[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

kalk reactor


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last
Results 1 to 10 of 12
  1. #1
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Default kalk reactor

    I have been considering getting one for a while but dont understand exactly how they work.Are the impurities stil left behind like with traditional kalk dosing methods?

  2. #2
    Reptoreef - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Brigham City, Utah
    Posts
    2,530

    Default

    I believe so... are you talking about using a sealed kalk reactor(fed by pump)? Gonna have a controller? I like the method of top off feed for evap.
    There's nowhere else I'ld rather be... unless, of course, you're buying

  3. #3
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
    Posts
    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default

    Repto why don't you post some pics and explanation of your DIY reactor for us.
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  4. #4
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Default

    The ones i saw were the sealed kind.It just doesn't seem like a good idea if you still have to go clean the impurities out every week like with traditional methods.Thats really my only complaint with my current gravity-fed method.

  5. #5
    Reptoreef - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Brigham City, Utah
    Posts
    2,530

    Default DIY Kalk reactor...

    It's simple, really...
    Materials needed:
    -An ro/di feeding tank(auto ro/di, basically any source) for a continuous flow of fresh water.
    -A 5 gallon bucket with lid
    -2 float valve or switch(I use valves)
    -A small power head
    -A appliance timer with the ability to have 3 on/off cycles in a 24hr period
    -A source of pure lime(pickling lime, kalkwasser mix, etc.)
    -A small bulkhead for an outlet from 5 gl bucket to float valve in sump via 1/4" vinyl tubing
    (usually modified sprinkler drip system parts... plastic only!!!)

    #1 Drill the 5 gl bucket for initial float valve from ro source and install float valve(as high as possible allowing space for a snug fit for the lid) and bend the arm so that it will not come in contact with the solution in the bucket when in use.
    #2 Drill the out let about 1/2-2/3 from bottom of bucket (sized to your bulkead fitting for the line going to the float valve in your sump) and install outlet(make sure you use a valve in-line for maint reasons).
    #3 drill a hole just big enough for your powerheads cord to rest at the same level as your ro inlet/float valve and then with a sharp knife or utility knife, make a slit from top of bucket to hole to slip poerhead cord through so that the lid will sit snuggly on top of bucket.
    #4 place powerhead into bucket about 2/3 way down(just hanging is fine as long as the nozzle looks to agitate the water well when on and place cord into the pre-drilled and cut hole then secure from the outside of the bucket with whatever you feel comfortable(plastic clamp works well)...test to make sure you have no leaks and reactor is done.
    #5 Now install float valve into sump and adjust to desired height for top off to remain(a plastic float valve/switch is required here).
    #6 now close outlet valve from bucket to sump and install reactor as desired(other buckets, etc may be used... just modify to fit all parts. Narrower reactor tubes may need float switches due to lack of space that a float valve usually requires.
    #7 begin allowing the reactor to fill with fresh ro/di water and add just a cup or so of pure lime... when you can operate your powerhead submersed, do so to test how well it's agitating the solution(kalkwasser, limewater). You should test the ph there and it should remain(in the reactor at about 12-12.5).
    #8 Now set the proper time on the timer. At the time of all lights out(other than moonlights if desired), set the timer for at least 5 min-30 min, do it again for when lights begin coming on, and once in about the middle of those 2 times while lights are out(early am). Now, plug your powerhead in and you're done(tweak as needed and monitor your ph, alk, and ca for a few days.

    I add about 1 cup of lime to the reactor a week, but situations are different all around. Test your ph in the reactor, if it's falling, first test your powerhead and make sure that everything is running(dosing) as neccessary. If all's good, add lime to the reactor and test again in about 15 min. Things should be back to norm. This is what I have used for a while no with no probs other than my 1st bucket's outlet was too low and occasionally clogged with lime... still very little chances of overflow, but that has not reoccurred since redesigning for a higher return.

    Here's some pics...
    There's nowhere else I'ld rather be... unless, of course, you're buying

  6. #6
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Default

    Repto,How often do you clean the impurities out of the 5gal bucket?

  7. #7
    Reptoreef - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Brigham City, Utah
    Posts
    2,530

    Default

    I just use a papertowel(plainwhite... no scents) and lay it across the top of the solution to grab the crusties. As for anything else, haven't yet... I imagine anything that's not skimmed with the paper towel will disipate... pretty acidic stuff in a reactor.
    There's nowhere else I'ld rather be... unless, of course, you're buying

  8. #8
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
    Posts
    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default

    Cool thanks for the idea's!
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  9. #9
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Default

    Maybe its the brand of lime i'e been buying,but after using 5 gal I get a tan colored residue in the bottom of my bucket.I end up cleaning it out every time i make a new batch which is about every 5 days.

  10. #10
    ereefic - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    121

    Default

    You really don't need to clean out the impurities that often. They'll just settle again when you mix up a new batch. I clean out my 33 gal. trash can maybe once every 3 months.

    Can't imagine you needing to clean out the Kalk reactor all that often too. Guess it depends on how much you run through the reactor.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last

Similar Topics

  1. 2little Fishes Kalk Reactor?
    By MizTanks in forum Hardware
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 03-10-2013, 09:31 PM
  2. Calcium, Alk, Mg & pH Calcium Reactor vs. Kalk Reactor
    By korndiddy20 in forum Chemistry
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-18-2011, 03:16 PM
  3. DIY kalk reactor
    By jimsflies in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-21-2010, 02:42 PM
  4. Calcium, Alk, Mg & pH Kalk Reactor
    By FEEDERFISH in forum Chemistry
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-06-2004, 10:33 AM
  5. Disaster & Prevention another kalk OD
    By davejnz in forum Basics
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 10-10-2004, 12:27 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us