Trying Kalkwasser for first time... advice?

[eskimoigloo]

After giving up on Aragamilk to raise my Kh & Calc (Kh is 7dKh, Calc is 250) in prep for starting keeping LPS and trying to boost my minute corraline population I thought I'd try Kalkwasser. I bought a tub of the Seachem stuff and am mixing 1/2tsp into 2L of R/O leaving it a couple of hours to settle and dripping it 24/7 as my top up water. 2L lasts about 1 day with my evaporation rates on my 37G reef.

My questions:

1) am I using it right?
2) what sort of results should I see and over what time period with this dosage?

Before anyone asks I have always had low readings, I have changed to Red Sea pro reef salt and still get low readings... I guess something in my system is using it all! I change 2G of water per week (5% ish)

Cheers Mi Dears! Chris.

[Tetley]

After giving up on Aragamilk to raise my Kh & Calc (Kh is 7dKh, Calc is 250) in prep for starting keeping LPS and trying to boost my minute corraline population I thought I'd try Kalkwasser. I bought a tub of the Seachem stuff and am mixing 1/2tsp into 2L of R/O leaving it a couple of hours to settle and dripping it 24/7 as my top up water. 2L lasts about 1 day on my evaporation rates on my 37G reef.

My questions:

1) am I using it right?
2) what sort of results should I see and over what time period with this dosage?

Before anyone asks I have always had low readings, I have changed to Red Sea pro reef salt and still get low readings... I guess something in my system is using it all! I change 2G of water per week (5% ish)

Cheers Mi Dears! Chris.


Do test Mg before you try and adjust others - ask Chris at MT if not sure.

ATB

[Macca]

Just keep an eye on your Ph when dosing and try to avoid the scum at the surface and the sediment at the bottom from entering your tank. Try a very slow drip rate so you do not shock your setup. Since both alk and calcium are low then you should increse both equally, Also remember to scheck Magnesium levels.

James

[eskimoigloo]

Not got an Mg test kit... what would be symptoms if this was low/high?

[Tetley]

Not got an Mg test kit... what would be symptoms if this was low/high?

Hi,

Read Mr Tees bit about chemistry in a Marine Tank, that will make your head hurt (LOL).

Please be careful before use dose anything, if done incorrectly, it can lead to MASSIVE problems - if you get the chance have a chat with MT.

ATB

[eskimoigloo]

Ok, I'll stop my drip and pop in at the weekend.

[Tetley]

Ok, I'll stop my drip and pop in at the weekend.

Good man- tell thrm I said "Hello". :)

[Blue]

As said by all, make sure you know all your parameters before dosing. See you at the weekend, but it is best to pop during the week for a chat, as the weekends are always mental. :) :) but if need be i'm sure i'll find time if weekend is the only option.

[eskimoigloo]

Depending how pi55ed I get on Friday night. I'll come in first thing... most reefers still in bed early saturday! If I am unfit I will maybe pop in next thursday after work. I take it you are still on late openings Thursdays?

Ta, Chris.

[Blue]

Yes, we are open till 6.30 on a thurs matey. I'll have a coffee ready :) :)

[eskimoigloo]

Will try and make it first thing Saturday then, and if not, Thursday it is! I'll bring a water sample (just don't look at my nitrates ;) ) and a note book!
Almost forgot, what time you open on Saturdays? :rolleyes:

[Blue]

10 til 5.30 :) :)

[eskimoigloo]

Hey Hey... change of plan, got Friday (tomorrow) off so will pop in then! Stick the kettle on!

Chris.

[Blue]

No worries m8 :D bring some bikkies :D