One last question about Kalk Drip...

[Horace]

So I went out and bought a tub (17g) and got all the parts to get this thing ready to go accept I am not 100% sure on how I want to drip yet. I am not sure if I should put the outlet a couple inches from the bottom and just allow it to gravity feed (tub is located above the tank), or if I should use a siphon type of a delivery out of the top of the bucket to avoid getting kalk particles into the tank. Am I just being paranoid here about the kalk particles? Will keeping the outlet off the bottom be sufficient? Thx guys!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Keeping the outlet a little off the bottom is sufficient. Mine sits right down near the bottom. A few particles is not a concern. I'm not sure what you mean by a siphon.

 

[Horace]

I was considering having the IV line go over the top of the bucket, instead of installing an outlet near the bottom of the tub. I figured I could get the siphon going to start the drip and it should keep going indefinatly. But the more I think about it, the less I like the idea. I think I will just put an outlet 2" or so off the bottom. Now I just have to figure out how to connect an IV line to some sort of barb or nipple. Otherwise I will have to use some RO line with a ball valve to control the drip. Thx Randy!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use over the top, but I use a pump. Without a pump, I'd hook through the bucket, if possible, so you need not worry about starting or breaking the siphon.

 

[ReefDiver]

Hi Horace: I know people that have had good results with a dosing pump that slow drips the Kalk & also has a shut off valve that you can get with it. You can find this pump at www.reefdosingpumps.com or at www.marinedepot.com. I really think that this is a safe way to go. BTW, this pump also has a "darkness sensor" that only allows the unit to come on when the tank lights go out. Very clever indeed. Anyway, hope that helps. BTW, I am not pushing any one product & there are many other pumps that you can use & that will get the job done. I think that Randy even mentioned one in one of these threads. Good luck with it.

Steve

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use a Reef Filler pump to dose limewater. Noisy, but mine is in the basement, and the noise let's me know it is working .

 

[Casperson]

I just use a plastic gallon milk jug with air line tubing, tie a knot in the end that enters my sump, start a siphon and drip away. When the lights are out. Of couse I have a small 55 gal that doesn't evaportate much water. Not even a 1/2 gal a day.

Tom C.

 

[LivingTropicals]

I use the LM3 and couldn't happier with it.

 

[Horace]

Hmmm I wasnt planning on only dripping during the lights out hours, that would be a pretty big PITA to rig up something to do that. Unfortunatly at this point I am going the super cheap route and wont be using a pump, but rely on gravity. I just dont have the cash for one right now .

 

[brc0488]

man i evap so much water outta my 55 i feel like im putting 2 gallons every time i turn around....damn small sumps

 

[Croman]

I have two containers for dripping Kalk. One 5 gallon bucket to mix the kalk with RO/DI water and another for dripping into my tank nightly. Works great and no debris. Will post pictures later. The 5 gallon bucket I did a diy spout.

 

[Croman]

Here are the pics of my setup used to Drip the Kalk.
The home depot bucket is used for mixing the Kalk. While the food grade juice container is for dripping in daily. The bucket will last me a week's worth of kalk.

 

[Horace]

The only thing I dont get is why are you using a float valve inside your mixing bucket?? Did you just gut the thing? It seems kinf of an expensive way to build a bulkhead if thats all its being used for. Do you mix the kalk in the big bucket and just refill the smaller one every day???

 

[Croman]

I had the float lying around so I gutted it and used that. As for the mixing I do it in the bucket and fill the container because I have no sump.

 

[Croman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6465749#post6465749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Horace
The only thing I dont get is why are you using a float valve inside your mixing bucket?? Did you just gut the thing? It seems kinf of an expensive way to build a bulkhead if thats all its being used for. Do you mix the kalk in the big bucket and just refill the smaller one every day???

Yes I refill the smaller daily and drip at nite when the lights go out.

 

[boxfishpooalot]

Croman, where did you get the "bulk head" for the hole in the bucket? Also whats it called?

Thanks Box

 

[Croman]

It is a gutted Toilet Fill Valve. See Above pics.