DIY Kalk reactor

[Capt_Cully]

I've done about 3 or 4 of these in the past. Now that my Ca reactor is back on line, I'm going to need this to combat decreased pH. But the bullet and bought a Litermeter pump. Was going to control it with my Apex but that's in one room and my water station is in another. I have an old Neptune AC Jr that has functioned as my ATO for many years. Going to use that to pump in fresh water. There's a siphon break on the fresh water supply line right at the top of the line, just inside the slid below the JG fitting. I drilled out both JG fittings so the 1/2 "in" line goes all the way to the bottom, so it mixes as it fills. The Effluent goes down to about the 2 Gallon Mark so as not to pick up any excess powder.

Just trying to figure out programming. I could fill/mix in the am but it needs to rest several hours before I can dose it. Then dose overnight as pH naturally dips anyway.

I'd like to dose throughout the day, but the ACJr can't handle that kind of complexity I don't think. Can't remember. If anyone is familiar with them, let me know. Is there a way to use the OSC mode between certain hours? Allowing mixed kalkwasser to settle for a few hours?

Thanks

 

[pascal32]

no idea on the ACJr.

I'm tired and not following - what goes to the tank? for the 3/8 or 1/2" line is that your fresh water supply to the bucket which goes to the 1/8" line powered by the liter meter?

two thoughts:
1) run an extension cord from the DC8 the same path as the 1/8" line for the kalk
2) run an extra 1/8" line the same path and put the liter meter by the tail
note that you should use port 4 or 8 on a DC8 as the other ones might not turn off with the lower poser draw of the liter meter - if you go that route and don't use #4 or #8 make sure to see if that has been working for folks.

if you go that route I can help you program the apex

also i have 2 extra kalk reactors if you would like a reactor

 

[Capt_Cully]

1/2" is Fresh DO into reactor. 3/8" is Kalkwasser out to the tank.

I'm going to start dosing it over night all in one shot when pH is at its lowest. I did consider running an extension to the Apex.

 

[victorcan]

:idea:The more I read these threads the more I realize I need an Apex System :headwally: LOL

 

[bigzman]

Wow great idea. Is the lid pressurized / sealed. I was wondering if I could do this with my gravity fed top off.

 

[Capt_Cully]

It's a pretty tight fit, but not air tight. The big PVC tower is a place to pour in scoops of Kalk powder. That's a good fit but not air tight.

 

[bigzman]

I wonder how one can make mix. Adding a pump? Thanks for sharing.

 

[Capt_Cully]

The pressure from the 1/2" feed line does the mixing. That 1/2" line actually runs through the John Guest fitting and goes to the bottom of the bucket where all the Kalk powder settles out. When it turns on, it blows it all back up into suspension.

There is a siphon break in the 1/2" line just inside the lid so the kalkwasser doesn't back flow into the RO reservoir.

 

[Willistein]

How much volume do you think you're dosing per day? I would think all at once may not be the best idea. Maybe do the mixing during the day, and dose throughout the night. Can't help ya with the AC Jr programming. I know the Apex could do it...

 

[Capt_Cully]

0.8 gallons into 140 gallon system.

Takes 25 minutes to dose if done all at once.

I can probably create a 2-3 HR interval then dose in smaller increments 4x a day. That would give me ample time to let fresh mixed kalkwasser to settle out.

 

[MarksReef]

I have an 18 Gallon container (i know bigger then yours) I mix my Kalk and let sit 1 hr is all, then the liter meter doses it 24/7 Total 1 gallon per day.
Im not sure if all others let it settle for several hours first, but I have heavy sludge because I never clean out the barrel (just add talk and h2o) and 1 hr is fine for me.

 

[Willistein]

I do the same thing Mark. They say you should only dose it when it's clear, but I've never had a problem if the mix looks a little milky when dosing. When I was battling dinoflagellates years ago, I would dump large amounts of kalk slurry directly into the sump with no ill effects. Well, other than pumps clogging up.

Cully, your plan sounds solid.