How to switch from kalk to baking soda/MagSulfate

[naturebatslast]

Good Morning BRS! After a whole lot of reading during a very slow night/morning at work, I think I'd like to try using the Baking soda and Epsom salt combo. Presently I use kalk with the Kent superbuffer, how would I switch... sudden switch, weaning off/on, should I wait until the parameters (chemically) reach a certain point, AND how serious of a sulfate build up will occur with the Epsom salts(I change 10% every two weeks). I don't use a mag additive, but after reading, I think I'm sold. Any suggestions, comments, pleasantries and mental transmogrifications(! ) would be most appreciated. NBL

 

[naturebatslast]

bump

 

[Moe_K]

I say just start using baking soda and epsom salt. You can keep dripping kalk - it's cheap and provides a nice pH bump at night. Kalk also provides calcium, which you won't get with either baking soda or epsom salt.

 

[naturebatslast]

Thanks Moe, so baking soda will provide carbonate hardness and kalk providing free Ca. Ok, I got it. Thanks, NBL

 

[Moe_K]

Just a minor correction: kalk is a balanced calcium + carbonate solution.
So your baking soda will boost alk, and kalkwasser will provide both alk and calcium.
If you want to boost calcium, use something like Dowflake, which is calcium chloride.

 

[naturebatslast]

Ugh, and I got 2 B's for a year of biochemistry? Thanks, I know someone who'll be busting out the biochem text. NBL

 

[NateHanson]

Yeah, I'd only make "balanced" changes to your dosing regime. IE, don't start baking soda unless you'll also be starting Dowflake dosing.

And, at the risk of stating the obvious, don't dose any of this stuff without regularly testing your Ca, Alk and Mg. "Serious Injury or Death Could Result" (not to you of course )