When to replace Kalk in 5 gallon DIY reactor

[Herefishyfishy]

Don, or Boomer, or anyone with confidence in their knowledge:
I know that the Kalkwasser turns from pure white to grayish when is is mostly used up, but gray is a vastly general term. Any shade of gray before toss it. Even the darkest old kalk still tests very high PH and alk, so any general game plan as to how often, how many gallons flushed through or color guide before I toss the old Kalk and replace it?

 

[DonW]

I just let it go until I used all my "inventory" Then would clean out the bucket and start fresh. When I did use it I'd buy 20 or so lbs at a time.
When I used a "real" kalk reactor I would only clean it every 6mo or so but only used oxide and its much cleaner. Personally if its still got high ph then I'd get my monies worth out of it.

Don

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Thanks again Don, makes perfect sense. I hate wasting any material resourse, even if non-toxic and fully renewable... About the only thing I don't try to skimp on these days, fresh quality carbon. Found the tank did better with newer carbon than newer water ie: less frequent water changes than carbon changes. Note: OMO and only in my tank.

 

[DonW]

Also limit your stirring so the grey mystery stuff doesnt make its way into the tank.

Don

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Pretty simple setup. A 5 gallon water jug with two john guest fittings. I fill the jug and thoroughly mix it and then use it when all settled and clear. Gets used with the ATO. Will probably eventually buy a factory unit with a stir rod, but for now this seems to work fine even with the little bit of extra labor involved. Just a suppliment to my K1502 CaRx, helps keep PH and all in better range with tank indoors.

 

[DonW]

Pretty simple setup. A 5 gallon water jug with two john guest fittings. I fill the jug and thoroughly mix it and then use it when all settled and clear. Gets used with the ATO. Will probably eventually buy a factory unit with a stir rod, but for now this seems to work fine even with the little bit of extra labor involved. Just a suppliment to my K1502 CaRx, helps keep PH and all in better range with tank indoors.

I think its by far the best method even though its more work. Reactors IMO just cost you time, effort and money elsewhere. The stir systems overstir causing kalk to end up in the tank, the precip damage is not worth the hastle.

Don

 

[salmonslayer]

Nice info. Mike I may need you to come over and have a cup of my famous folgers coffee and show me how to make one of them.