How to Add Kalkwasser

Kalkwasser, when properly added to an aquarium, captures carbon dioxide ions and converts them to bicarbonate ions. This is important to the maintenance of your aquarium and helps prevent carbon dioxide buildup. Carbon dioxide buildup causes a white, sandlike material to form in your aquarium, which you should avoid. However, if the kalkwasser is not properly added to the aquarium, it can do more damage than good.

Things You'll Need

  • Test kit for calcium, alkalinity and/or magnesium
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • 1-liter container
  • Kalkwasser mix
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the pH levels of your tank using a test kit for calcium, alkalinity and/or magnesium. Check to see that these are present in the water before determining how much of the kalkwasser to add, or if you even need to add any at all.

    • 2

      Make the kalkwasser solution. Pour 15 milliliters of distilled white vinegar into a one-liter container. Dissolve half a tsp. of kalkwasser mix into the vinegar. Fill the rest of the one-liter container with tank water.

    • 3

      Pour the kalkwasser solution into the tank. Pour it slowly; pouring it too fast ruins the entire process.