Kalk reactor and ato

[jfl14609]

Just wondering if anyone uses a setup like this. My main question is, I was told kalk needs to be dripped into a tank. So wouldn't a ato be putting it i too fast? also wouldn't you also be putting kalk in the tank based on precip rate (higher in the winter) rather than a consistent rate meaning you would have to modify dosing schedules alott?

 

[tropills]

I used Kalkwater for ATO's when I had my Big sump with the float valve.(cully has it now) I never really saw any ill effects using it like that rather then with the drip method.

 

[Tonynlo]

Just wondering if anyone uses a setup like this. My main question is, I was told kalk needs to be dripped into a tank. So wouldn't a ato be putting it i too fast? also wouldn't you also be putting kalk in the tank based on precip rate (higher in the winter) rather than a consistent rate meaning you would have to modify dosing schedules alott?

If your ATO is running correctly, the kalk will automatically be introduced extremely slow. If you have it set to only top off during a set period of time (ie overnight for a couple hours) I would reccommend an aqualifter type pump to run in 2-3 second intervals every 5-10 minutes until topped off. I believe the most controllers can accomplish this, though I have not tried it.

I feel dosing schedules are situational and should always be modified depending on tank needs whether it is pure RO water or any other type of additive.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I drip my topoff through a kalk reactor. This keeps the dosing rate constant and I don't need to rely on a float valve or switch for topoff water.

 

[tmz]

Personally. I use a still reservoir and preset the amount to be dosed (eg in my case 16 liters) . The litermeter dispenses that amount in 150 equal increments over 24 hours. Seasonal variances on the low side are made up with plain ro/di.

 

[StashuDave]

I have actually been running this type of top off for years.... The key is to have the proper pump. I use the Reef-Filler, a diaphragm dosing pump that only has a max output of 3 gallons per day. That way when my ATO turns on....it stays on for several minutes and only pumps out drips at a time. this allows for that slow steady drip that everyone always recommends, but does so in a controlled manner so you don't get a huge spike in your Ph.

As far as adjusting dosing schedules... I use Kalk for all top off and really only have to adjust my alkalinity periodically with buffer. I really like that it boosts Ph.. unlike CA reactors that tend to decrease an already low Ph.

Dave

 

[block head]

the tank i babysit has that set up. the kalk tube gets clogged. it's kind of pricey for something that's kinda sketchy and bulky.

 

[StashuDave]

Dang, mine never gets clogged. You've got to make sure it's not sucking right from the bottom of the container where the powder is...... Or better yet have it suck in only R/O water and have it push through a Kalkreactor. When I had it set up like that I didn't have 1 single issue, I actually want to get another Kalkreactor for that reason.
Dave

 

[tmz]

I was going to get a Reef Filler. Joe at SWP has used them for over ten years on a still reservoir without trouble. I found a good deal on the liter meter 3 which has worked fine gong on about 6 years now. Keep the input tube off the bottom and the output end out of the water and turn the pump ooff and let the kalk water settle for a couple of hours after mixing before turning it back on.

 

[jfl14609]

Clogging shouldnt be an issue for me as the pump would be in normal ro water and the kalk would be in a reactor