Replacement Elements - Stupid Question

[Randy]

I read somewhere that you can use "Pickling Lime" for replacement elements or as Kalk with your water replacement. I can't find where it was described in depth.

I was hoping someone knew how it should be done. I have been using RO/DI for months without anything added to the water for replacement.

[reewik]

I think Reef Central had something about that. I know they mention it when the system is down in their trivia. Go to the DIY section and start there.

FYI.. Kalk is only 20.00 and from what I understand if you use pickling lime you still have to buffer the watter cause of ph.

[Poseidon]

I use it in my top off water every other day, I add 1 tsp to about 3 gallons of fresh water and drip it in overnight. The stuff works very well!!! Check out this comparison thread I posted a couple week ago.

Click here

[Poseidon]

And just to clarify, Pickling LIME is Kalk, NO DIFFERENCE except the level of pulverization. REewik is right Kalk is $20.00 for about 16 oz, Mrs Wages Lime is $1.69!!!

[reewik]

So can I switch without a buffer?

[Randy]

Poseidon,

Thanks for the info. Your provided link was informative and helpful.

I think I'm goint to give my test kit another try (it's a Meerwasser Tropic Marin Ca test kit) and see what it reads and go from there.

Thanks again

[zhenya]

Just to clear up a few things If you add Kalkwasser you should not be adding any buffers becouse the Kalkwasser is a balanced additive,much like running a CaCO3 reactor or using B-Ionic. If you add buffers you'll more then likely push your alkalinity way too high and cause precipitation event in your tank.
The PH of saturated limewater is roughly about 12.4. and it should be added slowly,in a high flow area preferably via drip method.
I don't know if you read this articles or not but I'll post the links just in case.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.htm

[Poseidon]

Reewik, yes you can switch without adding buffer. As Gene mentioned Kalk is a balanced additive, so it is the only thing you need to add to keep Alk and Ca in line. But you do have to be VERY CAREFUL because it is powerful and needs to be added slowly. Also make sure you test for Ca ans Alk while using it until you find the balance of what your tank uses versus what you add.