Method for adding kalk.

[dazed1]

Ok, i was given a link by quazzi (thank's ) on how to add kalk to the tank which was helpful. (method, using vinegar etc). But I have a plain simple 20L with no auto top off, or a canopy or a stand next to the tank that is higher by which i can add a Jug with a tube and drip valve.
Would it be ok if when i'm home, make the kalk mixture, and then add a syring by syringe to the tank every few hrs ? of course i would add drip by drip.
My tank is using JBJ light's so i'm not sure if i can keep a 1 gallon jug.
Would it be totally ok if i took a 2.5 Gallon water jug , mix the kalk in it, and then keep the jug on top of the light's. Connect a tube with a valve ? Ok.. i'm confused myself now !!!
or is there a way where i can keep the jug BELOW the tank, and add a pump or powerhead with a tube going into the tank and then add a valve ??
Ok, i know this could be very confusing to many people since i'm confused myself .

 

[dazed1]

Originally posted by Kipass4130
you need to let it drip by gravity and constantly... not jsut once a day
pumps would run to fast and would run dry... when you drip.. make sure you make the tubing go up into the container where you wont get the bottom junk that will collect in your Kalk container.
i have heard of people using hospital ivs before.
Yup i realized that. But if i use a hospital IV, won't the bottom of the kalk substrate go as well ?
If i use a water jug dripping INTO the tank directly, any possibilities that the lower substrate will also go in the tank ?
Oh im confused and really dazed

 

[broomer5]

Dazed1
The way I see it - the only real "practical" way to dose kalk on a small tank is to use a gravity fed drip method ~ otherwise ~ you'll get tired of messing around with it ~ really.
You could use one of Kent's smaller AquaDose units ~ like the 1400 ml ( 0.37 gallon ) unit.
Find a way to mount it above your tank, on a shelf or something.
Other than that - maybe another form of calcium/alkalinity product would be more convenient.
If it's not easy to use - we tend to not use it - ya know

 

[ksujason]

Stupid question maybe, but what does it hurt if the bottom junk gets in? Thanks

 

[dazed1]

Originally posted by ksujason
Stupid question maybe, but what does it hurt if the bottom junk gets in? Thanks
honestly not sure. Its written on the bottle not to let that in. I'm at work so can't type out what's exactly written.
broomer5 : What if I use Bi-ionic instead of Kent's kalk ??
Would it help ?

 

[broomer5]

Personally ~ on a small tank like a 20L, that is not loaded to the hilt with a lot of calcium/carbonate demanding corals - I would think that a two part additive and monthly water changes would be easy and effective.
If you want to drip kalk - drip kalk.
But it's not the cure all to every tank's demand for maintaining calcium and carbonate levels.
It's great stuff - but sometimes it's not always necessary.
IMO

 

[dazed1]

Originally posted by broomer5
Personally ~ on a small tank like a 20L, that is not loaded to the hilt with a lot of calcium/carbonate demanding corals - I would think that a two part additive and monthly water changes would be easy and effective.
If you want to drip kalk - drip kalk.
But it's not the cure all to every tank's demand for maintaining calcium and carbonate levels.
It's great stuff - but sometimes it's not always necessary.
IMO
Thank's !
Since i do have good light's i plan on keeping good coral's. I will try the two part bi-onic. Since i dont use a sump/fuge currently, iwill get one over the next few month's. So hopefully thing's will be better then.

 

[dazed1]

Well, i added kalk. My level before adding was 9.6 or 3(?) i think.
I kept a water jug like quazzi said over the light's and let it drip. About 3/4th of a gallon took approx 2 - 2.5 hrs to drip. Is this too too much too soon ?
I will test the water again this tuesday before a water change.
Since i'm not sure of my readings, all i remember was it was higher than it should be and i had to reduce it. Will adding kalk help reducing it as well ?

 

[pirate_bob]

I can't take credit for this i saw this on the internet.. would this work??? this way you could pry have the jug sitting underneath your tank....

 

[jarvis]

I would use an IV or the drip thing from kent, due to better accuracy. I have a gravity feed top of system for water using a 7 1/2 gallon bucket with a plastic gang valve, for water only. It does flucuate in flow although yours will flucuate less because it is going to be a smaller scale. I don't have any experience with limewater though, and dont know how likely it is to overdose. I would hate to see you crash a tank because you built your own dosing system. Mabee someone can give you a little more info on how likely it is to overdose a 20 gal. I could just be paranoid so get a second opinion.

 

[gatorcsm]

Is dripping the best method in everyone's opinion? I don't use kalk now, but when I've looked around at some fish stores in tampa and daytona, everyone says that it is better to use a float switch and auto top off with it.
I know, LFS's don't always give good advice, but 3 of the 4 don't sell auto top-offs and they sell the drip IV stuff. They said I should look on-line for a float switch. Two of the ones in tampa are also supposed to be really good LFS's and are known for good advice on reef central.
(Just expecting the "Never listen to LFS" response) I'd put atleast two of them out of the normal LFS category though. The guy who owns it won't sell a product that he would'nt recommend, and it shows. He has a very small, but very selective range of products.
Anyway...
Any reasons to back up either/or?

 

[pirate_bob]

now everyone is talking about dripping it... on the back of the kalk container though it says add the correct amout for your tank to a glass of freshwater.. stir it up really good then add to sump...
are the telling you a wrong way to do it... or is just the dripping method better????