Kalkwasser vs 2 Part

[othercents]

I'm trying to decide the Pros and Cons of going with Kalkwasser vs 2 Part. I'm leaning toward Kalkwasser since for my setup it is cheaper and easier to maintain than 2 Part. If I had dosing pumps or could purchase dosing pumps and if I had cabinet space for the 2 Part containers then I would probably be going with 2 part verses Kalkwasser.

At this point I could dose Kalkwasser directly into my 2.5G ATO jug. This jug gets filled up every 2 to 3 days. I also know that I will need to watch my Cal, Alk, and Mag, so I can adjust the parameters until I get everything dialed in properly.

2 Part would either be a daily dose that I would place into the tank during feedings, or use dosing pumps. At this point I haven't been real faithful about dosing my Seachem Reef Pack, but that pack is recommended to dose only twice a week vs daily. I guess I really haven't been faithful at the feedings either.

Any recommendations on making dosing simpler? I'm thinking Kalkwasser in my ATO jug is best, but there might be cons I'm not thinking about.

David

 

[Cake_Boss]

Why not dose directly into your tank? I would think that dosing kalk into your ato would cause some fluctuations when your ato tops off. Got some dosing pumps if you're interested, LMK

 

[othercents]

My understanding is that Kalk has to be mixed with RO water prior to dosing. I also have a gravity feed ATO system using a float valve instead of a float switch. This is better because my ATO only drips water into the sump instead of pumping water into the sump. I'm certain that pumping water would make the PH spike.

I would be, but it would feel disrespectful if I offered you what I could pay vs what they are worth. Kind of like going to the dollar store and getting 10 things for a dollar.

David

 

[Cake_Boss]

Hopefully Aaron or Chalie jumps in here, they both do kalk if I remember correctly

 

[spstimie]

I dig my Kalk stirrer. It was originally direct fed from my RODI supply, and controlled with a pH controller, but it almost overflowed one night when it didn't have enough Kalk. I started pulling water from the aquarium for it after that. It seems to work fine with salt water, but it may run more often than if it were using RODI. If I forget to load it though, all it does is run water to and from the sump.

I would not recommend Kalk through an ATO due to the differences in evaporation at different times of the year. As long as pH doesn't get too high triggering a precipitation event it's ok. Your method should be ok as you are controlling the top off amount. You may need to adjust the amount of kalk in the mix if you need to change the amount the unit is topping off. You will need to clean the reservior more often when using kalk to prevent clogging. And I would add a pump or at the least an air pump and rigid line to keep the kalk moving and not forming a thick slurry at the bottom.

 

[othercents]

I understand... Using the ATO would make differing results because the evaporation amount changes many times day to day. It would be better to use something more consistant like a Dripper for consistency of dosing.

David