kalkwasser limitations

[davejnz]

Checked my alkalinity yesterday and it was at 7dKH I generally like to keep it around 9. Seems lately,my kalk hasn't been keeping up so i've been using baking soda and Calcium chloride to supplement.I'm using the kalk at 2tsp per gal which is supposed to be full strength.I've read about using vinegar to be able to dissolve more but am unsure the amounts to use.

[dakar]

I'm thinking the formula was to add 1 TSP per gallon of water, that will give you a higher saturation point for the kalk meaning an extra TSP or more should disolve and stay suspended in the water without precipitating out.

I'm sure someone will jump on me if I've remembering it wrong.

[Reptoreef]

I believe Dakar is correct... I'll speak to a few others at our local site to verify. BTW, I', sure your top-off has decreased due to less evap and that could be a reason for the lowered PH.

[davejnz]

Topoff is pretty much a gal a day,just things are growing a bit more and tank is packed with frags(always room for one more though).I'm gonna keep checking it this week without adding soda to make sure.

[jerryc]

Dave i just Read a post on RC that gave 1 to 2 teaspoons think i woad use the one.

[dakar]

You'd be amazed at what a single TSP of vinegar can do to affect 50 gals of water... can drop the PH dramatically. But you can really pack the lime in with it.

[davejnz]

sounds good,I'll start with 1tsp per gal on Mon. after monitoring it for the rest of week.