[rebrob]

I have been using the 2 part B-ionic buffering system my whole reefing career (3 years). It has suited me well in keeping the tank balanced with Ph and alk (8.2-8.3 Ph) .


I upgraded about 8 mths ago to a 72 gallon bowfront and everything has been fine except the Ph and alk are not under control. Basically, the Ph is falling very fast almost every day (i have had to add about 32 mls of each daily just to keep it from falling). (FYI - for my 30 gal i used to only have to add 2-3 mls daily).

Over the years i have read more and more about using Kalkwasser. Based on the postings in reefland, it seems this is the buffer of choice. So here are my questions:

1) Does the use of Kalkwasser replace the B-ionic?
2) Does it do a better job?
3) Are there other brands of Kalkwasser that are better than others (i.e., a of brand limewater from the walmart (ninong suggested in a previous posting) vs. two fishes Kalk)

thanks

[Samper]

The 2 part additive you mentioned is used to get your levels where you want them as far as Ca and Alk go. A lot of people have a ph swing that is too great especially at night when the ph drops so we drip limewater at night to control the swing. Once you get your Ca and Alk where you want them with the 2 part the limewater will help maintain your numbers although I've never achieved this exactly.....I've always had to add a little extra via 2 part to keep the levels where I want them. Could be coral growth or something. You will have to test for a while until you're sure how much to drip and what it's doing to your parameters. Once you have it down and know what you're doing you can stop testing so often unless you notice a problem.

The kalkwasser you can buy in the shops is a little more refined but not worth the extra money imo. The wages and ball pickling limes that you can find at wal mart are basically the same thing and will work just fine.

[rebrob]

Do you think the 32 mls+ is harmful?

I am beginning to get a little cyno, and i thought maybe it was because of the overdose, but i have heard it can also be due to too low Alk