ato/kalk reactor setup question

[macawmagic]

I've got a question before I go and plumb everything in. I'm using a brute 32 gallon can for my top off bin. that will have a hole drilled in the bottom which will feed a kalk reactor. and then go to a float valve in the sump.

my question is...
the brute is on a the same shelf as the kalk reactor which is about 3 ft. above the sump. will the water go from the bottom of the brute, to the top of the kalk, and then down to the sump by gravity, or will the kalk reactor have to be placed on the floor so it's below the brute.



other question. I'm using a diy kalk reactor I bought at the latest frag swap. it's exactly like the geo, except there is no extension tube on the inside. I know there should be one to take water from the right "level". how far down does that tube need to go? also how long should the mj be run for in order to mix the kalk and how many times/day.

 

[Elan]

Arent you going to do use a feed pump w/ ato? If thats the case why would gravity matter?

Also im in the middle of building mine: why is the inside tube important?

 

[macawmagic]

no feed pump...i'm trying to do it by gravity fed! and the tube is so you take a certain "type" of water outa the reactor...

 

[Elan]

no feed pump...i'm trying to do it by gravity fed! and the tube is so you take a certain "type" of water outa the reactor...

So then why not just save the trouble and use an aqua lifter pump? Seems a lot easier.

 

[Myteemouse]

The tube goes to the bottom to gently stir when new water comes in...
The outlet to the sump needs to NOT have a hose coming down...
As for the stirring, I stir mine twice a day for 15 mins each..

 

[macawmagic]

because if I use a pump then I need to buy a pump...and I have NO money right now.

myteemouse...thank you!

 

[Harry_Y]

You want to add fresh water in at the bottom of the reactor

and take the Kalkwasser (Calcium Water) out the top.


To gravity feed you neeed to have the
water supply above the level of the sump

 

[macawmagic]

thank harry...the water supply is above the sump...but the kalk reactor is technically a little higher than the water supply...will that matter?

 

[Harry_Y]

It may not go all the way to the bottom
(use all the water in the trashcan)
but then again it may work fine, I'd say try it.

The thing I'd worry about s the float sticking On.

That could be bad.


.

 

[macawmagic]

thanks...I used to premix the kalkwasser and then use it gravity fed through a kalk reactor. took over a year before the float valve stuck, but it stuck shut!

thanks again! I'll set it up.

 

[Harry_Y]

For now I just throw Kalk in my top off Brute, but I see a reactor in my future.

 

[Elan]

ok post pics please so i can get the idea.

Dude an aqualifter is like $10

 

[macawmagic]

but with the aqualifter comes the electronic control valves needed to tell the pump to turn on and off...aka it'll be more expensive. gravity is FREE! and I'll get a pic as soon as everythings setup.

 

[Elan]

oh you are using a drip as to a float switch. i get it.