Calcium Reactor: CO2 replaced with vinegar?

[jcastonguay6]

I recently began the process of putting together a DIY calcium reactor. I am interested in anyone's opinions on replacing the currently accepted method of injecting co2 into the system to reduce the ph of the reaction chamber with a needle valve drip system that would dose small amounts of white vinegar instead... I began thinking about such alternatives after reading an article regarding the use of yeast culture in place of a CO2 tank.

Hair brain Idea???

Thanks
Jeremy

 

[Anonymous]

This is similar to one proposal of using HCl as the acidifing agent. The problem that comes to mind is the amount of vinegar it takes to dissolve the substrate and the possible organic pollution (acetic acid is what vinegar is) and the drop in pH that can't be compensated without some sort of basic chemical (NaOH ?).

Unlike other acid, carbonic acid (CO2 and water) will disappears.

 

[jcastonguay6]

wouldn't the argonite media compensate for the lack of a base compensating for the acidity of the vinegar? This of course does not help with the organic residue left behind from vinegar...

 

[Anonymous]

The addition of aragonite increases the pH of a vinegar solution somewhat, but it still be so low that it can't be use in any significant quality for this purpose.

However, vinegar is often used in conjunction with kalkwasser mix, which is much more basic compare to aragonite/ca carbonate "solution."

 

[jcastonguay6]

The Kalkawaser and vinegar mix was why I came to the conclusion that this maight have worked. I wasn't so clear as to the difference in Alk levels between argonite and kalk... Thanks Every One!