When to add kalk to new tank?

clugo · 05/09/2013, 11:31 AM

Wondering when it's the right time to kalk to ATO on a new system.

Background: brand new 120 DT/40 gallon sump. Approx 140lbs of LR (30) and 110 dry rock. Tanks has been running about 3 wks w no fish. I use a raw shrimp to start cycle.

My ph is low; 7.8 or so.

Thanks for ur help.

brad_G · 05/09/2013, 01:37 PM

It won't hurt to start it right away but its pointless unless you have something using calcium and alk. It won't hurt anything either way. Start slow and increase until your demand is met

tlo25 · 05/09/2013, 01:39 PM

What is your Calcium and Alk usage?
Dosing Kalk is useless without knowing that, how do you know how much to use? Fully saturated or not? Your tank might not even use enough that kalk would be needed.

clugo · 05/09/2013, 01:45 PM

I agree w all the above. So how do I raise my ph?

Psyops · 05/09/2013, 02:29 PM

On a new system don't worry about your pH just yet. 7.8 is ok. Not knowing your setup, see if you keep your doors and windows closed all the time. Sometimes just some fresh air in the house should do it. Make sure all your parameters are balanced. Obvious things like making sure your Ph probe is calibrated and you have accurate test kits.

Ex. Alk around 8-9 then your Calcium should be 400-430 ppm.

Mg: 1300 ppm or so. And so on. Get your chemistry stable and within the parameters, good oxygenation, regular water changes. Then see how much your alk/calcium dips within a set period of time (for example weekly). If it dips, then add kalk. You will run up your alk and it will do you more harm than good. Hope this helps.

Alex

05/09/2013, 11:31 AM	#1
clugo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 537	When to add kalk to new tank? Wondering when it's the right time to kalk to ATO on a new system. Background: brand new 120 DT/40 gallon sump. Approx 140lbs of LR (30) and 110 dry rock. Tanks has been running about 3 wks w no fish. I use a raw shrimp to start cycle. My ph is low; 7.8 or so. Thanks for ur help.

05/09/2013, 02:29 PM	#5
Psyops Still Learning Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Where my wife decides Posts: 714	On a new system don't worry about your pH just yet. 7.8 is ok. Not knowing your setup, see if you keep your doors and windows closed all the time. Sometimes just some fresh air in the house should do it. Make sure all your parameters are balanced. Obvious things like making sure your Ph probe is calibrated and you have accurate test kits. Ex. Alk around 8-9 then your Calcium should be 400-430 ppm. Mg: 1300 ppm or so. And so on. Get your chemistry stable and within the parameters, good oxygenation, regular water changes. Then see how much your alk/calcium dips within a set period of time (for example weekly). If it dips, then add kalk. You will run up your alk and it will do you more harm than good. Hope this helps. Alex __________________ GOT REEF! One tank short of a trial separation. Current Tank Info: 180 Gallon reef. Just starting to convert to mainly SPS.

05/09/2013, 01:37 PM	#2
brad_G Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 193	It won't hurt to start it right away but its pointless unless you have something using calcium and alk. It won't hurt anything either way. Start slow and increase until your demand is met

05/09/2013, 01:39 PM	#3
tlo25 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 124	What is your Calcium and Alk usage? Dosing Kalk is useless without knowing that, how do you know how much to use? Fully saturated or not? Your tank might not even use enough that kalk would be needed.

05/09/2013, 01:45 PM	#4
clugo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 537	I agree w all the above. So how do I raise my ph?