This is a cool little Kalkwasser doser that works with your top off to dose Kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide). I first saw the idea on RC in the http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=938048&perpage=25&pagenumber=2">DIY kalk reactor idea </a>thread. Kudos to [B]JustOneMoreTank[/B] for the great pics and explanation.
Here is a pic of how I setup mine
[IMG]http://samsreef.com/images/zoom/MDLEVI/diy-kalk.jpg alt="" />
The Kalk doser works by pumping RO water through the bottom of small holes in a tube inside the filter. The water rises up through the Kalk and mixes it each time water is pumped through. RO water can be supplied from a top off bucket with a float switch activating a feed pump or from your RO filter with a float valve. This design works best as part of evaporation makeup but could likely be adapted for use with a pH controller for more aggressive dosing on larger reefs. You can also run this system with a continuous drip by gravity feed for a constant supply of calcium.
Here is the parts list and a best estimate on the prices.
Reactor Parts
GE Smartwater Household Filter GXWH20F $30.00
1/4 Pex Pipe $2.00
(2) 3/4 x 1/2 Reducing Bushing MIP $1.30
(2) 1/2 MIP x 1/4 Speed Fitting $5.00
1/4 Inline Valve $6.50
10' 1/4 OD Vinyl tubing $2.00
ATO Parts
JBJ ATO $85.00
Aqua Lifter Pump $10.00
5G Bucket (Free - extra salt bucket will do)
Timer $7.00
Total: $148.80
Here is a pic of how I setup mine
[IMG]http://samsreef.com/images/zoom/MDLEVI/diy-kalk.jpg alt="" />
The Kalk doser works by pumping RO water through the bottom of small holes in a tube inside the filter. The water rises up through the Kalk and mixes it each time water is pumped through. RO water can be supplied from a top off bucket with a float switch activating a feed pump or from your RO filter with a float valve. This design works best as part of evaporation makeup but could likely be adapted for use with a pH controller for more aggressive dosing on larger reefs. You can also run this system with a continuous drip by gravity feed for a constant supply of calcium.
Here is the parts list and a best estimate on the prices.
Reactor Parts
GE Smartwater Household Filter GXWH20F $30.00
1/4 Pex Pipe $2.00
(2) 3/4 x 1/2 Reducing Bushing MIP $1.30
(2) 1/2 MIP x 1/4 Speed Fitting $5.00
1/4 Inline Valve $6.50
10' 1/4 OD Vinyl tubing $2.00
ATO Parts
JBJ ATO $85.00
Aqua Lifter Pump $10.00
5G Bucket (Free - extra salt bucket will do)
Timer $7.00
Total: $148.80
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