Kalk Reactor/Stirrer Recs?

Debbie64 · 01/19/2008, 10:07 PM

After reading just today about the issues now with dowflake, bromide and 2 part, etc., I'm now looking into replacing my 2 part dosing system with a kalk reactor. Since I use the AquaMedic ATO already, I was going to just go with the AquaMedic kalk reactor, but I haven't really seen any reviews of it.

I want a reactor/stirrer (is there a difference?) that will run in-line with my AquaMedic Niveaumat 3000 top off. Aren't many/most/some kalk reactor's designed to run inline with an ATO system?

Recs please and thank you!

Debbie

sjm817 · 01/19/2008, 10:13 PM

I prefer to just mix the Kalk in the topoff container, but if you want to use a reactor, I like the constant stir type like the Aquamedic.

jsf668 · 01/20/2008, 12:10 PM

I use a Geo Kalk Reactor and love it..I have used the one made by PM and prefer the Geo.

Hal · 01/20/2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debbie64
I want a reactor/stirrer (is there a difference?) that will run in-line with my AquaMedic Niveaumat 3000 top off. Aren't many/most/some kalk reactor's designed to run inline with an ATO system?

Debbie

There are generally two types of kalk reactors: 1) those that have a stir bar to mix the kalk with the water (e.g. stirrer) and 2) those that use a mixing pump. The stir bar is basically a horizontal bar resting on the bottom that rotates to create turbulence within the chamber. Some stir bars are magnetically linked with a motor, others are directly linked (i.e. mounted on the motor shaft. In contrast, the pump types suck water from within the chamber and pump it back into the chamber, usually towards the bottom of the chamber. This mixes the kalk.

Personally, I opted for a pump type because I had read several threads where the stir bar models had become jammed. Maybe that was due to particular manufacturer's design, maybe it's common among all stir bar brands. I don't know, and wasn't willing to take a chance.

I've only had a Geo, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I think it's good quality, and worth the money.

Auto topoff: yes, all kalk reactors should be able to be hooked up to your auto topoff. Just take the output of your topoff and feed it into the input of your reactor.

FVernese · 01/29/2008, 04:05 PM

I have a GEO Kalk reactor but not happy with it. The design is great but the pump is a small Maxijet which is undersize. It does not mix the Kalk very well. As a result the Kalk settles and builds up on the opposite side of the the pump return. I have to leave the pump on a lot and add Kalk often and/or stir it by hand. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Sk8r · 01/29/2008, 04:09 PM

Stir bars are a PITA. I gave up an expensive reactor and made my own in about 20 minutes and with parts on hand: I just elevated my ATO pump in the reservoir to keep it from sucking up any residue, and mixed kalk into the ATO reservoir: no fuss, no problems. Kalk doesn't have to be stirred very often at all: once ro/di saturates to the level of 2 level tsp per gallon, it stays in solution. The reason for a stirrer is when constant small amounts of ro/di are let in. If you just dump a lot of ro/di in once a week or so, it stirs up quite nicely and stays that way.

sjm817 · 01/29/2008, 06:19 PM

Thats not a reactor. Its a settled container with extra kalk in the bottom. Yes, you can use a container that way with more than 2 tsp/g for a reserve, but it only allows you to use a full strength mixture, which not everyone needs. If you have your pump high off the bottom without a pickup tube, it also reduces the size of your topoff.

Sk8r · 01/29/2008, 06:23 PM

True. I had a stirring pump in there, but decided I didn't need it, so I took it out. And indeed, less than 2 tsp per gallon will serve, too, esp in a very small tank: thanks for adding that point.

sjm817 · 01/29/2008, 06:39 PM

I've seen several people post that they just dump a lot into the reservoir instead of adding new kalk powder when they refill. Again, that is fine to do if that works better for you. I dont see the big deal of adding the kalk when you refill. It only adds a couple of seconds to the process. Either way, it is better than using a reactor.

I use 1 tsp/G and my tank is 180G, total volume ~ 250G. It depends on the type of inhabitants (demand) and the amount of water you evaporate. In my setup, ~ 3G/day.

01/19/2008, 10:07 PM	#1
Debbie64 Save a fish; eat a burger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Monterey Bay, CA Posts: 253	Kalk Reactor/Stirrer Recs? After reading just today about the issues now with dowflake, bromide and 2 part, etc., I'm now looking into replacing my 2 part dosing system with a kalk reactor. Since I use the AquaMedic ATO already, I was going to just go with the AquaMedic kalk reactor, but I haven't really seen any reviews of it. I want a reactor/stirrer (is there a difference?) that will run in-line with my AquaMedic Niveaumat 3000 top off. Aren't many/most/some kalk reactor's designed to run inline with an ATO system? Recs please and thank you! Debbie

01/19/2008, 10:13 PM	#2
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	I prefer to just mix the Kalk in the topoff container, but if you want to use a reactor, I like the constant stir type like the Aquamedic. __________________ - Scott

01/20/2008, 12:10 PM	#3
jsf668 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Gurnee, IL Posts: 401	I use a Geo Kalk Reactor and love it..I have used the one made by PM and prefer the Geo. __________________ All the great lessons of life are learned the hard way... Current Tank Info: 210g-50g Sump/Refugium, SWX Extreme 250 Skimmer, Geo Kalk and Calcium Reactor, 3 Vortech MPw40's

01/29/2008, 04:09 PM	#6
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Stir bars are a PITA. I gave up an expensive reactor and made my own in about 20 minutes and with parts on hand: I just elevated my ATO pump in the reservoir to keep it from sucking up any residue, and mixed kalk into the ATO reservoir: no fuss, no problems. Kalk doesn't have to be stirred very often at all: once ro/di saturates to the level of 2 level tsp per gallon, it stays in solution. The reason for a stirrer is when constant small amounts of ro/di are let in. If you just dump a lot of ro/di in once a week or so, it stirs up quite nicely and stays that way. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

01/29/2008, 06:19 PM	#7
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Thats not a reactor. Its a settled container with extra kalk in the bottom. Yes, you can use a container that way with more than 2 tsp/g for a reserve, but it only allows you to use a full strength mixture, which not everyone needs. If you have your pump high off the bottom without a pickup tube, it also reduces the size of your topoff. __________________ - Scott

01/29/2008, 04:05 PM	#5
FVernese Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Doylestown Posts: 102	I have a GEO Kalk reactor but not happy with it. The design is great but the pump is a small Maxijet which is undersize. It does not mix the Kalk very well. As a result the Kalk settles and builds up on the opposite side of the the pump return. I have to leave the pump on a lot and add Kalk often and/or stir it by hand. Any suggestions? Thanks

01/29/2008, 06:23 PM	#8
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	True. I had a stirring pump in there, but decided I didn't need it, so I took it out. And indeed, less than 2 tsp per gallon will serve, too, esp in a very small tank: thanks for adding that point. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

01/29/2008, 06:39 PM	#9
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	I've seen several people post that they just dump a lot into the reservoir instead of adding new kalk powder when they refill. Again, that is fine to do if that works better for you. I dont see the big deal of adding the kalk when you refill. It only adds a couple of seconds to the process. Either way, it is better than using a reactor. I use 1 tsp/G and my tank is 180G, total volume ~ 250G. It depends on the type of inhabitants (demand) and the amount of water you evaporate. In my setup, ~ 3G/day. __________________ - Scott