Two Little Fishies Kalk Reactor

smalltime · 11/21/2010, 10:17 AM

Two Little Fishies KW Reactor 300 (Kalkwasser Reactor)

Has anybody used this reactor yet?

Please give pros and cons

lighthouze08 · 12/02/2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smalltime

Two Little Fishies KW Reactor 300 (Kalkwasser Reactor)

Has anybody used this reactor yet?

Please give pros and cons

just ordered one, i'll let you know how it is once i get it in.

lighthouze08 · 12/09/2010, 10:38 AM

It arrived last night, i hooked it up and it's working fine, quite well actually. The float valve included with the reactor sucks, water still sucking out of the reactor back to the reservoir so i'm planning on finding a fix for this. The stirrer is great, it vibrates when the pump is on causing the tube to mix up the kalk at the bottom of the reactor

nanojg · 01/11/2011, 04:09 PM

Any updates or other reviews?

CH · 01/25/2011, 01:26 PM

Also curious on any updates or feedback on this. I am wanting to buy one, but want to make sure first. If anything, I'm sure it's better than manually dosing, as I do now.

nanojg · 01/25/2011, 02:01 PM

I just installed it last week. I really like it a lot. I'm using an mj1200 for the pump. Works great, mixes the kalk well and only clear water leaves the reactor. Only problem is the sprinkler does clog, I guess it lasted about 4-5 days before it clogged. It still works but doent mix the kalk as well (probably resutling in less saturation). However, it is very easy to clean, even while its still full of kalkwater. Just unscrew the lid pull the tube with sprinkler out and run in under water for a couple seconds, put it back in and problem solved. Not too bad to do once a week.

d0ughb0y · 01/25/2011, 02:07 PM

can someone please post picture of the stirrer mechanism and describe how it works?

thanks.

nanojg · 01/25/2011, 02:16 PM

Dont have a picture, but a 1/2" tube connects to the ato pump to the reactor. The reacotr reduces the tube to probabaly 1/8" at the top of the reactor. This 1/8" tube goes down to almost the bottom of the reactor and connects to a "sprinkler". The force of water spins the sprinkler around mixing the kalk. It really works well when not clogged.

d0ughb0y · 01/25/2011, 02:27 PM

thanks. I still cannot picture it.
does the 1/8" tube go down below the level of the kalk powder?
so the water pressure actually rotates a spray bar at the bottom of the reactor?

when I had a kalk stirrer, the motor can barely stir the kalk at the bottom. you know it becomes more sticky when kalk powder gets wet, so it seems a lot of force is needed to turn the stir bar at the bottom.

nanojg · 01/25/2011, 02:36 PM

I'll try and remember to take a pick next time I clean it.

The sprinkler goes down to about 1/2" off the bottom of the reactor. Yes, the water pressure rotates the sprinkler. It stirs it very well. I put a cup of kalk in originally. When it stirs it looks like the bottom 1/4 of the reactor is milky and clear for the most part on top, where the water goes into the tank.

I guess the bottom of the sprinkler does sit in the kalk powder.

nanojg · 01/25/2011, 02:44 PM

http://************.com/2010/05/22/s...-reactor-300/#

oops

reef builders . com / 2010 / 05 / 22 / sprung - reactor - julian - walks - kw - reactor - 300 / #

d0ughb0y · 01/25/2011, 03:19 PM

nice, thanks.
I like Julian Sprung, he has made great contributions to this hobby.

CH · 01/25/2011, 03:59 PM

I read a review, I believe on Marine Depot, that putting the full recomended cup of kalk in caused it to clog, but putting in half worked better? I don't know, as I don't have one yet, but maybe worth experimenting a bit. Although, cleaning it as you describe is not an issue at all, just a few minutes here and there.

a.browning · 01/26/2011, 08:57 PM

I was thinking of trying out this reactor, but it's sounding like the Tunze ATO pump would not be sufficient to run this.

dmatt56 · 03/13/2011, 10:38 AM

Has anyone used the TLF KW Reactor 300 with a Tunze ATO? Thoughts and opinions?

lordofthereef · 08/24/2011, 03:43 PM

Resurrecting this thread. Anyone use this with a Tunze Osmolator? Currently a much better price and looks like it mixes nicer than Tunze's answer.

psteeleb · 08/24/2011, 04:24 PM

Has anyone used the TLF KW Reactor 300 with a Tunze ATO? Thoughts and opinions?

I would say it wont work as this reactor requires a higher flow 200 - 300 gal/hr but low pressure pump, not a low flow pump typically used for an ATO
the Tunze is only 13.74gph at 3 ft

here is a flow test I did with it

also don't put more then a cup of kalc powder in the reactor (per directions) or the mixing head will get clogged, other wise it's a great kalc reactor for the money

here it is in place being used

lordofthereef · 08/24/2011, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the informative vids. Those are always more helpful than descriptions! Looks like this won't work for my application. Too bad.

Reef Reaper · 03/23/2015, 05:13 PM

Any updated info?

alemone · 03/20/2016, 06:03 AM

What is the smallest pump that people had success with?

Harry_Y · 03/20/2016, 09:18 AM

I used to run one inline with my top off on a MJ-600
It works good but put to not put a lot of lime in (powder) at a time

I run a 180 and it was a bit small for my tank so I went to a CA reactor

ca1ore · 03/20/2016, 10:19 AM

I used one, and gave up on it pretty quickly in favor of a unit with a rotating mixing bar. Mine was always clogging up. Perhaps a pump with higher pressure would work better. It's a clever idea, certainly; just didn't work reliably for me.

alemone · 03/20/2016, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

I used one, and gave up on it pretty quickly in favor of a unit with a rotating mixing bar. Mine was always clogging up. Perhaps a pump with higher pressure would work better. It's a clever idea, certainly; just didn't work reliably for me.

What pump did you use?

clearaquariums · 03/20/2016, 09:35 PM

tried one but clogged alot and just gave up

11/21/2010, 10:17 AM	#1
smalltime Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 724	Two Little Fishies Kalk Reactor Two Little Fishies KW Reactor 300 (Kalkwasser Reactor) Has anybody used this reactor yet? Please give pros and cons

12/09/2010, 10:38 AM	#3
lighthouze08 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: VA Posts: 843	It arrived last night, i hooked it up and it's working fine, quite well actually. The float valve included with the reactor sucks, water still sucking out of the reactor back to the reservoir so i'm planning on finding a fix for this. The stirrer is great, it vibrates when the pump is on causing the tube to mix up the kalk at the bottom of the reactor __________________ _____________

01/25/2011, 01:26 PM	#5
CH Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Omaha Posts: 850	Also curious on any updates or feedback on this. I am wanting to buy one, but want to make sure first. If anything, I'm sure it's better than manually dosing, as I do now. __________________ Chris Holmes Current Tank Info: My current algae farm is 75 Gallon reef + 40 gal sump + 29 gal refugium

01/25/2011, 03:59 PM	#13
CH Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Omaha Posts: 850	I read a review, I believe on Marine Depot, that putting the full recomended cup of kalk in caused it to clog, but putting in half worked better? I don't know, as I don't have one yet, but maybe worth experimenting a bit. Although, cleaning it as you describe is not an issue at all, just a few minutes here and there. __________________ Chris Holmes Current Tank Info: My current algae farm is 75 Gallon reef + 40 gal sump + 29 gal refugium

01/26/2011, 08:57 PM	#14
a.browning Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 975	I was thinking of trying out this reactor, but it's sounding like the Tunze ATO pump would not be sufficient to run this. __________________ 75 SPS, 80 & 45 Frag Tank, 40B Leather Tank

01/11/2011, 04:09 PM	#4
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	Any updates or other reviews?

01/25/2011, 02:01 PM	#6
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	I just installed it last week. I really like it a lot. I'm using an mj1200 for the pump. Works great, mixes the kalk well and only clear water leaves the reactor. Only problem is the sprinkler does clog, I guess it lasted about 4-5 days before it clogged. It still works but doent mix the kalk as well (probably resutling in less saturation). However, it is very easy to clean, even while its still full of kalkwater. Just unscrew the lid pull the tube with sprinkler out and run in under water for a couple seconds, put it back in and problem solved. Not too bad to do once a week.

01/25/2011, 02:07 PM	#7
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	can someone please post picture of the stirrer mechanism and describe how it works? thanks.

01/25/2011, 02:16 PM	#8
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	Dont have a picture, but a 1/2" tube connects to the ato pump to the reactor. The reacotr reduces the tube to probabaly 1/8" at the top of the reactor. This 1/8" tube goes down to almost the bottom of the reactor and connects to a "sprinkler". The force of water spins the sprinkler around mixing the kalk. It really works well when not clogged.

01/25/2011, 02:27 PM	#9
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	thanks. I still cannot picture it. does the 1/8" tube go down below the level of the kalk powder? so the water pressure actually rotates a spray bar at the bottom of the reactor? when I had a kalk stirrer, the motor can barely stir the kalk at the bottom. you know it becomes more sticky when kalk powder gets wet, so it seems a lot of force is needed to turn the stir bar at the bottom.

01/25/2011, 02:36 PM	#10
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	I'll try and remember to take a pick next time I clean it. The sprinkler goes down to about 1/2" off the bottom of the reactor. Yes, the water pressure rotates the sprinkler. It stirs it very well. I put a cup of kalk in originally. When it stirs it looks like the bottom 1/4 of the reactor is milky and clear for the most part on top, where the water goes into the tank. I guess the bottom of the sprinkler does sit in the kalk powder.

01/25/2011, 02:44 PM	#11
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	http://************.com/2010/05/22/s...-reactor-300/# oops reef builders . com / 2010 / 05 / 22 / sprung - reactor - julian - walks - kw - reactor - 300 / #

01/25/2011, 03:19 PM	#12
d0ughb0y Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: sf bay area Posts: 5,165	nice, thanks. I like Julian Sprung, he has made great contributions to this hobby.

03/13/2011, 10:38 AM	#15
dmatt56 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 73	Has anyone used the TLF KW Reactor 300 with a Tunze ATO? Thoughts and opinions?

08/24/2011, 03:43 PM	#16
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Resurrecting this thread. Anyone use this with a Tunze Osmolator? Currently a much better price and looks like it mixes nicer than Tunze's answer. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

08/24/2011, 04:24 PM	#17
psteeleb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 5,249	Has anyone used the TLF KW Reactor 300 with a Tunze ATO? Thoughts and opinions? I would say it wont work as this reactor requires a higher flow 200 - 300 gal/hr but low pressure pump, not a low flow pump typically used for an ATO the Tunze is only 13.74gph at 3 ft here is a flow test I did with it also don't put more then a cup of kalc powder in the reactor (per directions) or the mixing head will get clogged, other wise it's a great kalc reactor for the money here it is in place being used __________________ A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner Current Tank Info: 110g Mixed Reef, LED's & T5's Last edited by psteeleb; 08/24/2011 at 04:41 PM.

08/24/2011, 07:18 PM	#18
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Thanks for the informative vids. Those are always more helpful than descriptions! Looks like this won't work for my application. Too bad. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

03/23/2015, 05:13 PM	#19
Reef Reaper Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 34	Any updated info?

03/20/2016, 06:03 AM	#20
alemone Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 226	What is the smallest pump that people had success with?

03/20/2016, 09:18 AM	#21
Harry_Y Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY Posts: 454	I used to run one inline with my top off on a MJ-600 It works good but put to not put a lot of lime in (powder) at a time I run a 180 and it was a bit small for my tank so I went to a CA reactor __________________ . 180 Gallon Reef with Basement Sump, Apex Controller, Hamilton Cebu Sun Light, Lifereef Skimmer and Calcium Reactor.

03/20/2016, 10:19 AM	#22
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I used one, and gave up on it pretty quickly in favor of a unit with a rotating mixing bar. Mine was always clogging up. Perhaps a pump with higher pressure would work better. It's a clever idea, certainly; just didn't work reliably for me. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

03/20/2016, 09:35 PM	#24
clearaquariums Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 59	tried one but clogged alot and just gave up

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