Clumping sand

[Fastmarc]

What causes the sand to 'clump' sometimes when adding kalkwasser?
What can be done to alleviate this problem?

 

[randy holmes-farley]

I'm not certain, but I believe that the clumping of sand is most likely caused by precipitation of CaCO3 that binds sand grains together. Keeping the pH from rising too high may be one way to reduce the problem. Also, not pushing the calcium and alkalinity levels too high.

 

[Fastmarc]

Thanks, Randy

 

[randy holmes-farley]

You're welcome.

 

[dave750gixer]

I have a 6-7" DSB in my tank but the facing of the stand covers the bottom 5" of this so that only ca 1-2" of sand is visible. This gets round the aesthetics problem nicely