Just received KS-100 Kalk stirrer, some questions.

[grom]

I currently have a decently stocked SPS tank with a few 6 inch clams. The tank has total volume of 70g. My pH has been dropping low during the winter even with a window slightly open. Its not dramatic, but it will go 8.2 to 7.8 in about 14 days. I am trying to keep this more steady at 8.3. Clacium gets taken up pretty fast in my tank. Current calcium is only at 380. I would like it to be higher.

1) There was no manual or instrucitons in the box. I could not find them on the website. Only found skimmer manuals and 1 calcium reactor manual. If you have in online please post the link. :)

2) I am running an aqualifter from my RODI resovoir, to the kalk reactor, then into my tank. The aqualifter is controlled by an Apex controller for auto-top-off. Is it acceptible to run all of my top-off water through the kalk reactor? Or will this raise pH/calcium way too much? The Apex is controlled by a float switch that adds water when it needs to throughout the day.

3) How often should I turn the stirrer on to mix up the kalk on the bottom?

4) How long should I wait for the stirrer to be off before turning the ATO back on?

5) When first adding the kalk powder to the reactor, the whole thing turns completely milky (which I know is bad to add to the tank). When first adding kalk to the reactor, how long should I wait to turn on ATO?

6) For my 70g, how much powder should I add? Should I wait till its all completely gone before I add more? ANy estimate on how long it will be before I add more?


Most these were probably in the manual, but I couldnt find it anywhere. Any help would be appreciated!

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

I currently have a decently stocked SPS tank with a few 6 inch clams. The tank has total volume of 70g. My pH has been dropping low during the winter even with a window slightly open. Its not dramatic, but it will go 8.2 to 7.8 in about 14 days. I am trying to keep this more steady at 8.3. Clacium gets taken up pretty fast in my tank. Current calcium is only at 380. I would like it to be higher.

1) There was no manual or instrucitons in the box. I could not find them on the website. Only found skimmer manuals and 1 calcium reactor manual. If you have in online please post the link. :)

2) I am running an aqualifter from my RODI resovoir, to the kalk reactor, then into my tank. The aqualifter is controlled by an Apex controller for auto-top-off. Is it acceptible to run all of my top-off water through the kalk reactor? Or will this raise pH/calcium way too much? The Apex is controlled by a float switch that adds water when it needs to throughout the day.

3) How often should I turn the stirrer on to mix up the kalk on the bottom?

4) How long should I wait for the stirrer to be off before turning the ATO back on?

5) When first adding the kalk powder to the reactor, the whole thing turns completely milky (which I know is bad to add to the tank). When first adding kalk to the reactor, how long should I wait to turn on ATO?

6) For my 70g, how much powder should I add? Should I wait till its all completely gone before I add more? ANy estimate on how long it will be before I add more?


Most these were probably in the manual, but I couldnt find it anywhere. Any help would be appreciated!

I am sorry. I just finished writing the instructions and was waiting for the manufacturer to send me the diagrams for assembly. I will post up the copy for the instructions come Monday morning. The stirrer can be set to stir 24/7 if you really wanted to with out harm since it gently stirs the kalk and never expels out of the effluent. (Nice thing about stirrers compared to pump operated reactors) I really only think it needs to go on once or twice an hour. Since your running it off your top off I wouldn't worry about the PH but would keep an eye on your alk levels over time. You are safe for operation after the media settles which should be no longer than a couple of hours. Fresh Kalk should be added every two to three weeks and should be completely rinsed out every months or so and add fresh kalk. What is your estimated evaporation rate. This will help determine how much kalk you need to add to the reactor. I would likely say about 1/2 to 1cup for a 70gal should be more than enough.

[grom]

If its been 4 hours, and the water is still milky, what should I do?
Just wait overnight?
Should I cycle water through it till it becomes clear?

I havent put any of the milky water in my tank. I wont feel safe until its clear.

Theres no special way to add kalk to the reactor is there? You just put the dry powder in the top, right? I have Kent Kalk powder. I filled the stirrer with RODI, then just added the powder to the top. The powder sank to the bottom. I put the stirrer on for 20min, then turned it off. Its been milky ever since.

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

If its been 4 hours, and the water is still milky, what should I do?
Just wait overnight?
Should I cycle water through it till it becomes clear?

I havent put any of the milky water in my tank. I wont feel safe until its clear.

Theres no special way to add kalk to the reactor is there? You just put the dry powder in the top, right? I have Kent Kalk powder. I filled the stirrer with RODI, then just added the powder to the top. The powder sank to the bottom. I put the stirrer on for 20min, then turned it off. Its been milky ever since.

Don't run the water into the tank till it is clear. I have never used kent brand but it usually only takes an hour or two to clear up. To fill it all you do is fill the unit 3/4 the way with RO/DI water and then add the kalk. Let it sit till it settles (which is usually 1-2 hours) and run.

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

Here is a link to the some information we put together on how to setup, use and maintain your new Kalk Reactor. Click Here (http://coralvue.com/troubleshooting/reactors/kalk-stirrer-instructions/)

[fishome25]

can you recommend an appropriate timer

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

Any timer that allows several on and off cycles per day with short 5-10 runs times will work. Reef/aqua controllers are usually the easiest to program