DIY Kalk reactor/auto top off combo

[JFK_Jr]

Well after looking at the Kalkwasser reactors available I realized there's really not too much to them, so I decided to build my own Kalkwasser reactor/auto top off combo.

Since using acrylic was not an option, I decided to use a plain old 5 gallon bucket. It's a gravity reactor that was super simple to construct and cost me under $70 bucks to build. I utilize a Maxi jet 600 on my Reefkeeper II timer to mix up the Kalwasser 3 times a day for 15 minuets at a time.

It's fed by my R/O D/I unit that goes into a Kent float valve placed on the inside top of the bucket. The output feeds directly to a second Kent marine float valve in my sump. The sump is replenished with Kalwasser enriched water for all evaporation. No more dripping Kalkwasser!!!

I'll be placing it in another room's closet and run the tubing through the wall to keep it hidden. I also run a Calcium reactor in addition to the Kalkwasser.

[sasquatch]

Damn you JFK Jr good looking AND handy lol. So direct feed to top off umm how do you regulate output? thought drip rate was supposed to be very slow? how do you tell the concentration being delivered? how much powder do you add and how often? will there be sludge to be removed, will this jam up the float valves or pump? if I ask more questions will you go mad? I like this and have never dripped before (drip virgin lol) and Im scared. Steve

[JFK_Jr]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

Damn you JFK Jr good looking AND handy lol. So direct feed to top off umm how do you regulate output? thought drip rate was supposed to be very slow? how do you tell the concentration being delivered? how much powder do you add and how often? will there be sludge to be removed, will this jam up the float valves or pump? if I ask more questions will you go mad? I like this and have never dripped before (drip virgin lol) and Im scared. Steve

Thanks Steve...

how do you regulate output... thought drip rate was supposed to be very slow?

I utilize a JACO valve between the reactor and float valve in my sump just to limit the max flow rate... but since it's dependent on evaporation from my sump... about 3 gallons a day(which happens at a slow rate) there really isn't an issue.

how do you tell the concentration being delivered?

I just add the recommended amount of Kalkwasser for 5 gallons of water. I can monitor the PH of the mix to know when it's getting too diluted.

how much powder do you add and how often?

Add 1/8 minimum to 2 teaspoons maximum powder per gallon of fresh water for a stock solution. I'll have to run it for a couple weeks to get used to the Kalwasser usage rate.

will there be sludge to be removed, will this jam up the float valves or pump?

Eventually you will have to clean everything including the pump. Soaking the Maxijet impeller in Vinegar once a month should do the trick. The float valves will sit above the water level. Since the line won't be submerged, the kalkwasser won't precipitate around the opening of the line and clog it, preventing proper dosing.

My Calcium demands in my tank are "high"... the combo of Calcium reactor and Kalkwasser addition is what has made me successful with my tank... No doubt about it!

[sasquatch]

Awestruck I am, thanks, my evap rate is pretty high and apparently large amounts of ro/di unaltered water isnt the best thing to do, so Im still pretty confused about concentration levels. Steve

[JFK_Jr]

Originally Posted by sasquatch

apparently large amounts of ro/di unaltered water isn't the best thing to do

You are absolutely right... not good for your water chemistry.

Kalkwasser top off is the solution. It helps to maintain your PH and alkalinity stable. Dripping it by the gallon works great, but is labor intensive if you have a high evaporation rate.

[meandean45]

Hi JFK jr.

Your DIY Kalkreactor/auto-topoff unit looks like exactly what I need for my reef! I can make out most of the details from your pic, but is there any chance of you posting a complete parts list for me, so that I don't come up short 3 or 4 times before I finish? I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!
Dean

[JFK_Jr]

Here is a list of supplies:

5 Gallon Bucket with sealing gasket lid (Home Depot)

Kent Marine Float valve (Marine Depot)

Two 1/2" bulkheads slip/slip (Marine Depot) Since the 5 gallon bucket is not ridgid like Acrylic... I would stay away from the rubber Uniseal bulkheads.

Two 1/2" Unions (Home Depot) or (Marine Depot)

John Guest Shut-Off Valve - Speedfit To Speedfit x 2 (Marine Depot)

John Guest bulkhead union (Marine Depot)

Three 90 degree 1/2" elbows (Home Depot)

Two feet 1/2 PVC pipe (Home Depot)

Maxijet 600 or 900 (Marine Depot)

couple small hose clamps (Home Depot)

small piece of vinyl tubing (Home Depot)

[Pro_builder]

You can also build them out of PVC for about 40.00 complete and have no float valves on the inside of the unit, just at the sump.


Hope this helps.

[boozeman]

wow!!
you guys are DIY masters!!!

[Pro_builder]

wow!!
you guys are DIY masters!!!

Ha Ha I wouldn't go there, but we have had our good days....

[billyr98]

great ideas.... i am still just dripping kalk from a rubbermaid, but when i find time - I will be in here posting pics too

[Pro_builder]

If you are interested in building one this way (with PVC) I am in the process of building one now that has a 36" tall main pipe, I could take pictures and try to get them uploaded for you for the step by step assembly. Just let me know.

[billyr98]

Do it Troy!!! right now i hold 14g topoff of kalk.. and that lasts 3 days... what size in gallons are you making?

[sasquatch]

Green lights for Pro Builder, Make it so #1. Steve

[Pro_builder]

the size isn't near as much of a factor on a Kalk Reactor, you add more Kalk powder than the system needs and only so much of it will go into solution, that is the reason for the pump on it, to make sure that the solution is maxed out all the time, but yet you only get clear effluent out to the tank.