Kalk buildup in ATO???

[Cammed_02]

I hope I'm doing something wrong and there is a solution to the constant buildup of this kalk paste in my sump and float valve. I make kalk water in a 5 gallon water container, 2 teaspoons of kalk per gallon of RO water. I give a quick mix and let it sit for about 3 days for the buidup to precipitate out and settle at the bottom. After 3 days the water is still cloudy but not as bad as when mixed. I syphon out the water into my ATO container, carefull not to disturb or suck up any of the paste at the bottom.

I have a gravity fed ATO and after a day or two there is ALOT of kalk buildup at the surface of my sump and around my float valve. I try cleaning it every other day but once disturbed the paste sinks and builds up at the bottom of my sump near my return which in turn shoots some into the tank.

Where am I messing up?

Is there a DIY container that will allow me to bypass putting it in my ATO container an constantly drip kalk and minimize this buildup?

[Gseclipse02]

pics of your set up please

[Cammed_02]

2012-08-12 21_04_28.jpg2012-08-12 21_04_53.jpg2012-08-12 21_05_20.jpg

[Sherita]

My first suspicion would be not enough flow in the area where your ato is. Other than that, I'm not sure. I run an aqualifter with a remove float valve, so my kalkwasser drips directly into the bubble trap where there is plenty of flow. What I think is happening to you, is since there is a lack of flow, you are winding up with a saturated solution directly under/around your float valve, and precipitation is happening.

[Cammed_02]

So would a small powerhead in the ATO container prevent the buildup?

[Sherita]

Actually, a small powerhead in your return section would be my idea. Something to have more water movement to distribute the kalkwasser when your ato kicks on.

[Big_Pun]

yea I agree with Sherita, not enough flow in that area.

[Cammed_02]

Ill put a small PH in that chamber and see how that works.

[allan]

It may be too late, but it's been my experience that the outlet of the float should be over the water level. I forgot why I do that, but it works well for me. Maybe it was a snail creeping under it.

When I had my kalk gravity fed ATO, I had a lot of paste building up on the bottom. I even put a pump in there to constantly stir the mix. but I could never figure out how much to put in there.

Now it's two scoops in a quart container, vigorously shaken and deposited directly over the inlet to the return pump. Clouds the display for a few moments.

If I ever went back to an automatic system I would deposit it in the same location.

I put it all in there, I don't worry about the paste that develops at the bottom when it is allowed to settle.

I had dosed originally in the water in section of the sump (rubble rock), but decided that the ph swing in that area would be too extreme for the purpose intended in that area.