question for all you chemists out there (calcium hydroxide)

[dirtyreefer]

Dude, you lost me at Ca(OH)2

Just kidding, however I have seen people use vinegar (the acetic acid you mentioned) being used to neutralize Kalk. You can buy Kalk as "pickling lime" which is I believe is only sold in the states in that form, however alot of people buy bulk Kalk all the time.

I think you can also use epsom salts for a source of Mg. You should check the Reef Chemistry forum on RC, Randy has some good homemade recipes to supplment Ca, Alk, pH, and Mg.

[Beverly]

Wow! Someone who actually knows chemistry At least far, far, FAR better than I
While I'm not a big DIY-er, his link should point you in the right direction for DIY additives...

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

[hawaiiguy]

thanks for the links... I think I'm going to go ahead and try the lime mix I have, I just need to figure out the stoichiometry here. Wish me luck I'll let everyone know how it goes.