Kalk Reactor

[JeffCo]

Just want to give a Big Thanks to Jim D. I won his kalk reactor at the last meeting. After he gave me some great info on how to set it up. My tank loves this monster. Mixes and Doses my kalk perfectly!

[R_S_C]

I am thinking about setting up one and would love some pictures and descriptions...

[JeffCo]

I can take some pics of the outside of it, But JimD is the expert. He made the one I have.

[alexwolf]

hey i want a Kalk reactor!

[Henry]

Yup He also made mine, but I just getting around to setting it up. I too won mine at a meeting. Are you using a peristaltic pump or powerhead to run water thru it?

[Jimnorris]

I also am using a JimD kalkreactor. It works great!
Jim

[JeffCo]

Actually I'm using an air pump. I didn't have a peristaltic pump so I rigged it up as Jim explained it to me with an air pump. I'll copy his instructions on the next post.

[JeffCo]

well, I erased his instructions already, but basically you get a 5 gallon water jug and a rubber stopper that will fit on the top of it. Then stick 1 riged airline tube through the rubber stopper all the way to the bottom of the jug. Get one more rigged airline tubing and only stick it about 2 inches into the jug. Secure the stopper onto the top of the jug. Then attach the tubing coming from the air pump into the shorter riged tubing. Then connect the longer rigid tubing into the input of the kalk reactor. I have the air pump connected to a float switch to come on and act as a auto top off system. I had to add a check vavle to the tubing from the jug to the reactor because the kalk water was draining back into my jug of di/ro water. I went to petsmart and purchased a 3 dollar plastic check valve by tetra and it has worked great with very little expense.

[JimD]

Very cool!
Im happy to hear you guys are getting good results from these reactors. And Jeff, youre quite welcome. One important note,,,,,,, keep an eye on your Ph! Especially in smaller systems, as the reactor doses, the Ph will want to rise, if it rises to an unacceptable level, buffer your tank water with distilled white vinegar a tablespoon at a time untill the Ph drops to the correct level, (8.0-8.3) Its best to mix right after lights off so the reactor doses a more saturated effluent at night when the Ph is naturally lower....
Thanks for the great feedback!
Jim

[Henry]

What pump are you using as a mixing pump? I was thinking of using a Maxi-jet or small ehiem pump, what do you recommend?

Henry

[ratboy]

I made my own Kalk reactor and bought a lab stir plate and magnetic stir bar to mix my Kalk. It mixes as well as a pump, wont ever clog or leak since there are no holes in the reactor. I paid about 30$ for a used one on ebay. Since adding a reactor to my tank Ive seen noticable improvements in the growth of my corals.

[JimD]

Henry, I suggest a Maxi Jet 1200. Just make sure the rubber O ring on the pump forms a nice tight seal. Jim N. and Tim are using Mag three's I think with equal success. And if you use ESV kalk exclusively, your pump will last indefinately. Ive been using ESV and the same Maxi 1200 for over a year, I took it apart to clean it recently and the pump looked brand new. I dont recommend using pickling lime or the like in these types of reactors.
Jim

[Tim Marvin]

Yeh, I had problems with the maxi jets leaking. Explain that one to an irritated wife.

[GaryP]

Tim,

Just explain to your wife that's called that a hazardous waste spill. I hope that helps.

Gary

[Henry]

Yeah I just hooked up my maxi-jet 1200, and sure enough leaks galore. nothing that a little silicone cant fix.

[Bbristow]

Hey Jim, Are there any plans posted on the site so that I can build one of your kalkreactors? If not how can I get my hands on one?

Thanks,
Brandon :lol:

[R.Allard]

Hey Jim will my kalk reactor be ready for the meeting??? :-D :-D
Robert

[JimD]

Robert, so far it looks like a go for the meeting, (austinreefer, Ill have your custom job there as well) I have a few people interested so I may bring some spares.
Bbristow, I dont have plans available to the public yet, as its a closely guarded secret only disclosed to top armed forces officials a few MAAST members and of course, Guido and his family. If you would like one, be at the meeting and Ill hook ya up.