What Kalk is the best?

[TLO45]

What Kalkwasser does everyone use and why? I’m really looking for a high grade kalk that doesn’t break the bank but I’m also interested what everyone feels is good?
Is there really that much difference in different brands?

 

[Garf]

Is there really that much difference in different brands?

I expect not. I was using 98% calcium hydroxide. My last order was messed up and they sent me 95%. I've been using it for probably 6 months and haven't noticed any problems.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

It might depending on how you’re using it. Basically I’ve found them to all be the same with the exception of mixing. For instance, if you’re mixing in an ato, or just a large bin, I don’t think it matters. If you’re using a stirrer is where there may be a difference as some might clump a bit more causing the stirrer to struggle.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I used the BRS stuff, but any food grade lime (calcium hydroxide) or quicklime (calcium oxide) is good.

 

[56longroof]

I used the BRS stuff, but any food grade lime (calcium hydroxide) or quicklime (calcium oxide) is good.

Is there any difference between the two?

 

[rtparty]

BRS

 

[lbacha]

I use the BRS as my local fish shop carries it and it works just fine and is t too expensive.

 

[exnisstech]

This is all I used for years. Cheap and available at most grocery stores. It's what I used in my 180g in my aquarium showcase.

 

[rishma]

I used pickling lime for at least 20 years. I use BRS stuff now for a long time. I notice no difference but also haven’t looked for one.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I’ve always used BRS.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is there any difference between the two?

Calcium oxide is more potent per gram since it effectively has less water in the solid. No other difference.

 

[DanyL]

The only 2 differences you may see are:
1. Packaging - some packages aren’t sealed as well as others, or it’s harder to reseal, which over time would make the kalk to observe CO2.
2. If you’re using it as kalk slurry, you want to make sure it doesn’t contain metals like aluminum, which many do have. With regular usage - wether using it as saturated solution or with kalk stirrer - you give it enough time to settle before dosing, and only draw from the saturated part of the container, so it doesn’t really matter.