Will this work?

[mwb1978]

I'm brand spanking new to SW tanks, so I have an odd question.

I'm adding an auto top-off system to my setup and I want to incorporate kalkwasser into the top-off water. I've read that the stuff needs to be mixed frequently, so can I just put a small, cheap powerhead in the 5 gallon bucket that will hold the top-off/kalkwasser mix?

I figure it may wear out the powerhead a little sooner that it should, but for around 10 bucks you can just get another one or keep spares.

I'm trying to avoid spending lots of money on a calcium reactor and the hassle of daily dosing.

Is this workable, or just a dumb idea?

[Fishieness]

It would, but you dont want to stir up the bottom too much. If you can get a really small one and put it on the top it would work.
But if you are brand spankin' new you probably wont need to be adding any type of Ca for some time.

[mwb1978]

Cool, thanks for the advice.

Yeah, my tank isn't even set up yet but it will be soon. I'm just planning ahead. I have some sort of disrder that causes me to try to overdo everything in life. That's why I'm starting with a 180G tank.

Thanks

[kryptic4l]

do not listen to me, but perhaps you might wanna stay away from kalk until you get a little farther ahead auto top offs are nice though And get one of them kick butt reef controllers if you like to overdo things...

[Amphiprion]

Well, if there is ever an issue with your automated top off, then the kalkwasser will make it a bit more disastrous. That being said, many people still utilize that method successfully.

As far as mixing it, it is entirely unnecessary. If you cover the container, it will minimize degradation. Also, once the surface "crusts" over with calcium carbonate after reacting with the atmosphere, it is airtight. The kalkwasser will still retain the vast majority of its potency (in fact, the amount lost is negligible) and be fine. Several people use very large containers of kalkwasser (55 gallons or so) and use it for their auto top off like that--without stirring. If anything, stirring in a non-airtight container would be worse. You would have to have a completely sealed chamber--but why do that if it is unnecessary...

All of this assumes you are using a non-static reservoir, however.