Your thoughts on Kalkwasser & 2 Part

1jwampler said:
It depends on how much you mix and the container. It's important not to mix it too much since Kalk reacts with the air. So one gallon RODI/2 tblsp Kalk 10 second stir I would let sit 4-8 hours before adding. Covered overnight would be best and only add from the top of the container pouring can be tricky, a cup off the top may be better and a drip with an air hose would be best.


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Thanks, I'm using a 10g ato topoff tank. I was mixing a gallon at a time with 2 tsps of kalk, and letting it sit for an hour or two, before adding to ato tank. Then I'd let ato tank sit for a couple of hours, which doesn't appear to be long enough before turning on.
 
Mjl714 said:
Thanks, I'm using a 10g ato topoff tank. I was mixing a gallon at a time with 2 tsps of kalk, and letting it sit for an hour or two, before adding to ato tank. Then I'd let ato tank sit for a couple of hours, which doesn't appear to be long enough before turning on.
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Two hours would likely remove most of the precipitation, but, it would be best to just have clear limewater after 8 or more hours. If this is ATO is your pump or line a few inches off the bottom?


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If you haven't seen this BRS video definitely check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSsdxuWY0T8

In 11 minutes they cover pretty much everything there is to know about using it. I add it with my ATO in a 5 gallon bucket and I love how simple it is -- and awesome at maintaining calcium and alkalinity. Its also practically free as has already been mentioned -- a gallon of calcium hydroxide is $13 and will last you for years.

The only thing they don't mention in the video, and the only downside I myself have seen, is that unlike your other options for keeping calcium and alkalinity (2 part and calcium reactor), kalkwasser has no magnesium -- so you will need to address that. I use epsom salts because I love it cheap and easy :)
 
I got some BRS kalk yesterday, made some water and stirred in the kalk. I was pretty late when it settled so when I get home later I'll hook it up to my ato.


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Sparky312 said:
If you haven't seen this BRS video definitely check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSsdxuWY0T8

In 11 minutes they cover pretty much everything there is to know about using it. I add it with my ATO in a 5 gallon bucket and I love how simple it is -- and awesome at maintaining calcium and alkalinity. Its also practically free as has already been mentioned -- a gallon of calcium hydroxide is $13 and will last you for years.

The only thing they don't mention in the video, and the only downside I myself have seen, is that unlike your other options for keeping calcium and alkalinity (2 part and calcium reactor), kalkwasser has no magnesium -- so you will need to address that. I use epsom salts because I love it cheap and easy :)
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Sparky,

Good point on BRS video, great for 1st time Kalk user.

This is an interesting article (ok a little deep) on Magnesium and Strontium content in/of limewater (kalkwasser), the supplements are not zero in kalkwasser and even a Calcium reactor effluent is equally depleted of Mag and Str with significantly more complexity and work than Kalk. I'm amazed at how little Mag I have to add to my tank considering I use about 3 cups of Kalk each month. When I test Mag and see it below 1350, I add one dose of aquavitro ions and my test kit maxes out at 1500, this lasts almost a month. I also add Str supplement, but, don't test, I really should test one day. But I figure if I have to add Mag it's time to add Str.

The above said, here is the link to Farleys article/science of Limewater http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/12/chemistry.
 
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