water will get you back down to .5 teaspoons per gallon. The 2 teaspoons max is what is said will dissolve in water . Plenty of reefers use supersaturated kalk mix with no problems(myself included). As long as you trust your ATO , I prefer a constant drip method that is dialed down to not exceed the amount of daily evaporation. Also be sure not to have the tubing at the bottom of the container so you don't suck up any of the sediment that settles at the bottom.

I can tell it's supersaturated as it was basically milk when I was mixing. It's the main reason I double checked the spoon and realized my error. I'll just reduce it accordingly and move on. I thought you start low and build up as needed. Really not trying to shock anything as my tank is pretty new (6-8 months) and I don't have too many corals.

I went with kalkwasser so I didn't need a dosing mechanism more advanced (read: expensive) than a Tom's lifter. I was already planning on getting an ATO, so I just put it all together.

My tank is a biocube 29, maybe when I upgrade to a 40b will I get more advanced.

Thanks for the help!
 

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