dKH Buffer Needed When Dripping Kalk?

[Blake]

I got my Kent AquaDose 5gal setup and dripping kalk. I add two gallons of RO/DI water, add two tablespoons of kalk, and then add two more gallons. I let the mix sit for a few hours and begin dripping to top-off my evaporation for the day.

Do I need to be using the Superbuffer dKH in conjunction with dripping kalk? I have not tested my dKH yet. Can I have the kalk and the dKH buffer in the same mix when dripping? Or will the dKH buffer cause precipitation of the calcium ions?

So far dripping kalk looks good. My Ca2+ was about 350-400ppm. I have been dripping kalk for four days and it is up to 450-500ppm range.

[Doug1]

its a good idea to get alk where you want it and check regularly. The kalk may or may not maintain akilinity
Not a good idea to mix buffer with kalk, add seperatly if need be to maintain alkalinity

[ 09-16-2001: Message edited by: Doug1 ]

[reefguy]

you definitely don't want to add the dKH buffer and kalkwasser in the same dosing apparatus. the kalk will cause the carbonate and bicarbonate ions to precipitate out as calcium carbonate (which is what all the invert exoskeletons are made of). for this exact reason, though, you SHOULD regularly check the alkalinity of the water as the dripping action of the doser can eventually precipitate out a large amount of carbonate. if you are using kalk continuously, you will need to add buffer eventually, as the alkalinity will eventually begin to fall. also, addition of magnesium and regular water changes will help to maintain the balance between calcium concentration and buffering capacity (alkalinity). the magnesium participates in what is known as the "common ion effect" in which the equilibrium characteristics of a solution can be altered by adding different, but chemically similar ions to the solution. finally, make sure that the doser is fairly airtight as the kalk can precipitate out as calcium carbonate if it comes into contact with carbon dioxide for an extended period of time.

[slash7]

Just thought I'd add my .02, Kalk WILL help maintain your alk but depending on your bioload and frequency of water changes you may need to add buffer from time to time. Do NOT add buffer or Mg. without testing first as you can get things out of whack in a real hurry.