View Full Version : Kalk/ATO system
burtner
05/24/2016, 11:52 AM
Folks, I'd like any suggestions/recommendations you've got for the system I've attached a sketch of.
Basically, I'm gravity draining from my RODI reservoir to a DIY kalk reactor, then using a siphon tube to equalize level between my kalk reactor and ATO/kalk combo tank.
I manually switch (in my tank cabinet) a pump (in basement with the rest of the ATO/kalk system) to fill my Red Sea Reefer XL 525 ATO reservoir, which is 4.3 gallons.
Any/all input is appreciated; I look forward to what everyone has to say.
bertoni
05/24/2016, 12:46 PM
Personally, I would use one container, and stir some Kalk into it with a small pump. A few second likely would be long enough. The Kalk reactor might not work as well as you'd like. A number of people report less than saturated output from it. If you want full automation, then a Kalk reactor is a good idea.
burtner
05/24/2016, 05:19 PM
Personally, I would use one container, and stir some Kalk into it with a small pump. A few second likely would be long enough. The Kalk reactor might not work as well as you'd like. A number of people report less than saturated output from it. If you want full automation, then a Kalk reactor is a good idea.
Thanks for the input.
I have a question, though. What is the difference, then, between a stirring-type reactor and mixing a batch-at-a-time, then drawing off the top (above the slurry)? Not that kalk is expensive, I know, but doesn't a reactor more effectively utilize the kalk and provide a more constant-pH output?
bertoni
05/24/2016, 06:10 PM
The reactors seem to produce less-saturated output than a simple stirring device, possibly because the Kalk is coated or degrade by more stirring than people generally do for a reservoir. The extra stirring introduce more carbon dioxide into the water, which then combines with the Kalk to form sand.
burtner
05/25/2016, 03:22 AM
The reactors seem to produce less-saturated output than a simple stirring device, possibly because the Kalk is coated or degrade by more stirring than people generally do for a reservoir. The extra stirring introduce more carbon dioxide into the water, which then combines with the Kalk to form sand.
Thanks again for the input; I appreciate it.
bertoni
05/25/2016, 12:17 PM
You're welcome! Good luck!
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.