Talk to me about a Kalk reactor

thrlride · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:49 pm Post subject: Talk to me about a Kalk reactor

I've never even researched one as I put my kalk in my top off reservoir. I'd like to use a reactor instead though as I'd like the water in the reservoir stay regular water in case I needed it for a different tank.

So, how do you set one of these bad boys up? Do you need to have a recirc pump? How much kalk do you need in the reactor to make it last a while.

Any info would be appreciated.

Kip · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 3:50 pm Post subject:

read this.. its more on how to build one... but there is info in the beginning that will help ya out

http://www.BillsExt.com/kalkreact.htm
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thrlride · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:05 pm Post subject:

Thanks Kip. That was a good read.

Did you ever try not stirring it?

That seems like more effort to make than I can give much less the lack of tools. Smile

You did a fine job though!
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calvin415 · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:44 pm Post subject:

Here's my easy DIY one that's working great for me. I grabbed it from my 40 gallon custom thread...

Okay, I just got done building a kalk reactor... It took less than an hour including testing, installing, and keeping my son under control. Smile

Here it is step by step...

Installing the 3/4x1/2 Threaded Bushing

Installing the JG fitting 1/4 OD x 1/2 MIP

Another angle

Tightened down with teflon tape

All the pieces layed out ready for assembly...

3/4" PVC which runs top to bottom through the middle and drilled at the bottom for water to enter the reactor and mix the kalk powder at the same time.

Assembled

With Kalk Powder

Closer

And here's me and my buddy!

Cost break down...
Water Filter Canister ebay for 8.99 + Shipping
3/4x1/2 Threaded Bushing 1.04 (for 2)
JG Fittings 5.40 (for 2)
Teflon tape (everyone already has)
3/4" PVC already had, but I'll guess it's 2.50???
1/4" tubing 1.82

So that's less than 20 bucks plus the shipping for the canister! Just add a water source and run it to the tank either on a drip or float valve. Smile

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thrlride · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:03 pm Post subject:

Eric,

Did you get all the parts except for the canister at HD or Lowes?
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calvin415 · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:35 pm Post subject:

Yep. And I've heard they have the water filter canister's there too, just a little more money.
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http://www.elite-reef.com

gettingfeisty · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:39 pm Post subject:

If you don't use a float valve (since I use mine for my clear water top-off) how would you do it as a drip. Thanks.

thrlride · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject:

How long do you forsee the kalk lasting in that setup?

Did you just dump in the kalk or how did you keep the kalk in the clear housing but not in the PVC?
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calvin415 · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 10:24 pm Post subject:

I just dump in the kalk and we'll see how long it lasts... It doesn't matter if there is kalk in the PVC either. Here's a diagram of the mixing... Hopefully this will help clear it up. Smile

Terry, you could actually use a combination of T's and valves to control both through your float valve.
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Jamesurq · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 7:49 am Post subject:

It's a great simple little design.

MinibowMatt · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:07 am Post subject:

those are both pretty neat designs.
Does anyone have any infoon building a CO2 Kalk reactor? I really csnt do the top off design because I manually add my top off water, and my RO/DI is in the basement. I have a CO2 bottleand regualtor/needlevalve, but i have no idea how to build one....Im gonna have to start researching...

luckybaker4 · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:56 am Post subject:

I'm assuming you are talkin about a calcium reactor? Here is one on RC following the same design. I'm going to start to pick up parts for this so if you build one let me know how it works.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showt...did=587186

MinibowMatt · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 11:46 am Post subject:

thats pretty cool too. thanx for the link luckybaker4! I may actually build that this winter!

organism · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:16 pm Post subject:

the only problem I keep having with my kalk reactor is that the tube gets completely clogged like once a week, is there any easy way around that?
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wmam · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:37 pm Post subject:

Kip · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 5:47 pm Post subject:

calvin415 · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:47 am Post subject:

organism · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:56 am Post subject:

nope, it's a reactor, the line is the line that came with it, so I'm guessing the 1/4" plastic tubing, gets clogged right near the tip all the time, it's a real pain...
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calvin415 · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:56 am Post subject:

Do you have any pics? I assume it's the out that clogs and not the RODI in... Sounds like maybe it's mixing too often and powder is getting into the out line. Your line out lime water should be as clear as the water going in. All the powder should be settled at the bottom and mix on occasion to ensure fully saturated lime water.
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http://www.elite-reef.com

Kip · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:27 pm Post subject:

if the outlet at the sump is getting clogged then you are dripping too close to the water line.
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organism · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:40 pm Post subject:

how often is the pump supposed to run on the reactor? maybe mine is running too much...
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there are no facts, only interpretations

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Kip · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:48 pm Post subject:

mine stirs 6x/day at 2mins ea

you may not even need to stir at all... as long as the pH of the eff is 10-12.. you should be fine until the powder gets old.

saturated kalk as Ca around 1000ppm
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organism · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:51 pm Post subject:

ah, I stir about 20 times a day, 5 minutes each... lemme go fix that... thanks much for the info
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there are no facts, only interpretations

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Jamesurq · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:17 pm Post subject:

I've been stirring 2X a day at 2 minutes each... hmmmm.... perhaps I need to increase that...

Anyone suggest a good cheap timer that will do more than 2 programs?

To give you an idea of how good I am with timers - for the last 5 days I've been watering the lawn 2X a day. Once at 7PM and once at midnight... I'm gonna love my waterbill this month Sad

Kip · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:17 pm Post subject:

intermatic digital
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