Difference between 2-part and kalk?

jjencek · 12/27/2017, 01:26 AM

This might be a simple answer to my ignorance, but what is the difference between 2-part and kalk?

I have been dosing Calcium and Alkalinity for over a year. I am using a German product for the two (Natriumhydrogen Carbonat and Calziumchloride Dihydrat). My Ca is at 420 and Alk at 8.9.

While having problem with low Ph, I did some RC reading and many of you recommended kalk for the solution.

So what makes the difference? Do I stop the two part or just add kalk (using my automatic topping mixed with kalk)?

Crowed · 12/27/2017, 04:04 AM

You can try and use kalk in top off container, it is very easy and inexpensive method to add ca and kh, but probably it would not be enough if you have many corals. You will still need to dose to part but much less, at least occasionally to correct parameters.
And, you do not need to buy NaHCO3 from aquaristic companies, baking soda is same stuff and you can find it most grocery shops, for much less

nereefpat · 12/27/2017, 10:11 AM

Kalk=Kalkwasser=limewater. It is a solution of calcium hydroxide. It replaces Ca (obviously) and also alk. As it replaces alk, it adds OH- and consumes CO2, hence the rise in pH.

The two parts add Ca and alk separately.

You can do either method, or a mixture of both. If you start using kalk, you will have to decrease your two-part some.

bertoni · 12/27/2017, 12:18 PM

As has been stated, Kalk adds calcium and alkalinity, and even at the same proportion as a two-part. It's a very dilute solution, so some tanks can't get enough calcium and alkalinity via Kalk, but it has a larger effect on pH per unit of alkalinity added, compared to 2-part. It's best to add it into the tank with a peristaltic pump. Large doses in a single shot can affect the pH too much. This article has more:

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

12/27/2017, 01:26 AM	#1
jjencek Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 366	Difference between 2-part and kalk? This might be a simple answer to my ignorance, but what is the difference between 2-part and kalk? I have been dosing Calcium and Alkalinity for over a year. I am using a German product for the two (Natriumhydrogen Carbonat and Calziumchloride Dihydrat). My Ca is at 420 and Alk at 8.9. While having problem with low Ph, I did some RC reading and many of you recommended kalk for the solution. So what makes the difference? Do I stop the two part or just add kalk (using my automatic topping mixed with kalk)?

12/27/2017, 10:11 AM	#3
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Kalk=Kalkwasser=limewater. It is a solution of calcium hydroxide. It replaces Ca (obviously) and also alk. As it replaces alk, it adds OH- and consumes CO2, hence the rise in pH. The two parts add Ca and alk separately. You can do either method, or a mixture of both. If you start using kalk, you will have to decrease your two-part some. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

12/27/2017, 12:18 PM	#4
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	As has been stated, Kalk adds calcium and alkalinity, and even at the same proportion as a two-part. It's a very dilute solution, so some tanks can't get enough calcium and alkalinity via Kalk, but it has a larger effect on pH per unit of alkalinity added, compared to 2-part. It's best to add it into the tank with a peristaltic pump. Large doses in a single shot can affect the pH too much. This article has more: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

12/27/2017, 04:04 AM	#2
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	You can try and use kalk in top off container, it is very easy and inexpensive method to add ca and kh, but probably it would not be enough if you have many corals. You will still need to dose to part but much less, at least occasionally to correct parameters. And, you do not need to buy NaHCO3 from aquaristic companies, baking soda is same stuff and you can find it most grocery shops, for much less