My DIY Kalk Reactor / ATO
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42714
Printed Date: July 21 2026 at 4:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: My DIY Kalk Reactor / ATO
Posted By: sterling18
Subject: My DIY Kalk Reactor / ATO
Date Posted: August 07 2010 at 11:30pm
I used all left over parts from a previous setup.
1 - JBJ ATO
1- Ario 400 Pump (200 GPH)
1 - No namp power head (100 GPH ? if I get out and push)
3' - clear tubing
1 - Plastic clamp
1- 5 Gallon Bucket
I'm using my Nepture AquaController Jr but you can use two Home Depot timers if you choose.
So I mounted the float switch inside my sump. Connected it to my JBJ ATO. Hooked my Ario to the ATO unit as the pump to push water into my tank.
I connected the JBJ ATO to one of my outlets so my controller gives it power only between 11:00 PM and 9:00 AM. So I will only top off my sump between 11:00PM and 9:00 AM.
I plugged my no name power head into another outlet so my controller gives it power between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM so it's stirring the water inside my bucket between those hours otherwise it's off. I add 6 tps of Mrs Wedges Pickling Lime every time I top off the bucket.
So between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM the Picking Lime (AKA Kalk) is settling in the bucket. But I'm expecting my bucket to fully settle and saturate the water by 11:00 PM (5 hrs) and is ready to be used to top off.
What do you think? It's not a uber efficient Kalk reactor that's continually mixing the kalk and only pushing the saturated solution but it should work ok.
I'm hoping between my fuge light and the top off water my pH will be super stable while giving the tank a slight boost in Ca / Alk. I will still dose but I'm hoping it's not daily.
So what do you think?
|
Replies:
Posted By: fishoutawater
Date Posted: August 09 2010 at 10:51pm
I think you would get a more effective if you 1- put a lid on it to seal it. 2- once it is mixed and settled, there should be no reason to mix it again unless you add water to the kalk mixture. Your powerhead will also probably live longer if you shorten the mix cycle.
-------------
Some day, when I grow up,...
|
Posted By: sterling18
Date Posted: August 27 2010 at 7:17pm
Good idea on the mix cycle.
Yes it does have a tight lid on it. Only time it comes off is when I put more water in.
|
Posted By: bugzme
Date Posted: August 27 2010 at 7:33pm
Bring your ro into a holding tank with lots of kalk and then you can mix. If not there really isn't a reason to mix
-------------
Jeff
125 tank
50 gallon sump
T-5 lighting
Rum drinker, Carbon User
I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!!
|
Posted By: sterling18
Date Posted: August 27 2010 at 7:39pm
|
Humm, you got a point there Jeff.
|
|