Need ideas, plans and pics for Kalk Reactor

[reefarchitect]

I would like to take a stab at a diy kalk reactor. I have only seen one on this board from countertopguy, I am considering duplicating his (with acrylic), but want to see any other options before I start buying materials. I would like to be able to fill it from the top without having to remove the entire top/flange. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I don't have very elaborate tools, but should be able to manage. If you have any advice regarding issues you faced during your build, please share that as well.

Thanks alot and wish me luck.

 

[orlenz]

Here is one I made, I used 4" I.D. acrylic tube, the bottom and top support are 1/4" acrylic, I glued it all together with weldon #4, and 16,
the tops are plastic test plugs I got at home depot, simple and easy to maintain/fill.

 

[Tagareef]

Here's one I made out of an old MTC ozone reactor and an Iwaki 30RLT:

KALK PULVERIZER

Overkill, I know...the parts were just laying around collecting dust, so I put them to good use!

The top does need to be removed to refill, but it only needs to be charged with kalk every 6 weeks. So go oversize if you can. It holds over 3 gallons and the Iwaki has no problem with 1 pound of kalk powder!

Luis

 

[GSerg2]

Here is the one I made with lots of ideas from others who came before me like Mr Bojangles and H20ENG.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=716691

 

[reefarchitect]

Thanks to those who have posted, are there any others out there?

 

[blfuller123]

Here is mine. Stole the idea from somewhere. It uses no stirrer and no pump and can be used with a float valve or (gravity fed) or with a dosing pump.

 

[coralguy1]

Easiest to fill Kalk reactor.
Buy a 1 1/2 or a 2 inch pvc union from local hardware store. Drill appropriatly sized hole in top of reactor. Glue the union assembly over the hole with weld on #40. Now glue a very short piece of pvc pipe into the top opening of union and top it off with a pvc plug or cap glued onto the pvc pipe.
With one quick spin of the union, you now have a nice 2 inch hole to dump in your kalkwasser without turning anything off!

 

[easttn]

Courtesy of H2O_ENG

 

[reefarchitect]

Coralguy, do you have any pics?

easttn, can I please have some specs? Do you have any issues with kalk building up in the corners?

Thanks to all that have posted and please keep sharing.

 

[AggieBrandon]

I'm thinking about making one and using a water resevoir with a small pump/powerhead to feed the reactor but I'm worried about it siphoning back into the resevoir. How do you guys have your reactor set up so it won't back siphon? John guest check valve or what??

B

 

[coralguy1]

reefarchitect,
I really wish I could and have, in fact, tried. I must admit to being computer impaired. When I try to post an image, Reef Central gallery limits me to 50K. My camera takes pics at 98 to 125K average on it smallest setting. I do not know how to change the size and therefore cannot seem to post them.

I do, however, have a good selection of pics I have taken tonight to show you exactly what I am talking about. I really can't imagine an easier, more reliable top for these.
If you want to pm me your email address, I can send them to you.

AggieBranden,
A John guest check valve should do the trick but I like to use a dosing pump to add that kalkwasser nice and slow. My AquaMedic SP3000 has been doing the job quite nicely. It comes with a check valve and I think you can get it around $80.

 

[spazz]

here is my kalk reactor.

 

[coralguy1]

Spazz,
So is the box on top a motor to spin the rod going down the center, connected to the spinning blade at the bottom?
The white fitting near the base of the box must be effluent out, leaving the large black tube to be freshwater in.

I don't get what the cup is for nor do I get the two valves.
Care to enlighten me?

 

[Tunjee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6489600#post6489600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blfuller123
Here is mine. Stole the idea from somewhere. It uses no stirrer and no pump and can be used with a float valve or (gravity fed) or with a dosing pump.

This seems like the easiest design. Do you really need a stirrer? Cant the filling action of the fresh water input create enough action to regenerate the mix? Maybe you could make one out of a home water filter from lowes.

 

[reefarchitect]

I considered the home water filter, but thought it might hold too little kalk. As for the no stirrer, I am using a small bladder pump for top off which generates only a small trickle. I didnt think that would be enough.

Thanks for all the imput thus far. There are some pretty diverse designs here and I am taking notes from all of them...

 

[reefarchitect]

I found some 6" acrylic pipe at a local shop, but it's only 1/8" thick. Should that be ok, or should I look for something thicker?

Thanks again.

 

[WarDaddy]

here is the one I made... Under $50

 

[GSerg2]

IMO, 1/8" is fine.

 

[coralguy1]

1/8 will be fine but use something thicker for the bottom. Go with 3/8 or at least 1/4 so it will last for years and years without the spinner wearing a hole in it. Also, if you are putting a flange on the top, go with 3/8 or it will be hard to seal because of flexing.