2-part versus kalk dosing...

[ps2cho]

So I am currently dosing kalk via my 5 gallon ATO container. I am evaporating about 1 gallon per day on my 60gal tank.

 

Its easy and cheap, BUT my alk is not super consistent. I can hold everything within about 0.5dkh, but I would like it more stable than that.

 

Also according to 2-part, it also contains other elements such as strontium etc.

Is that something to consider?

 

I am looking at doing the BRS 2-part kit with 2 dosing pumps. If I go away for a week, I don't have to freak out since the dosers will take care of the alk/ca....and all the sitter has to do is literally top off the reservoir. No potential mistakes and less work for me.

[jservedio]

The other option you have is buying a single dosing pump and mixing your kalk much stronger and directly dosing it to the tank like you would for 2-part - making it separate from your ATO. You only need a single pump in this case. I do dose 2-part, but in the last year I have used the 3rd head on my doser to dose calcium acetate and was able to cut back my 2-part use by more than 50% which is a nice way to save money.

 

Eventually you will get to a point where kalk isn't feasible because of the pH spike is too great and you will need to switch to 2-part (or add 2-part in addition to kalk), but doing it with a single doser cuts your initial investment in half and is just as reliable.

[seabass]

I don't believe that BRS two part contains strontium (some others do).