Need advise on DYI kalk reactor

[pgolnick]

Before I put this together, I would like some feed back on if it will work or any problems with my plan.
I have a 4qt container with a comboscrew-top/flip-top lid. This should make it nice to clean and add kalk. I want to place a MJ 600 inside the container for mixing the kalk 4-8 times a day. There is plenty of room to get it inside and I'll attach it with zip ties. I'll put a hole in or near the top for fresh ro water and another hole a few inches down with a quick connect fixture for the outlet.
Most kalk reactors I have seen have the pump on the outside. If I put it on the inside where only the impeller is in the water, I think that should protect the pump from most of the kalk. This will also help prevent and leaking since it is contained.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Phil

 

[Aadler]

picture?

 

[pgolnick]

I wanted to get an idea if it would work before I start putting it together.
phil

 

[vietcu]

If I am visualizing this correctly Phil, you will get sloshing of the water surface when the pump turns on. Imo, that would make the pump fail a lot faster due to the hardening of the kalk on the impeller. Just a thought.

 

[Tswifty]

Hey Phil, If the container is open to the air... meaning just a lid... not airtight, then you do not want to stir the kalk.

If it has an airtight seal, then stirring is necessary.

 

[Gary Briggs]

don't forget - if you have air inside the container - the kalk will come out of solution and be worthless.

 

[scottfarcuz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15187748#post15187748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Briggs
don't forget - if you have air inside the container - the kalk will come out of solution and be worthless.

I don't think that is true. I do know at one point years ago your statement was considered fact.

Randy has an article on just this topic

The Degradation of Limewater (Kalkwasser) in Air
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-0...ture/index.htm

Summary:

Limewater can lose potency by reacting with carbon dioxide in the air, forming insoluble calcium carbonate. Since calcium carbonate is not an effective supplement of calcium and alkalinity in reef aquaria, the limewater can become less useful through this process. The rate at which this happens in large containers, such as plastic trashcans with loose fitting lids, is much less than many aquarists expect. There is, in fact, little degradation under typical use conditions. Consequently, the dosing of limewater from such large still reservoirs can be just as effective as dosing using any other scheme, and may have substantial advantages. These advantages include simplicity of the system and the ability to use organic acids such as vinegar to boost the potency. The use of a reactor to dose limewater has the advantage of requiring less space, but does not have the oft-stated advantage of eliminating degradation by atmospheric carbon dioxide that is reported to plague delivery from reservoirs.

 

[joe22883]

anyone add vinegar to their kalk?

 

[vietcu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15187748#post15187748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Briggs
don't forget - if you have air inside the container - the kalk will come out of solution and be worthless.

I use a 5g bucket to add my kalk via top off. I have been doing this since Jan and have a very good success rate at keeping my alk and calc at a constant level. My 5g bucket is nowhere close to being air tight, so IME the solution isn't worthless.

 

[DEERE G]

I know many people using Mrs. Wages in a top off vessel.(not sealed) Seems to work fine.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15187748#post15187748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Briggs
don't forget - if you have air inside the container - the kalk will come out of solution and be worthless.

Not true... it's called a "still reservoir"

A lot of people dose kalk via this method. I personally dosed in this fashion for around a year.