Kalk and pH...help!

[sjfishguy]

I have used Kent liquid calcium supplements in the past, but have switched to kalk as I think my clam and SPS would appreciate it more (they do, growth rate has increased). Anyway, my pH was on the high side before the kalk use (like 8.6), but now with the kalk it is super high (8.8). Does anyone neutralize the kalk before adding it to their tank? If so what do you use? Thank you.

 

[clk2609]

not sure what you mean by "neutralize" but before i installed calc reactor, i used kalk in my makeup water to replenish all my evaporated water. After mixing the kalk in the water i let the powder settle to the bottom of container and made sure none of the residue got back into my tank. Hope this helps

 

[sjfishguy]

Kalk is just CaOH2 (calcium hydroxide). The chemistry of it says the OH- dissociates and raises the pH of the kalk solution. If you test this pH it is extremely high. You could add some sort of acid (H+) (lemon juice just for example, I am not saying this would be OK, but this is why I am asking) to neutralize this OH- that is really a biproduct of what we want (the calcium in solution). I was wondering if anyone uses this method. I am suspecting that most people don't have a problem with high pH to begin with, so this problem may not be applicable to too many reefers. Hope this clears it up.

PS Yeah, I mix up the kalk like everyone else- the method you described.

 

[Anonymous]

People use vinegar with kalk for this purpose but I don't have any experience with it. How about just decreasing the amount of kalk you add to the RO? Trouble with high ph is your alk is probably low.

 

[Texas2Turkey]

Here's a good one for ya!

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13770

HTH

 

[sjfishguy]

Acetic acid (vinegar)! Why didn't I think of that myself. That's all I needed. Case closed, thanks guys.

 

[danmhippo]

Check your alk as suggested BTW, high pH are often associated with low alk.