Simple method of dosing alk?

[Aquattro]

There is no easy way, it's either kalk reactor, Ca reactor, dosing pump system or dumping baking soda. Lowest tech method would probably be using kalk in your top off water, depending on how this is done on your system.

[ponokareefer]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

There is no easy way, it's either kalk reactor, Ca reactor, dosing pump system or dumping baking soda. Lowest tech method would probably be using kalk in your top off water, depending on how this is done on your system.

I manually add top off into my system, so that wouldn't simplify the process. Both reactors are too large for the area I have left under my system. Any idea what you need to buy or need with a dosing pump system?

[mseepman]

One of the cheapest methods might be to buy a TOM aqualifter from J&L and then use it to dose from a DIY Kalk container. I haven't started yet but that's what I'm planning on doing for my nano. Just make sure you buy the TOM prefilter too so that the Kalk doesn't mess up your aqualifter too quickly.

[ponokareefer]

How would you make a DIY Kalk container?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by ponokareefer

How would you make a DIY Kalk container?

Buy jug of milk, drink milk, wash container, use for kalk

[ponokareefer]

My nitrates are at 0. You don't need to stir the contents of a milk jug after mixing them together? The contents would be baking soda, not kalk.

[untamed]

Holmes-Farley would say that if you are able to measure decline in Alk...then you need to be added more of BOTH Ca and Alk...not just Alk. It is beyond me to explain why it works that way.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by ponokareefer

The contents would be baking soda, not kalk.

Personally, I'd use kalk. It keeps Ca and alk at proper levels, baking soda should be used more of a fix, IMO. I only use it if I notice a sharp drop in my alk. Otherwise, kalk. You wouldn't need it full strength either, and likely wouldn't need to mix it once stirred.

[Aquattro]

BTW, what are your nitrates at?