Kalk Dosing

[NaCl_H2O]

Gary, JIm, and everyone - thanks for the input, all good advice! I think I can adjust my topoff system so that I get smaller amounts of dosing, more frequently.

Jim, I am also monitoring PH of the tank constantly. That's why I know that I am not keeping up with the dosing needs.

Gary, precipitating CaCO3 is one of my concerns, guess I'll need to se how it goes, and adjust as needed? I do calibrate ever month or two with PH 7 & 10 cal standards.

Thanks!

[GaryP]

How far off is your calibration when you do it?

Gary

[NaCl_H2O]

I started working on my increased volume Kalk Reactor last night and it occured to me that I was making this way too difficult, and decided to take the KISS approach!

1) Re-installed the MAG2 top off pump in my RO/DI resovoir, with top off controller turned off at night
2) Installed a MaxiJet 1200 in the resovoir, mixes 15m every 2 hours while top off controller is off
3) Dump Calcium Hydroxide straight into the resovoir

Done ... I think Pete had a post awhile back about keeping things simple :grin:

[Tim Marvin]

I do it just like this in one of my tanks and have noticed no problems. I am not so sure that the air contact makes much difference, (against popular belief). Also the tunze on the other tank doses all the kalk in the reactor within a week it is just clear water in there, nothing on the bottom. I have great coralline growth in both of these tanks.

[NaCl_H2O]

How far off is your calibration when you do it?

Don't have a clue? I'll pay more attention next time and let you know :oops:

[GaryP]

Steve,

How far out of calibration your meter is would be an indicator of whether you need to calibrate more often or not. "A craftsmen is only as reliable as his tools." In the lab, we calibrated on a daily basis and soaked the electrode in KCL between uses. That's probably not necessary in your case because sea water contains a lot of potassium that can be used to regenerate itself.

Gary