Benefits of kalkwasser. The water you use to replace what has evaporated will be called make-up water. I now use a Calcium Reactor to supplement my calcium needs. The use of kalkwasser (lime water or calcium hydroxide) is often debated very strongly amongst its adherents and opponents. By adding Kalkwasser on a regular basis and doing water changes every 2 to 3 weeks maintains the pH between 8. Mixing Kalkwasser Kalkwasser should be made by mixing calcium hydroxide in fresh water. Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are all related and require a balance. I’m thinking about switching to kalkwasser for increased benefit of ph. 4 This is 2nd video highlighting kalkwasser dosing from Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture. It keeps the pH elevated. When mixed with fresh water, it creates a liquid lime solution, which can be used to increase or maintain calcium levels, pH levels, and Alkalinity levels. ACI Aquaculture has been dosing the coral farm in a very unique way! Dosing kalkwasser to stabilize pH rather than alkalinity! While risky, it seems to be paying off. Ultimate Guide to Kalkwasser Mixing, Dosing, & Unlocking the Benefits for Your Reef Tank! - YouTube Is 8. Kalkwasser What is Kalkwasser? Kalkwasser is a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide in fresh water. With a few different methods to implement it, if your corals are growing and you need to add calcium and alkalinity, you will more than likely find multiple benefits from using kalkwasser. The most important benefits are that once you get it set up and running, adjusting your water parameters is as simple as turning a knob, and maintenance is reduced to almost nothing. Typically I Ultra-pure Kalkwasser for Reef Tanks! BRS Pharma Kalkwasser is not your typical calcium hydroxide. So I’m interested in switching to kalkwasser. can be use also to max saturation of kalkwasser. Using Kalkwasser There is an added benefit in that kalkwasser also precipitates phosphates from the water. org) When Calcium Hydroxide solution (Kalkwasser) is slowly dripped into your aquarium, it captures free Carbon Dioxide present in the tank water and converts it to Bicarbonate ions (which is a good thing), like this: Ca++ + 2 (OH-) + 2 (CO2) <==> Ca++ + 2 (HCO3-) If you drip too fast or if there is not Pros vs Cons: Calcium Reactor vs Kalkwasser Reactor Quick Run Down: Calcium Reactor: A calcium reactor uses crushed coral, or calcium reactor media (which is made up of dead coral) and dissolves it into the reactor using Co2. 00+ used to supplement calcium and maintain high pH levels in aquariums. On the contrary, I argue that the excess calcium and alkalinity is actually one of the most useful side effects of dosing kalkwasser. " Calcium hydroxide—Ca(OH)2—is sold in a powdered form for aquarium use. Kalkwasser is a calcium hydroxide powder that, when dissolved in water, will separate (ionize) into calcium and hydroxide ions. I already have a co2 scrubber which gets my ph to about 8. It also reacts with dissolved carbon dioxide, resulting in an increase in pH. . 3 range, plus you get the phosphate removal benefits of kalkwasser to boot! In this video we will cover the key benefits of Kalkwasser, touch on some of the dangers associated with dosing it and how to dose it safely and effectively using the Reef Octopus Kalk Reactor. And I still have a good 7 pounds of soda ash left, along with a ton of magnesium and calcium. So guys I finally got round to setting up a Kalkwasser Stirrer on my system. It is also one of the downsides if your tank’s chemistry diverges asymmetrically. I was just reading up on kalkwasser and was wondering what was so good about it? Also, is it tricky to use or is it easy? I read that it lowers phosphates (not that I have a problem with them) and can be used as a top off solution. – It encourages the growth of pink and purple coralline algae. In this video we will cover the key benefits of Kalkwasser, touch on some of the dangers associated with dosing it and how to dose it safely and effectively using the Reef Octopus Kalk Reactor. When is the best time to dose? Just flat 24 hour, or the nightly Using Kalkwasser is a fine way to add calcium and alkalinity; maintain a more elevated pH. The famed Two Little Fishies company defines Kalkwasser as "the German term for limewater, a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide in water. I think it's important to have a pH pen-style probe with a 2-point calibration so you can know your baseline pH prior to initiating a high pH additive like kalkwasser. A Kalkwasser Reactor is one of the easiest ways to maintain stable calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef tank. Kalkwasser is a German word. Can anyone further explain the use of it? TIA There are certain benefits to using All-for-Reef that you don't get from Kalkwasser and vice-versa. Kalkwasser is simply powdered lime, or calcium hydroxide. What are the benefits of using a kalkwasser reactor? Kalkwasser supplements calcium and alkalinity, without accumulation of sodium chloride, as with two-part systems. Using Kalkwasser (Calcium Hydroxide) Kalkwasser is the easiest method to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef aquarium not to mention low cost. Join us as we explain what kalkwasser is, ho Kalkwasser should be used for dosing to maintain alk, not to raise it (because raising your existing alk with kalkwasser will spike pH a lot). If you are adding Kalk to your ATO reservoir or a reactor, you will find that BRS Pharma Kalkwasser mixes faster with fewer impurities Home Chemistry Supplements Kalkwasser Kalkwasser Kalkwasser German for "limewater," it is a concentrated solution of calcium hydroxide in water with a high pH of 12. One of the benefits of kalkwasser is that it is a balanced additive of both calcium and alkalinity. How do I dose AFR & Kalkwasser together ? Correct me if I’m wrong , Kalkwasser raises Alk & Cal. 7. By combining critical minerals in one precise formula, it promotes strong coral structure, healthy growth, and lasting stability—making reef maintenance more effective and efficient. Although I do not use it, I have to admit that used properly, Kalkwasser is a safe, effective and economic supplement of both calcium and alkalinity in reef aquaria. It’s one of the most natural, affordable, and reliable methods available for reef keepers. Some of the benefits are: It adds calcium that is needed by most of the creatures in the reef. Kalkwasser is calcium hydroxide dissolved in water so it is very straightforward to use. In simple words Kalkwasser: maintains calcium, alkalinity Benefits of Adding Vinegar to Kalkwasser Adding vinegar to kalkwasser isn’t just about mixing two ingredients; it’s about creating a more efficient delivery system for essential elements. I currently use brs two part. The new tank is 8 months old and I have been dosing Brightwell alkalin 8. Benefits of adding Kalkwasser: – It adds calcium that is needed by most of the creatures in the reef. As we all know kalkwasser is often touted as a cheap and effective calcium and alkalinity supplement that has the added benefit of increasing PH. It doesn’t harbor phosphates or nitrates, and there aren’t nutrients within kalkwasser that cause algae issues. – It keeps the pH level elevated. 2 during the day, but it slips to 8 at night. - Adding kalkwasser to your aquarium removes phosphates from the aquarium water by causing it to precipitate out of solution. A lot of people swear by it and some claim it has almost magical Benefits of adding Kalkwasser: You may be interested in why it is so important to add Kalkwasser. Literally, it means lime water. 0pH during photo period? Have you test pH 6 hours after lights off? For example I need to dose kalkwasser during the night or else my pH goes down to 7. This solution may provide additional benefits such as encouraging pink coralline algae growth and improving the buffering capacity of tank water. Learn how to dose Kalkwasser effectively to maintain stable alkalinity in your reef tank! This clip from my alkalinity video breaks down the essentials of us Kalkwasser can replenish both elements in one simple solution. It can be slowly dripped into an area of high circulation to replace evaporated water. If you are adding Kalk to your ATO reservoir or a reactor, you will find that BRS Pharma Kalkwasser mixes faster with fewer impurities Kalkwasser is the German word for calcium hydroxide, a relatively inexpensive reef tank additive that will help you keep your calcium and pH levels nice and high in your tank. The Kalkwasser powder is relatively inexpensive, super-concentrated, and mixed into your top-off Using Kalkwasser (Calcium Hydroxide) Kalkwasser is the easiest method to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef aquarium not to mention low cost. It encourages the growth of pink and purple coralline algae. Benefits of Kalkwasser in a Softie Tank JSB Oct 8, 2012 None Jump to Last Oct 8, 2012 #1 Kalkwasser doesn’t release any bi-products into the aquarium that cause problems. Most often, these companies sell calcium hydroxide and call it kalkwasser or kalkwasser mix. If the evaporated water loss is replaced with kalkwasser then it will add calcium and offer the other benefits described above. Gravity drain design ensures reliable performance Benefits Using Kalkwasser to supplement the aquarium with calcium and carbonates is one of the most efficient and economical methods and has been used successfully on reef aquariums for many years. If I dose AFR wouldn’t it also increase ALK & CAL? And other elements ? Do I basically just split the doses of AFR and KALk until I reach my desire parameter ? I have a guide here, How to Switch 2-Part Solutions, to help you with just that! Kalkwasser Kalkwasser is the use of lime water to maintain alkalinity and calcium levels in reef tanks. Just curious if it’s worth switching at the moment. With a few different methods to implement it, if your corals are growing and you need to add calcium and alkalinity, you will more than likely find multiple benefits from using Your statement here about Kalkwasser I believe is not true, the limiting factor that controls the addition of kalkwasser is almost always the raising of the pH of the aquarium and not raising calcium and alkalinity. Unfortunately fresh Kalkwasser is unstable and reacts with CO2 in the air rapidly diminishing in the level of free calcium. Aged tap water can This introductory discussion pertains to the application and benefits of kalkwasser solution (saturated calcium hydroxide solution) in coral aquaculture systems, with discussion of reef aquarium Hey guys, I’ve been picking up more sps pieces for my 75 gallon system and I want to start dosing kalkwasser to up my growth and maintain color. 1-8. I plan on adding the kalkwasser to my ato but I am afraid of overdosing. The main benefit of Kalkwasser use is that it replenishes calcium in the reef and marine tank. My tanks have low ph, and kalk may be able to help with that. Dosing Kalkwasser Advanced Topics « Previous Thread | Next Thread » Posting Rules You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts BB code is On Smilies are On [IMG] code is On HTML code is On Forum Rules Kalkwasser is unique because it raises your alkalinity and calcium in equal parts at the same time. German for “lime water,” kalkwasser is effective in increasing calcium content in tank water without drastically affecting the pH or alkalinity of the water. Again you will need to track the levels over time to determine if you need more or less based on coral consumption. Used correctly, it helps stabilize calcium and alkalinity, supports coral growth, and maintains a healthy reef environment. Brightwell Aquatics Kalk+2 is the advanced kalkwasser solution your reef system needs. It is made from an ultra-pure source that contains extremely low amounts of aluminum and compared to traditional kalkwasser you can actually see the difference. Dec 18, 2025 · Kalkwasser is one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools available to marine aquarium hobbyists. Last video, we have gotten very valid complaints that we didn't reall What are you missing if you overlook Kalkwasser? Today Ryan & Randy discuss what matters most and some hard lessons learned about Kalk, including the 4-recommended ways to use it. The terms Kalkwasser, limewater, and calcium hydroxide all mean the same thing in this hobby. 3 (6ml/day) to maintain alkalinity and pH for a few 2) Vinegar is carbon dosing, it is to control ur nutrients. To the left you can see the Kent Marine 5 Gallon Aqua Doser Kalkwasser dripper that I used to use when I added kalkwasser. Most of the top supplement manufacturers produce and package their own versions of Kalk including Bulk Reef Supply! The purpose of dosi Sep 29, 2025 · Using kalkwasser in aquariums is a time-tested and effective way to maintain calcium and alkalinity while supporting coral growth and stabilizing pH. I KALKWASSER IN DEPTH (reprinted with Breefcase's permission from works written in reefs. Kalkwasser is a trade name for calcium hydroxide. Kalkwasser also goes by the name "limewater". However, kalkwasser is quite effective and if properly installed, a kalkwasser reactor (either stirrer or multi-pump reactor) can entirely automate calcium and carbonate dosing while also buffering ph. There's no problem with doing that as long as the alkalinity isn't going through the roof and calcium is in a good zone. We all know the benefits of kalkwasser and I felt that it wasn’t my best work, so while I was shooting some different things in his facility not too long ago, I asked to do this for the people that requested a detailed version of how he actually doses his systems. Using kalkwasser to ensure calcium and alkalinity are at proper levels can dramatically increase the growth of your corals and invertebrates. What do you guys think is the proper way to go about doing this. "Kalkwasser is the easiest method to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef aquarium not to mention low cost. In this episode, Mark explains how to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in your reef tank using Kalkwasser. I do not want to run a refugium and I do carbon dose. The Co2 lowers the PH inside of the reactor dissolving the Kalkwasser is a hobby term for calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 powder that when mixed with freshwater it creates a solution that will maintain both calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef tank. In this article, we'll walk you through the pros and cons of each and the similarities so you can decide what is best for you and your aquarium. This provides the benefits of kalkwasser including reducing phosphates, and raising pH, but also results in having to dose magnesium. 00+ used to supplement calcium and maintain high pH levels in reef aquariums. If your thinking about using Kalkwasser on your saltwater aquarium then you don't want to miss this list of our Top 20 Kalkwasser Mistakes so you can hit the ground running and dose kalkwasser like a pro! Using Kalkwasser (Calcium Hydroxide) Kalkwasser is the easiest method to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef aquarium not to mention low cost. This increase is extremely beneficial to coral growth and health. Given that I do not use kalkwasser, I have scoured my references and the web to put together the Ultra-pure Kalkwasser for Reef Tanks! BRS Pharma Kalkwasser is not your typical calcium hydroxide. This is my second tank; I also have a 20g mixed reef which is 2 years old. It can help to maintain both calcium and alkalinity. Kalkwasser reactors became a popular solution because of their simplicity, low cost, and dual benefits: maintaining both calcium levels and alkalinity while also stabilizing pH. I am contemplating using kalkwasser in my mixed reef which is a Fiji "cube" 57g with 20g sump. 2 to 8. Kalkwasser - German for "limewater," it is a highly concentrated solution of calcium hydroxide in water with a high pH of 12. It's the best, you get the advantage of the reactor with the minimum of CO2 used, and the kalk keeps my pH up in the 8. Learn how Kalkwasser dosing stabilizes calcium, boosts pH, and supports coral growth for healthy, thriving reef aquariums. I’m a big fan of kalkwasser, no cons all pros for my reef tank. When Kalkwasser solution is added to saltwater, the CO2 in your aquarium water will react with the hydroxide ions We have been using kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide) for decades because of the numerous benefits that it provides in our home aquariums and many people have, over the years, experienced a great amount of success putting calcium hydroxide into their application. So, do a water change or add two part slowly to get your alk to where you want it to be and then maintain that with kalkwasser. 3) if ur talking about kalkwasser, try to dose it slowly and monitor ur calcium and alkalinity. Some of these companies claim that their lime meets a particular standard for purity (Warner, ESV, and Seachem, for example), and these standards are detailed in later sections of this article. wcbskk, eqp1o, ressle, tsjmf, veh4, 5ohe5h, widj, 05rci, 3apn, pisad,