Questions about Kalk.

[jaygalindo]

Hey guys, I have a few questions about Kalk, specifically setup and equipment. First is it better to use separate from my ATO? Do I need a reactor or a magnetic stirrer to make Kalk? Whats the easiest set up for Kalk? and how long after a new system is established should I wait to introduce Kalk?

Thanks

 

[returnofsid]

I don't know a whole lot about Kalk Stirrers, Kalk Reactors or the use of Kalk with an ATO. I do know that some people use Kalkwasser for all of their top off. The only problem I see with that technique is that you're relying on your rate of evaporation, as a means of dosing Kalk. If your evaporation, and your need for Kalk equal one another, great!! Otherwise, you're either not meeting, or exceeding your need for Kalk.

 

[roscoe]

It is pretty simple my method as Mike described has worked great for my 40b 2 years and counting. Grown all types of SPS and LPS with bright colors and major PE. As for my big system I have it seperate from my ATO. I have it dripping at a rate of 2-3g a day and my ATO would take care of the rest of the evap. It is working great thus far but I have to clean the plastic kalk drip valve every few days to keep it a a rate I want. I know some that has it hooked up strait to their ATO. I chose the other option because I didn't want to dump a bunch of kalkwasser into the system all at once and posibly spiking the PH.

 

[Saltyfish]

I have it hooked up to my ATO and it is working just fine. Some people worry about dumping a bunch of kalkwasser into the system all at once and possibily spiking the PH. My solution was to reduce the amount of kalk i put in my reactor. I have my kalk mixing pump come on 4 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time.

So far in the 4 weeks I have had it set up my water has always been perfect and I check it every day some times twice a day.

 

[matts125]

So far in the 4 weeks I have had it set up my water has always been perfect and I check it every day some times twice a day.

Thats cause I Built it!


Matt

 

[trido]

Iv'e had my kalk reactor set up to my ATO for four years. The only time I had a problem was due to my own error and I didnt loose any corals because of it. I wouldnt recommend hooking directly into an ATO unless you have a dual float switch to keep from nuking the tank. Also to prevent simple floods due to a sticky float.
Some prefer a mixer, others prefer a stirrer. They both work the same in the end. The mixers need the pumps replaced periodically due to impellar burn out.
You can hook up any sort of automated dosing as soon as your system requires it due to corals depleting the cacium and alk.

Also, Like Micheal said. A Kalk topped off system is limited to daily evaporation. My 120 quickly demanded more than three gallons a day could replace. Ive been running a calcium reactor along side the kalk stirrer ever since.

 

[Saltyfish]

Thats cause I Built it!


Matt

Too bad you didnt build my tank too.

BTW Pick up your phone or call me back!