picklin lime vs kalk

[DonW]

What is difference other than price??

Don

 

[Montanarocknreefer]

Seems I read the kalk is more pure than the pickling lime.

 

[DonW]

Thanks Jonny

I'm starting to wonder just becase the last batch of Kent kalk I got was kind of yellow. Today I got some pure white stuff also Kent. If its not anything special I was thinking picklin lime might save me a nickle or two.

Don

 

[mattseattle]

to me Kent's stuff is just not reliable...their batches seem to never be consistant. I've stopped using their stuff and switched over to Warner Marine stuff. It's analytical grade stuff instead of food grade.

I think the only difference in Picklin Lime and things like Kent Kalk are the prices. I think they both are food grade. Warner Marine Kalk is analytical grade though.....and of course you pay a higher price for it. From what I've read Picklin Lime is just fine.

 

[Abissus]

I noticed when I mixed some picking line I'll get a film on the water surface. Is it the same whether using pickling lime or kalk? Is it harmful to have some of those flakes (the film breaks up into flake-like stuffs) in the tank?

Thanks.

 

[mattseattle]

i've had the film when i've used the kent kalk. i try to siphon off only the liquid between the layer at the bottom and what is at the film at the top. sometimes i've gotten the top layer in it and so far no ill effects in my tank but i'm sure it's advised to try to limit that.

 

[kevinpo]

I've been using both Mrs. Wages and Balls for more than 2 years now without any problems. I use 1lb every 2 months. I also use it to feed to pesky anemones with excellent results.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[reedman]

I'm with Kevin. I've been dosing Mrs. Wages for a year and a half with great results. My understanding is that the major difference is the "grittyness" of the material.

If you use it in a Kalk reactor and use a powerhead to stir then you may need to clean/replace the impeller a little more often than with the higher grade Kalk. I have had no problems and have saved enough $$$ to buy a whole new set of powerheads.

 

[RedEyeReef]

Per Kevinpo recommendation I switched to Mrs. W. with no negitive effects. Works great.

 

[CarlaW]

I switched to Balls pickling lime about a month ago with no bad effects.

 

[ereefic]

picklin lime might save me a nickle or two.

Try more like lots-o-dollars

For a $1.50 a pound, Ball's pickeling lime is the way to go.

 

[DonW]

Thanks, for all the replys.
I guess I have to find some. I heard WalMart may have it.

Don

 

[reedman]

If not you can order Mrs Wages online and have it mailed to you're door step. Even with shipping you will save a bundle.

 

[DonW]

I also use it to feed to pesky anemones with excellent results.

Kevin would you go into datail. I have them poping up all the time. Right now 5 or 6 that I can see. What is the downside to them??

Thanks
Don

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Don,
Sure can. I use Salifert test kits and keep the syringe when the kit is empty. You can also use an eye dropper. I mix about 1 tablespoon of calcium hydroxide to a half cup of water in an old slasa container. Then I suck some up in the syringe and feed it to the anemone. They bring it right in to their mouth. They are gone in about 30 min.

Note: Be sure to keep the container covered then you can use it over again later. Also rinse whatever you are using to inject the anemones with so the mix doesn't harden in it.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[DonW]

Thanks Kevin,

Got them all. Even killed the green/brown? (color blind) anenomes.

Don

 

[kevinpo]

Glad it worked well for you

Kevin