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Dosing Limewater Question

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Pete H., Aug 14, 2012.

  1. Aug 14, 2012 #1
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

    853
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    Hello All,


    I have a 20 gallon reef tank with a simple HOB mechanical activated carbon filter and a HOB skimmer. The parameters of the tank have been great. However, over the past several months, I have added several SPS and LPS to the tank. I started to see a drop in the alkalinity. (It seemed to happen all of a sudden.) My dkH was at a bit over 6. I noticed that my supernatural cap started to bleach. I quick did a water change to try and get the dkH and calcium up. As the SPS continue to grow, I was thinking I will need to start dosing limewater to keep the calcium, dkH, and pH more stable. I have tried to read up on the limewater/kalkwasser dosing. Everything I seem to read makes it sound super simple. 2 of the best articles I have read are:


    http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php


    http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/nftt/index.php


    I would like to put a DIY doser like the second link has. I understand how the concept works, how the DIY build is made. I guess what I am looking for is some advice for my specific tank on the ratio to mix the solution and how to drip it. I am a bit paranoid that I will do it wrong and start to precipitate out all my calcium and kill alot of my coral.


    So, if I do weekly waterchanges on Sunday, would I want to do the 1.5 teaspoons of lime in the 32 oz bottle of RO water on a wednesday? or do I mix up about 5 gallons of ro/di with the 1.5 teaspoons of lime and use that 5 gallons through the whole week?


    Also, how long do I need to let the mixture sit before I start to drip? I want the precipitates to drop out right?
     
  2. Aug 15, 2012 #2
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,170
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +33 / 0 / -0

    Pete,

    It is actually very simple and safe - as long as you don't mix 32 oz and dump it right into the tank.

    I use the DIY doser referenced in a 1 gallon milk jug daily to replace the gallon of water I evaporate daily from a 72g.

    You can dissolve 1-2 teaspoons in a gallon of water and little more with vinegar if you get to that point.

    I struggle with alk as well even with dosing limewater daily and use baking soda to bring the levels up.

    I wouldn't hesitate to recommend using limewater as your top off water as needed - just ensure it's a gradual addition to the tank as illustrated. Many reefers will eventually go to a reactor or 2-part dosing when limewater alone won't keep up with the tanks need for calcium.

    Yes -> "or do I mix up about 5 gallons of ro/di with the 1.5 teaspoons of lime and use that 5 gallons through the whole week?"

    However - I would mix 1 taspoon/gallon.

    -Eric
     
  3. Aug 15, 2012 #3
    Pete H.

    Pete H. Well-Known ReefKeeper

    853
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    Ok. So, 1 tsp per gallon. Then just make up 5 gallons or so and use only the limewater as top off? I have between 1/2 to 3/4 gallon evap per day. So, I got a 32 oz Gatorade bottle I was going to use. Do I top off with only lime water? (probably 5-7 Gatorade bottles in a week) or just one bottle per week and the rest just ro with no limewater?
     
  4. Aug 15, 2012 #4
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    To be safe I'd alternate limewater then RO. You'll want to check your levels daily as you do this to so you don't have a major spike in ALK. I was running kalkwasser from a DIY doser and made the mistake of dosing a 1 gallon ice cream bucket daily. Can we say oops and wow that was a lot of calcium and alk in the water column. I had to do a 50% water change and still today my calc is a little high. Now this is just my suggest, those that know what they are doing please chime in.
     

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