Calcite supply for a 1.5 cubic foot acid neutralizer: three 50 lb bags (150 lb) of NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 certified crushed limestone, the full fill for a 10 x 54 inch tank.
Use it to fill a tank from empty: a 1.5 cubic foot tank bought without calcite, or one that ran out. A routine top-off takes less. At about half down, a 1.5 cubic foot tank takes about 1 bag, on average every 18 to 24 months, and for that you can buy calcite by the 50 lb bag ($145). $395 for the three bags, shipped free to the lower 48.
What calcite is and what it does
This is the same Water Neutralizer fine calcite (Oldcastle, Thomasville, Pennsylvania) that ships with every Mid Atlantic Water acid neutralizer: granular crushed limestone, mostly calcium carbonate with some magnesium carbonate. Acidic water dissolves a little of it on every pass, which neutralizes the acid, and it stops dissolving once the water reaches neutral. Plain calcite brings water to about 7.0 to 7.5 and cannot push it alkaline. It adds about 3 to 6 grains per gallon of hardness; we recommend a softener only when the water after the neutralizer tests 7 grains or more. The full explanation is in what calcite is and how a calcite filter works.
Plain calcite or a FloMag blend
Plain calcite handles pH down to about 6.0 in a 1.5 cubic foot tank. Below that, mix FloMag (magnesium oxide, $225 per 50 lb bag) into the calcite as you load it; FloMag is a booster and is never used by itself. How much depends on your pH and tank, so call 800-460-5810 or text Aidan at 443-277-2204 with your numbers and we set the mix. The lowest well we have treated was pH 3.67. More FloMag is not better: unlike calcite it can push water past neutral.
Checking the level and topping off
Check the level once a year: in a dark room, hold a flashlight against the back of the tank and the shadow line is the top of the calcite. Add calcite when it is about half down; a full tank sits about 10 inches below the fill port. You add to the bed; you never dump it and start over. Very acidic water and heavy use shorten the interval. The step-by-step is in our guide to how to add calcite to an acid neutralizer. After a fresh fill the first pH readings run high for a couple of weeks while the dust from the bags dissolves; test again after that.
What ships
Three 50 lb bags of granular calcite (150 lb). Free shipping to the lower 48. The calcite fits any brand of calcite acid neutralizer tank, upflow or backwashing; if you still need the tank, see our calcite acid neutralizer systems.
Questions before you order
Not sure whether you need a full fill, a top-off, or a FloMag blend? Text Aidan your pH and tank size at 443-277-2204, or call 800-460-5810, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern, every day. The advice is free whether or not you order.
Specifications
- Contents: three 50 lb bags (150 lb) of calcite, granular crushed natural limestone
- Fits: 1.5 cubic foot acid neutralizer, 10 x 54 inch tank (full fill from empty)
- Certification: NSF/ANSI/CAN 60
- Treated water pH: about 7.0 to 7.5 with plain calcite
- Plain calcite pH range in this tank size: down to about 6.0; below that, blend with FloMag
- Hardness added: about 3 to 6 grains per gallon
- Average top-off for this tank: about 1 bag every 18 to 24 months
- Price: $395, free shipping to the lower 48
