Kalk ,dosing vs ATO?

[authentic]

I am presently dosing Kalk through my Ato .i am designing a new build and considering using a Doser for Kalk to prevent over dosing( like when a skimmer overflows and allows more Ato than necessary) to keep my new Ato cleaner and to make mixing easier as it would be in a separate container.any opinions appreciated.i am thinking that if it's not broke don't fix it but I want my new build to be well thought out

 

[sk8elenex92]

I used a aqua lifter pump to dose every hour for 15 seconds attached to my reef keeper. The ATO varies depending on the weather. But if it has worked for you why change it. I also don't like all the stuff that builds up on the bottom of the ato container.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Dosing is a fine way to go, if you choose that. I don't see a downside as long as you also use an ATO with fresh water in it.

I've used the same ATO system for 20 years without any overdoses that led to loses. One key tu using just an ATO is to use a pump that is set to not much above the evaporation rate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I also don't like all the stuff that builds up on the bottom of the ato container.

Wouldn't it build up just the same using a dosing pump?

FWIW, I just ignore the mud for years at a time.

 

[mlivvy]

I'm a big fan of dosing kalk via the ato but on my new build I opted out of it and switching back to 2 part. Keeping the ato clean and the pumps from clogging was a pain. Then again my ATO is made of glass so it was an eyesore when dirty. If your using a bucket for the ato then in that case i'd stick to just kalk if it's working for you. 1 chemical vs 2 is always better.