So after recently seeing this thread (http://atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1989&highlight=kalk+reactor">http://atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1989&highlight=kalk+reactor</a>), I decided to try my hand a making one:
[B]Supplies:[/B]
[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z423/7bkb7/DIY%20Kalk%20reactor/kalk001.jpg alt="" />
Reactor Parts
GE Smartwater Household Filter $40.00
3/8 Pex Pipe $2.00 (1/4" was too small</em>)
(2) 3/4 x 1/2 Reducing Bushing MIP $1.30
(2) 1/2 MIP x 1/4 Speed Fitting $5.00
I already had a reservoir that was used to top off premixed kalkwasser with a maxijet pumping water to a float valve in my sump, so this reactor was just going to be plumbed in line. I also didn't need the inline valve, as I was using a float valve and not a timed dose (the valve would be used to dial down the force of water coming into the reactor if a timer was used and thus water pump was being turned off/on)
Here, I used a little bit of plumbers tape to get a tight fit with the pipe...
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The reactor in action...
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The RO water is fed on the "output" side of the filter so that it goes down the pipe into the slurry and then the kalkwasser exits the "in" side going to the float valve. Sure, every couple of days I'll swirl the reactor to make sure the slurry is suspended, but it appears to be working pretty well.
I'm happy to have my QT tank back and not having to premix Kalkwasser before adding to the reservoir. Plus, if I know my calcium levels are a little high, I can use the bypass feature of the reactor and just top off with RO that's in the reservoir.
[B]Supplies:[/B]
[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z423/7bkb7/DIY%20Kalk%20reactor/kalk001.jpg alt="" />
Reactor Parts
GE Smartwater Household Filter $40.00
3/8 Pex Pipe $2.00 (1/4" was too small</em>)
(2) 3/4 x 1/2 Reducing Bushing MIP $1.30
(2) 1/2 MIP x 1/4 Speed Fitting $5.00
I already had a reservoir that was used to top off premixed kalkwasser with a maxijet pumping water to a float valve in my sump, so this reactor was just going to be plumbed in line. I also didn't need the inline valve, as I was using a float valve and not a timed dose (the valve would be used to dial down the force of water coming into the reactor if a timer was used and thus water pump was being turned off/on)
Here, I used a little bit of plumbers tape to get a tight fit with the pipe...
The reactor in action...
The RO water is fed on the "output" side of the filter so that it goes down the pipe into the slurry and then the kalkwasser exits the "in" side going to the float valve. Sure, every couple of days I'll swirl the reactor to make sure the slurry is suspended, but it appears to be working pretty well.
I'm happy to have my QT tank back and not having to premix Kalkwasser before adding to the reservoir. Plus, if I know my calcium levels are a little high, I can use the bypass feature of the reactor and just top off with RO that's in the reservoir.
