[djnzlab1]

HI,
In my never ending quest to find better ways to add calcium to my system
I found a web page that talks about using vinegar to improve the release of calcium into solution reduce the ph .
Well I took it one step farther and took 2 liter jug plastic and added 2-3 cups of that (Florida Crushed Coral Substrate) it filled the jar to about 4 inches,
I then poured plain old white vinegar over the media til about 4 inches above the coral.
This stuff started to sputter and perk like a coffee maker Now if I remember my organic chemistry all that should be left in the jar is water mixtures of dissolved salts of trace elements and any calium carbonate not used in the reaction. I will test the PH to be sure it done wit simple ph paper.
Now in theory it should reach a neutral state and stop. Probably around a PH of 8.0
So I will test the solution in my lab to see how much free calcium was relased.
Why haven't we tried this before.
Most chemical reactions are self limiting and will reach a neutral state and stop. No excesive KH to deal with no PH shock, just free calcium and trace elements and alittle water. DUH
Acetate produce with the vinegar will be used by corals and the DSB for food. ITs a win, win. concept in theory.
more to follow.
PS don't put a lid on your reaction vessel it will explode due to pressure there be chemical reaction going on similar to that POP-POP fizz fizz.. of co2 being released hey may be feed some freshwater plants. dril a hole in the lid and put an airstone in the tank.. hehe
Doug
Will post the calium levels on the slurry today and the PH.

[djnzlab1]

HI, Please don't try this at home it was a big old flop it really stessed my tank due to the bacteria bloom from the excess acetate.
So I scrapped my vinegar experiment,
Although I have replaced the vinegar with plain old di water and it seem to etract condierable calcium carbonate.
so I will test the DI/RO water after soaking with crushed coral.
maybe this is the better way to go,
I noticed considerable carbonate dissolving in the di water very quickly
DOug

[zhenya]

I noticed considerable carbonate dissolving in the di water very quickly
DOug

Hi Doug,

How is it that you noticed conciderable carbonate dissolving in the DI water?
What was the source of the carbonate and what was the PH of the DI water?

[djnzlab1]

hi,
It turns a milky white when mixed with the water very similar looking to that argonite milk they sell at the LPS.
I will test the water for CA tommorow to see how much did dissolve.
Doug