kalkwasser and red slime algae

[michelle]

I have done some research and found (on wet web media) that kalkwasser can help keep red slime in check b.c it will increase your alkalinity.
I know a few of you have kalk, I have never used it before. my alkalinity is low, but my calcium is fine(430ish)
it says it will raise OR maintain calcium...thoughts?

[yote]

Kalk actually does 3 things that are good for your tank.
#1-Its helps maintain calcium and alkalinity.
#2-It helps keep the PH from dropping at night.
#3-It causes phosphates to precipitate out of the water.Which is one of the main food sources of cyano.
Just keep in mind that its got to be slow dripped at night.

[michelle]

So, If i dose according to the directions on the bottle I should be fine though? No worries that ph will go too high, or calcium?

[yote]

Originally Posted by michelle

So, If i dose according to the directions on the bottle I should be fine though? No worries that ph will go too high, or calcium?

Pretty much.
Just start with the minium dose and work up from there according to your test results.

[ccCapt]

I have done some research and found (on wet web media) that kalkwasser can help keep red slime in check b.c it will increase your alkalinity.

Interesting. I have never heard that. Mind posting the link where you read that?

Kalk comes in a powder. Typically, 1-2 tablespoons of powder is added to a gal of RO water and that is dripped into the tank as top off water. DO NOT add the powdered kalk directly into your tank. It has a pH of about 12 and can burn anything it hits and/or cause a upward swing in pH in the tank.
It will maintain ca and alk depending on the rate of consumption, but it shouldn't be used to raise them.

[michelle]

the sights I found were all a little vague, but all seemed to indicate that it would help. the first place I checked was wwm. they mention (again vaguely) that it could help because of its ability to keep alkalinity up and to precipitate phosphates.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/kalkh2ofaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cyanocontrolfaqs.htm
When I posted the idea here, yote seemed to be right on top of it. I don't know if he has better links.
Sorry this isn't more helpful

[ccCapt]

From what I quickly read on those links was they recommend using it to help get your parameters in line, which leads to improved water quality and improved water quality leads to no cyano. I wouldn't count on just using kalk to get rid of cyano.

[yote]

Originally Posted by michelle

the sights I found were all a little vague, but all seemed to indicate that it would help. the first place I checked was wwm. they mention (again vaguely) that it could help because of its ability to keep alkalinity up and to precipitate phosphates.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/kalkh2ofaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cyanocontrolfaqs.htm
When I posted the idea here, yote seemed to be right on top of it. I don't know if he has better links.
Sorry this isn't more helpful

Nope,I dont have any links on kalkwasser.Just what I've learned from helping at the LFS.
Where kalk helps with algae and cyano.Is because it causes phosphates to precipitate out of the water.So there for,it does in its own way help water quality.

[michelle]

Originally Posted by ccCapt

From what I quickly read on those links was they recommend using it to help get your parameters in line, which leads to improved water quality and improved water quality leads to no cyano. I wouldn't count on just using kalk to get rid of cyano.

no, I wasn't expecting it to be a cure. but, in trying to find ways to help with the cyano, I found out about the kalk, and that along with other benefits to my tank it may help the cyano. So, I thought I would ask here. Thats all.

[yote]

Michelle,Try leaving the lights off for 3 or 4 days,then do a water change the day you turn them back on.