[RAZZ]

What is the shelf life of kalk once mixed and in a sealed container.

THANX

RAZZ

[baconbits]

razz- I use Kent kalk and it says on the label to "mix only as much as you can use in a week" Personally, I just mix what I can use in one night...

[electric130]

Originally Posted by RAZZ

What is the shelf life of kalk once mixed and in a sealed container.

THANX

RAZZ

happy reading. it's a good article.
The Degradation of Limewater (Kalkwasser) in Air

here's the summary though:
"Limewater can lose potency by reacting with carbon dioxide in the air, forming insoluble calcium carbonate. Since calcium carbonate is not an effective supplement of calcium and alkalinity in reef aquaria, the limewater can become less useful through this process. The rate at which this happens in large containers, such as plastic trashcans with loose fitting lids, is much less than many aquarists expect. There is, in fact, little degradation under typical use conditions. Consequently, the dosing of limewater from such large still reservoirs can be just as effective as dosing using any other scheme, and may have substantial advantages. These advantages include simplicity of the system and the ability to use organic acids such as vinegar to boost the potency. The use of a reactor to dose limewater has the advantage of requiring less space, but does not have the oft-stated advantage of eliminating degradation by atmospheric carbon dioxide that is reported to plague delivery from reservoirs."

[RAZZ]

Thanx for the input,and thnx electric130 for the link.Started out with a 1 1/2 tsp per gal. dose but that sent my PH off for a day.Dropped down to 1/2 tsp per gal.dose and it seems to be working fine.I have to add top off water,so why not drip kalk instead off just water.Add about a 1/2 gal. daily.Would like to up the dose so will be checking into vinegar to help off set the PH swing.If not dripping little kalk will be better than straight water. Any thoughts or input.

THNX

RAZZ