lets talk about kalk

[surfn]

i'm looking to set up an ATO system here shortly, and was going to do it via a LM3 dosing pump, and then put kalk in the ATO water. then i was just going to use my other LM3 pump to dose calcium (if i need it).

talk to me about your kalk system, how much do you use? what do you use to dose it?

how big are your ATO resevoirs?

how do you prevent the solid precipitate from getting into your system?

do you keep a power head constantly stirring the kalk/freshwater resevoir?

 

[JGoslee]

I use a dosing pump and a 44gal rubbermaid trash can for my ato system. I use 2 tea spoons of kalk for every gallon of water. To prevent solid precipitate from getting in to my tank I made it so the supply line to my dosing pump sits 3 inches from the bottom of my reservoir. I don't use a powerhead for mixing I just stir it for a few minutes.

 

[surfn]

I use a dosing pump and a 44gal rubbermaid trash can for my ato system. I use 2 tea spoons of kalk for every gallon of water. To prevent solid precipitate from getting in to my tank I made it so the supply line to my dosing pump sits 3 inches from the bottom of my reservoir. I don't use a powerhead for mixing I just stir it for a few minutes.

is your dosing pump on a timer, float switch, or LM3?

what is the max amount of kalk powder you can dissolve per gallon?

what do you do for calcium and other additives?



btw......can you overdose kalk? i.e. 1/2 tsp vs. 2 tsp per gallon? or does it just act like a buffer?

 

[JGoslee]

My dosing pump is hooked up to a float switch in my sump. I think the max amount you can dissolve is 2 teaspoons/per gallon.
I really don't have to add anything else. The kalk keeps my Alk and Ca in check. The only thing I've been adding is Mag once a month.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

My club is doing a Kalk Reactor Group Buy ... Precision Marine for $220 (no tax, free shipping) It's regualr $260 + shipping.

I just got a Calcium Reactor and i'm looking foward to setting both up when I get the Ka Reactor.

 

[twon8]

i have a large container i fill with ro and dump kalk in( i dont' bother measuring as i'm looking for saturated.)

use lm3 pump. no real need for the auto top off module unless a small system you won't be around often.

 

[J. Montgomery]

I have a 5 gallon bucket that I use as a limewater reservoir. I put 1 Tbsp pickling lime per 2 gallon of RO/DI water.

I have a dual float switch from autotopoff.com in my display tank that controls a peristaltic pump. I specifically wanted a peristaltic pump b/c its not damaged by running dry, and its slow flow prevents the kalk from being added too quickly.

I keep the feed line a few inches from the bottom of the container to prevent solids from being dosed.