Osmolator metering pump and kalk

[smp]

I am new to the osmolator, I have had mine installed for about a week and LOVE IT!
One of the best investments for my tank yet.

I used to use a DIY floatswitch/MJ400 job for top off duty and I had the MJ400 sitting in a tub of limewater. Now, I'm wondering if I can use the metering pump the same way?

I'm sure it's not recommended but I don't really want to invest in a reactor or a doser as i fear the doser won't hold enough kalk and I will have to continuously add more kalk to it.
I do not mind replacing the metering pump at given intervals so long as it's not monthly.

Also, I'm thinking I would make a rack for the pump to stand on so it's not sitting in kalk paste, but rather, just pumping the solution.

Thanks!

edit: also, I'm in Canada, would any of the Tunze dealers around here be able to get me replacement pumps? Roughly how much do they cost?

 

[rvitko]

The pumps cost about $20, they should not be too hard to get, it is part 5000.02. As long as it is not sitting in the paste the pump should last about 6-12 months in this use.

 

[jag1979]

what about the kalk dispenser that goes w/ the osmolator? Its $97 I think, would that be a better investment, rather than replacing the pump more often?

how much powder does the dispenser hold? how many gallons of limewater can pass through b/f refil?

 

[rvitko]

The dispenser can hold up to 6 tsps. This should be enough for about 7 gals of solution. I prefer the calcium dispenser as the pumps should last longer and I think it is safer.