Top off water and pH

[NeoReefer]

I currently use kalk mix with my top off water for my new 14 gallon tank. I take the pH prior to adding it and after and there is about a 0.2 pH difference after I add the kalk water.

 

Is this normal and acceptable? I do not use a drip, I just add the water directly myself. Are there any other options to use for top off water other than kalk?

[seabass]

You could use a dosing (peristaltic) pump to deliver the Kalk top off water more slowly. Due to the volume of water that Kalk can require, it leads itself to double as top off water. However, for other supplements (alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium), I prefer to dose them separately (leaving top off water pure water).

 

Some people do add a buffer to top off water, but this isn't necessary and I'd rather dose alkalinity separately.

[NeoReefer]

Thank you for your response. I prepare about a gallon on kalk water and use it daily for top off as needed. How long can mixed kalk water last if stored and sealed.

[seabass]

I think maybe a week if sealed.