Kalkwasser Rip Off

[dnjan]

Thanks for clarifying that, Don. I thought that kalk reactors were generally more likely to be adding cloudy (un-settled) kalkwasser, but since i don't use one I wasn't sure.

I use aquarium (ESV) kalk, purchased in 4-lb containers by mailorder, and the annual savings I would get by switching to pickling lime would be minimal (less than $10/year). No dark residue, and no worries about what might be OK for food-grade but not OK for saltwater invertebrates.

 

[reedman]

Actually, if the Kalk reactor is of sufficient height it should not put any particulate into the tank. It should be pushing only clear liquid through the top of the reactor. Poor design can cause what you are describing, Don.

Even when dripping, if you let the particulate settle for a sufficient amount of time, then none (or very small amounts) will enter the tank. It's all in the method. If you rush (like any other part of this hobby), bad things can/will happen.

When buying in bulk, just remember that the unused portion should be sealed with as little exposure to air as possible. The longer it is exposed to air the less effective it is when you go to use it.

 

[FishyinKy]

Can someone please clarify for me. . .I have large containers of kalk and what you guys are saying is that each time I open the kalk I'm adding carbon dioxide to it? So I should dump my larger container into smaller containers to use it? Also, what type of kalkreactors are you finding preferable? And one last thing. Mike? I know you got the analysis of pickling lime, I just wondered what particular brand that was an analysis of? Or is it of a lot of different brands? Is there anyone out there that does analysis of these types of things that can certify what something is or isn't made of? For instance, on the brand that is 99.9 percent pure is that a statement made by the manufacturer or is it backed up by an independent analysis? Thanks for your help.
Mac

 

[reedman]

Here's a great read on Kalk degredation, use, and methods of use that Randy Holmes-Farley put together. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rhf/feature/index.htm

 

[DonW]

I usually use balls and it comes in a sealed can. If I get Mrs. Wages it comes in a bag. I put it in the old balls cans or tupperware.
I dont use a kalk reactor nor do I stir the mix. I add my top-off and give it a quick stir with a wisk, no pump stirring. A kalk reactor has a pump that mixes the reactor for a few minutes a few times a day. Since its supposed to be air tight their is no gas exchange. You add enough kalk to last a few days, for me that would be 30tsp every three days (7g evap @ 10 tsp). I have found that even a 5ft tall reactor with that much kalk puts alot of solids into the tank. Dont know how bad this is for the tank but its terrible on the pumps.

Don

 

[Scooterman]

What a good topic, almost as good as the Great Salt discussions Ehh? I like the information thus far presented, glad there are more than one sided talk. Is their a conclusion or is it still in debate?

 

[mojoreef]

Mac just put some bubble wrap on top of the kalk mix in the big container you have it sitting it, then as the kalk level goes down the bubble wrap will travel with it. I run a 55 gallon drum of kalk and dose it over the coarse of a week, thier will also be so areas that are still exposed and they will cover up with percipatate and it will be fine.


MIke

 

[FishyinKy]

That's a great idea Mike. With only one tank I was doing the drip method but now I have four that I'm running so I have got to have a new method! And lots more Kalk.

 

[mojoreef]

Look to something called a metered pump, you could branch it easy

Mike

 

[FishyinKy]

Do you ever get tired of me picking your brain? lol Thanks. Great discussion everyone.

 

[ldrhawke]

Read Randy's Article on Lime......he uses pickling lime. If it's good enough for Randy it is good enough for me.

What Your Gandmother Never told you About Lime"

Quote:

"Summary: Limewater is one of the most useful solutions for aquarists looking to maintain calcium and alkalinity in reef aquaria. I have used it for many years to supply my reef aquarium system. It can be inexpensive, is not too difficult to use, and can maintain the pH of reef aquaria even when it is otherwise reduced by calcium carbonate/carbon dioxide reactors or excess carbon dioxide in home air. Limewater does, however, have a number of eccentricities that aquarists need to be aware of when using it. These include high pH, limitations on how much can be added based on evaporation rates, and considerations of what else is or is not dosed along with it (such as magnesium). Hopefully, this article will provide aquarists with the information they need to effectively use limewater for their aquaria.


Oh, and the next time you see your grandmother, you might mention what a cool use you have found for pickling lime!"

 

[Jumpincactus]

Yea I agree. Pickling lime is just as good as overpriced kalkwasser brands. Slap a reef name on it and there goes the price. As for the heavy metal argument I would like to see the data source that makes this claim. Mrs wages food grade is safe for reef use. Remember kalkwasser is German for limewater. So pickling lime is kalkwasser. I know people who have used it for years and years and no heavy metal rocks bands jumpin around in their tanks