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Attn: Prec. Marine Kalk reactor users: could use some advice

B

boontonbob

So I finally got around to setting up my kalk reactor and auto top off from a group buy today and freaked myself out when I started thinking about the amount of kalkwater that would be running into my sump in one swoop. Can I get some advice?

I think the ATO.com doulble switch top off unit puts somewhere between one and two quarts of kalkwater into my sump each time the switch opens up. (I guess I should test, now that I think about it) The area in my sump that the top off runs into (and the top off switch is in) is about 12"x14". This seems like a lot of kalkwater in less then an hour or so. I am spooked about the potential of a big spike after a fresh batch of kalk is added.

If I was to follow the directions on the PM reactor, it suggests starting with two cups of kalk. Is that A LOT or what? How much does everyone else use? So I started with one cup, but then when I saw how quickly the aqualifter pump pulls water out of my reservior and into the reactor, I am thinking this is still too much. I used to drip kalk for a couple years using a manual set up that did 25-30 drips a minute and I still got spikes from that.

I'm wondering - do I need to throw a timer on the soleniod switch to only the kalk top off for an hour or two in the morning?

Any advice is appreciated!
Thx, Bob
 
B

boontonbob

I looked into this further and can provide more info. I am still wondering about the way the exchange is working, especially the switch & solenoid and this not much directions on it.

I see the switch is triggering the solenoid to open and shut two to three times a minute. I guess it makes sense since the objective is to inject only small amounts of kalk water at a time, but then again it seems like a lot of stress on the solenoid and aqualifter to click on and off up to six times a minute. Is something faulty or is this how these solenoids work.

I know a lot of NJ reefers use this solenoid, so hopefully someone can provide a link or something.
Thanks
 
B

Bruce K

I would think you could use a valve after the solenoid to set the flow to one drip per second for example. Then you could turn the solenoid on for longer periods. At night you could drip for two hours, stir for a couple minutes, settle for an hour, then drip for another two hours.
 
B

boontonbob

Thanks Bruce. I will add a valve. Will the back pressure on the aqualifter cause any issues? (if this is your RO supply method) If not, these pumps are pretty amazing for the $10 price. That makes me nervous in and of itself!

I can add one other thing. Once I slowed myself down for a change and monitored the solenoid action, I am pretty sure the switch being tripper every 20 seconds is due to surge in my sump (dah! ::)) I will work on that next before letting it run on autopilot.

It still drips much faste then I prefer. I would much rather slow the rate of the kalk drip then reduce the kalk water concentration. Less kalk mixing and less stress on the solenoid.
I'll have to seek out JohnS' opinion as I know he uses this set up
Thanks again
 
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