Small kalkwasser reactor suggestions.

I have began my search for a small kalkwasser reactor for a 72 gal setup. I have a apex lite that will be controlling the reactor. I would like to get some suggestions on what unit to look at.

 

Don't know if you're into DIY but this one looks fairly simple to build. Of course with something like this the cost of a manufactured one would probably be the same as DIY.

DIY Kalkwasser Reactor

 

I am tagging along here.
I have a Tunze kalk reactor and it is a simple thing with an inlet in the bottom and outlet at top and is hooked up to my ato.

My problem with it is that it only works best for a couple days, then the kalk collects on the side opposite the inlet and starts to cake.

I would prefer something that mixes occasionally.

I do this manually now by turning it upside and shaking it a bit.

Then after a few days I dump it and add a new couple teaspoons and water.

I have thought about mod'ing the inlet to disperse better but I am not sure how to do that yet... so I am all ears on other options here...

matt

 

This is my mixer and it doesn't get much more simple than this.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/6-gallon-bucket-ato-kalk-mixer-88985.html

I have made one mod to it since install. It took me a couple days to figuire out the amount of Ms. Wages to put in the container and I had to dose 2 part one time. But since the mod to my plan and getting it figuired out my dkh, calcium and sg have stayed constant. One more week of daily testing and I will post the first round of results to the thread.

 

I use one of these AVAST Marine Works - K1 Kalk Stirrer - Product Details with an osmolator. It has worked great now going on two years. I like that there are no pumps or timers to mess with, I just add some kalk every few weeks.

 

That looks interesting. How do you have your tunze hooked up to it? That is the same ATO I have...

#reefmonkey - nice work there!

 

I have the tunze pump in my ro/di reservoir and when the sensor in the sump kicks the pump on it pumps the ro/di into the kalkstirrer which then overflows fresh clear kalkwasser into the sump until the pump shuts off. I hear about people mixing and dripping kalk, and messing with timers and pumps etc. all the time and wonder why they make it so hard, I literally never have to touch the thing "knock on wood" except to add kalk every 3 weeks or so.

 

Cool. I will take another look at this soon. Thanks for info.

 

No problem

 

Two little fishies will be coming out with a new reactor, the kw reactor 300. Should take a look at it. Reef Builders has it on their blog.