Kalkwasser Dosing Setup

[@tidalgardens]

Nice peristaltic pumps for the reef keeping hobby have made a huge difference for us. We are now dosing kalkwasser in all of our large systems and loving the results. This video goes over a really simple design that we use.

[@cody-zo6]

How do you dose it? which doser?

[@Aqua.Answers]

It's always awesome to see what you guys are cooking up! I've been advocating for KW a lot recently, and I'm so happy to have this as yet another great resource to share.

[@raywells2858]

Thanks for another great Video. I am currently using a DIY dripper system (my tanks are all under 90 gallons) that works very well and is adjustable but I think I may be making the change to a dosing pump in the future for the sake of increased automation and stability in water chemistry. Other than small, frequent water changes, Kalk is about the only thing I dose regularly since I discovered it in 2002. The results on my tanks has be awesome in no uncertain terms.

[@TheCoralReefTalk]

Awesome Setup! I have been dosing Kalk using the aquavitro sentia dose. I love that it keeps the ph up and helps balances the alk. Great video!

[@ou812reefing]

Great video and great detail easy to understand what you’re shooting for 👍🍻

[@Langenbergh]

Same setup, but smaller then... The Versa pump is ideal for this application. I have to say, even when dripping the whole day, kalk still builds up after a while.

[@tidalgardens]

Where is the kalk building up?

[@raisethereef]

Super similar to my setup minus the whole 1000 gallon systems lol I use a 10g Trigger triton reservoir and just add kalk to it when I fill it back up. Just started using the Versa last night after my DOS head quit working after 4 years. I absolutely love the Versa already. 1.25ml a minute for me

[@cvin13]

Ecotech Versas for the win. Have tried the Kamoer and have not been happy with it because I find the hose connection isn't great. I now use the Versas for auto water changes and kalk. Next up plan to buy one for my calcium reactor

[@tidalgardens]

We tried the calcium reactor peristaltic pump implementation once and ended up going back to a regular old powerhead to feed the reactor.

[@RogueAquariums]

Ecotech Versa pumps are very durable imo and work well. Thanks Than..

[@andrewsdrmike]

Good pumps but the tubing lasts only 3 months in my system

[@tidalgardens]

Are you using them for calcium reactors or slow/low useage?

[@tidalgardens]

I am happy with them as well.

[@RogueAquariums]

@@tidalgardens slow useage for my kalkstirrer. Just started using it..

[@andrewsdrmike]

@@tidalgardens calcium reactor at 60 continuous pushing water. Also run Kalk at 8000/day with DOS in 320 gallon system. When dkh drops I check tubing

[@michaeleaddy7568]

What size PVC are you using on the three-quarter inch bulkhead push connect?

[@telegraham]

The Versa is a nice little pump, and I'm currently (temporarily) using it to dose Captiv8 trace, but it's local control only. No connectivity unless you're nearby. That's unfortunate. As for kalk, I see it as the foundation of all dosing, as it is incredibly inexpensive compared to other alk/cal supplements.

[@Hozay1]

Do you supplement your tanks with anything else? With Kalk you’re covered on DKH. Cal, and your PH, but what about other trace elements? Do water changes suffice to replenish everything else? Thanks in advance.

[@IntoTheReef]

How do you guys keep the 1/4 tubing to stay straight down in the Brute cans? I see you place them in a pipe. How does the pipe stay vertical?

[@tidalgardens]

we just make sure the pipe is long enough that it doesn't fall over

[@davidhackett6298]

Do u have any problems dosing kalk with the tubing on the versa

[@jussless2834]

How do you stir the solution in the cans or do you just stir it when you first mix it and don’t stir it anymore

[@tidalgardens]

Correct. You do not need a stirring device.

[@honkitchang1489]

How do you work out how much kalk to dose for each tank?

[@CoreysCrustaceans]

Kalkwasser is pretty expensive once you start getting a lot. It's cheaper and easier to buy pickling lime or calcium hydroxide in bulk. It will be coarse and harder to mix but using diluting it with large tanks makes it easier. Mrs Wages is pure and you can find pure calcium hydroxide from any chemical store

[@deadbrother5355]

Ive been dosing kalk with a versa pump for a while and it always loses prime on the aquarium side of the pump. Anyone else have a similar issue?

[@jungleboys3220]

Fyi Versa have a glitch they will stop working randomly if the program calls for dosing during 12:00 or 00:00 found this out the hard way. When my versas all of the sudden stopped when I was gone for a few days. So if your running a program work around those hours for 15 minutes.

[@tidalgardens]

Thanks for letting us know. I don't know if we have noticed anything like that in our operations.

[@dc905]

I run my program across 0:00 and have no issues.

[@TheSeraphim75]

Cool hwip

[@Nathanmichaelwumberl]

Kalk vs All 4 reef. Which is better for a nano lps setup? (40 gallons)

[@georgef5968]

Love the vid and Info (watching from Sydney Aust). How do you mix the Kalk? Also, Is this supplementing your 2 part dosing or replaces part of it?

[@tidalgardens]

Most of the heavy lifting is done by the calcium reactor. Kalk helps supplement that and only after that if the levels need to be tweaked we use 2-part.

[@davidhackett6298]

Are you dosing kalk 24/7 or just at night

[@mdowney14]

So you don’t need any kind of stirring device in your Brute bins? How do you mix the kalk?

[@tidalgardens]

You do not need a stirring device.

[@mdowney14]

@@tidalgardens interesting. Thanks, Than. So do you think the Kalk stirrers that others recommend are unnecessary or do you think they’re just providing minimal benefit?

[@PhotographyInFlight4183]

Does the average hobbyist need to dose kalkwasser, does maximum growth rate translate to optimum health? I can understand if you're a business selling corals. New reefer here.

[@z99ywiec]

Make everything idiot proof but never over estimate your idiot even if it is the boss's son