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reefer
Thu, 6th Nov 2003, 10:42 AM
hey all!
just placed an order for a litermeterIII dosing pump, and i am preparing to add a kalwasser mixer to my already complicated setup. i noticed that the aquamedic has a port for a ph probe, so i am curious as to what my ph should be inside the kalkwasser?
8)
ratboy
Thu, 6th Nov 2003, 10:48 AM
It should and will be 12 -12.5. I dont think any pH probe that you would buy for use on your tank would read reliably in that range.
JimD
Thu, 6th Nov 2003, 11:28 AM
I wouldnt be overly concerned about the Ph of the kalk mix as opposed to the Ph in the tank, the Ph of the tank will let you know when its time to charge the reactor.
reefer
Fri, 7th Nov 2003, 07:25 PM
woohoo! the litermeterIII has arrived from premium aquatics..... now i just need a kalkwasser mixer!
8)
GaryP
Fri, 7th Nov 2003, 07:52 PM
I was thinking the pH of Kalkawasser should be around 13.5-14
reefer
Sat, 8th Nov 2003, 07:20 AM
wow, that's as high as a ph that bleach has (13.0) too!
i haven't looked at the manual for the litermeter yet, but i am looking into some tips in setting it up for my 75gl. any input on that???
GaryP
Sat, 8th Nov 2003, 10:15 AM
Bleach is made with sodium hydroxide, NaOH. Sodium hypochlorite is not stable at neutral pH, so they add caustic to make it stable. Kalk is Calcium Hydroxide, CaOH2. If you haven't worked with Lakl before, keep inming that is it s a strong base. It'll burn you just as bad as a strong acid. Its definitely the most dangerous material we work with as aquarium hobbyists. The powdered form is not bad as far as the potential for skin burns. Its only after a solution is made that is hazardous.

BTW, I am a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.

Gary
JimD
Sat, 8th Nov 2003, 12:15 PM
The Ph of kalk in solution is 12.4-5
Richard
Sat, 8th Nov 2003, 01:41 PM
Take care when handling the dry form as well. Dropping an open container of Kalk powder and then breathing in the dust cloud created is a painfull experience...trust me on this. DISCLAIMER: I am a highly trained professional idiot, amateurs should not try this for themselves.
reefer
Sun, 9th Nov 2003, 01:13 AM
richard, as a trained professional, is there anything else that i should fear in tank?????? (j/k!) :lol:
Instar
Sun, 9th Nov 2003, 01:34 AM
Hey GaryP, I'm a certified HAZMAT inspector. Better be careful there. :)