Is anybody using kalkwasser for topoff?

[sandalscout]

I'm currently dripping kalkwasser at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon, but I just started doing so. I am not sure that I'll be matching evaporation rates, especially with seasonal fluctuations, etc. I've been doing a bunch of reading on kalk reactors/stirrers, and I understand the basic principles behind them, but I want to simplify/cheapify the concepts. Instead of using a bunch of floats, pumps, etc in order to keep the kalkwasser perfectly saturated and mixed up, I'd like to simply mix up a gallon of the stuff every day or 2 or 3, and use it with an autotopoff system (like autotopoff.com, for example). Granted, I'll have to clean it out more often, and what not, but is there any reason this won't work?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[sandalscout]

Oh, I guess I should clarify, but the pump that I would plan to use with any ATO would be an aqualifter, 3GPH.

 

[foggy54]

I drip kalkwasser at the rate you mentioned, 1 gallon worth every 2-3days or so. I use a plastic gallon jug with a small air valve that comes with the maxijet power head.

For evaporation I have a float valve in the sump being feed from my rodi unit.

You will have to add kalkwasser as determined by you coral load, or to replace what has been used.

Many people have had problems by auto topoffs adding to much if something miss que's. This is why I drip a gallon at a time, keep it simple , is my motto.lol

It's my opinion that top off and the addition of calcium should be seperate systems. jmo

 

[sandalscout]

Thanks for the input John, I think that with the size of my tank, half a gallon or so every couple of days. I think that I will keep the 2 seperate, I'm just having a HECK of a time adjusting the drip rate, it starts off decent and then slows WAY down, overnight I only got out about 1/4 cup or so. I know Jannie (sorry if I spelled that wrong) was dripping using I/V valves, I might have to call in a favor with some old coworkers at the hospital.

Thanks!

 

[waynesworld]

Go to walmart and get the Mrs wedges pickling lime it is only $2 for 16oz and is the same as Kalk

 

[sandalscout]

Yeah, that's what I'm dosing, it was like $2.65 at kroger.

 

[fishyfan2]

I'm still using the IV regulator for my TO. I've added a 4 gal container above my system that contains a float-valve. This is fed from the RODI in the garage. I put an on/off valve on the feed line to the 4gal and I'm hoping to experiment with the kalk (Lime-thanks for the tim John!) as soon as I can pick some up. I was dripping OC reef calcium but it was too expensive and I was going broke trying to keep the levels up.

 

[sandalscout]

I began looking for IV Regulators after you mentioned this at the last meeting, and can't find any locally, but I have some friends from my hospital days still, I might call in some favors!