Gravity ATO/kalk doser?

[MoshJosh]

Now that I’m getting some coral growth, I’m starting to see some dips in my calcium and alkalinity, at least I’m assuming that’s why. I think I might start dosing kalk. I like the idea of dosing through an auto top off, seems like the easiest way. That said I don’t really have the budget for a fancy auto top off, and I rather like the gravity auto top off I have on my nano. I have seen people make more elaborate top offs using jugs and airline tubing. . .

My question is could I just add Kalk to my current top off:

And could I make a larger version for my 15 gallon tank. I was thinking about using the drip kit BRS sells, but placing the air inlet at the water line, Only letting air in, and consequently only letting the auto top off run, when the tank water level drops.

BRS DIY Kalkwasser Dripper Kit

Build your own kalkwasser dripper with the DIY Kalk Dripper Kit from Bulk Reef Supply. Just choose the storage container with lid that works best for you. Kit Contains: 16” Long - 1/4” Clear Acrylic Tube 1/4” Mur-lok Inline Ball Valve 2 - 1/4” Mur-lok Push Connect Bulkhead Tank Adapter 2 -...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[blaxsun]

The DIY kits seem to end up along these lines.

 

[MoshJosh]

The DIY kits seem to end up along these lines.

Yeah, and I’m sort of fine with that. I would likely be using a larger more robust container but principally would be the same. Just the airline and drip line would be at and just below the tanks water level respectively.

 

[MoshJosh]

Bumping in hopes someone has advice, or has done this before?

 

[MoshJosh]

All right, I think I’ll actually go with a float instead, just have to figure out how to mount it in the display, the rim on the tank makes it all challenging. Here’s the reservoir I made.

 

[MoshJosh]

Got the float today. Tried to mount it in the most unobtrusive way. . . I mounted the back of the magnet to the shed of my HOB with heavy duty double sided tape/velcro (industrial type). So it is sort of adjustable, as I can make small adjustments with the magnet, large ones if I undo the Velcro.

 

[MoshJosh]

Oh and here’s it in the tank, you can’t really see it unless you’re underneath the rim.

 

[trevorhiller]

Is your float bracket secured with adhesive backed velcro? It appears that way in the photo to my eyes anyway.

If so--I'd reconsider. If the tank overfills at all (like during a water change you're going to weaken that connection and you're just asking for a flood.

 

[MoshJosh]

It is, but the Velcro actually sits above the rim of the tank. So even if the tank flooded water would never touch the adhesive or Velcro. The kind I used is supposed to be like industrial strength. And I’ve used it in other applications with long-term success. Though I don’t plan on using it forever. Likely would mount the float in the same place but use silicone or epoxy to hold it.

 

[trevorhiller]

It is, but the Velcro actually sits above the rim of the tank. So even if the tank flooded water would never touch the adhesive or Velcro. The kind I used is supposed to be like industrial strength. And I’ve used it in other applications with long-term success. Though I don’t plan on using it forever. Likely would mount the float in the same place but use silicone or epoxy to hold it.

I've used that kind before, in fact I'm currently using it to hold a little LED in my sump and my pump controllers to the side of the tank. My suggestion wasn't so much relating to the potential of it getting wet; that would be fine. I was referring to potential torque on the velcro if you overfill the tank due to the float's buoyancy, etc. and having the float valve break loose.

I just don't like moveable float valves--just asking for trouble IMO. Hopefully that makes more sense. The silicone or epoxy would make me way more comfortable.

 

[fish farmer]

The DIY kits seem to end up along these lines.

I made one of these out of a small wine jug before.

I have also made them out of a Little Giant Poultry waterer, basically made a "water cooler" type gravity system. I liked the container because it had a large screw top, graduations on the side and a flat bottom that I fixed a ball valve with PVC extending into the water. This sat above my sump.

I found some other chicken waterer type valves that were smaller than the float valve you have pictured.