Adding Kalk using existing Auto Top-Off

[newsalt]

My existing Auto Top-Off is gravity fed. I have a container which sits on a shelf above my sump that holds RO water. There's a level switch in the sump that is wired to a solenoid located in the tubing that runs from the RO container to the sump. When the level in the sump drops, the solenoid opens and RO water drains into the sump.

Is there a way that I can modify this system to dose kalk? If this is possible, can someone explain what I need to do.

Thanks

 

[leeweber85]

Yes, just mix the calcium hydroxide (kalkwasser) in the RO container every time you refill it. You can use up to 2 teaspoons(or maybe its tablespoons?) per gallon of RO water (depending on your Ca/Alk needs, you may only need about a teaspoon per gallon). Shake it/ mix it up real good for a few minutes and cover the container so it doesnt have too much exposure to the air. I would suggest using some sort of flow restrictor so it drips in your sump over a longer period of time rather than just dumping a large amount all at once.

Kalkwasser has a very high PH and its best to dose it slow. Can be helpful to dose only at night when the ph is already low.

Here's a great article about it in the reef chemistry forum:

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

 

[r-balljunkie]

Nope. you're good to go. make sure the bottom tubing going from your top off reservoir to your sump is about an inch above the bottom of your res. you'll build up a bit of kalk sludge on the bottom of the container, which is normal. dont clean your res every time you make a batch....you can go awhile.


when you add new kalk, give it stir with a pump, or by hand. let it settle out a bit. you'll get a crust build up on the surface, and solids will settle out. you want the stuff in between the two.

if you are using 1/4" tubing, you'll get buildup sooner or later inside...like arteries clogging. keep this in mind, every 4 months or so, take the lines apart and give them a cleaning, or replace.

 

[ajcanale]

Nope. you're good to go. make sure the bottom tubing going from your top off reservoir to your sump is about an inch above the bottom of your res.

This is very important. You don't want the gunk getting in your system.