Aqua Medic Kalkwasser Reactor

[fatoldsun]

Anyone have any experience with these? Someone local broke down a tank and gave this to me - it was for sale but it's missing a piece so it became my lucky day. Anyway, its missing what he described as a sort of filter sock for the stirrer pump. I cleaned OT up a bit with some vinegar and ran it. It appears to work well but I'm trying to get any info I can to see if I can get it running and I'd like to find a manual as I'm a bit nervous I'll nuke my tank if I try and wing it. Everything I'm finding is in German. Not that helpful to me. Looks like champion lighting is the local vendor so I may check there but fought I'd throw this out to the group first. All I can find is that it seems its discontinued and the model # is CR-AM76022

 

[fatoldsun]

thought the embedded pics might be easier to see and recognize

 

[The_Codfather]

I found that aqua cave still sells them.. maybe they might have parts you need http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=238

 

[fatoldsun]

I found that aqua cave still sells them.. maybe they might have parts you need http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=238

Thanks. I sent them an email. But given your other post on K.R. vs C.R. I'm not sure I really feel safe using it. I guess if the parts cheap to get + the free reactor than the price is right and worth a try

 

[The_Codfather]

From my understanding now and what Darren has told me if i have my CA reactor set up right i don't need a KR

 

[fatoldsun]

From my understanding now and what Darren has told me if i have my CA reactor set up right i don't need a KR

That's my understanding as well but I'm not going to be able to run something as sophisticated as a CR so my options are between a KR or 2-part dosing with pumps. (im nervous about KR w/o some means to make it safe) I will start with the kalk if I can get this running w/o spending a fortune. The reactors are $250+ new so who knows what the part will be. I'd like a DIY option but I'd need to get my hands on one or chat with someone who has so I know what I'm trying to make (or at least know what ots purpose is) to make an adequate substitute.

 

[fatoldsun]

I've continued to try and find a source to get this thing running and I can't seem to get any information. I did find some pics (Google image) and it looks like it is/was also sold with a bubble counter - I thought they were used for CA reactors, not Kalk reactors. Obviously the folks at Aqua Medic know more than me so I guess that begs the question - anyone using a CO2 bubble counter? Is in necessary? And of course, one more shot to see if anyone is running one of these and knows where I could finds some replacement parts. - It looks like these things were rather expensive when new and the part I'm missing looks like something that would likely break down over time - I really hoping that will result in someone selling some replacement parts including what's missing. Also if anyone can direct me to a link for a manual for one of these, that would be a huge help....

 

[Fish Brain]

I don't think that is a bubble counter. I believe that is a drip system used to calculate flow, measured in drops per minute. You usually see these on I.V. Bags in hospitals.

Aside from that, it looks like you are missing the micron filter to prevent undissolved kalk from being pumped into the system. If you can't get a replacement you could look for a felt media bag or make your own from a 100 micron filter sock (if your handy with a sewing machine).

 

[fatoldsun]

I don't think that is a bubble counter. I believe that is a drip system used to calculate flow, measured in drops per minute. You usually see these on I.V. Bags in hospitals.

Aside from that, it looks like you are missing the micron filter to prevent undissolved kalk from being pumped into the system. If you can't get a replacement you could look for a felt media bag or make your own from a 100 micron filter sock (if your handy with a sewing machine).

Thanks - Too bad I'm not handy as a seamstress but at least I have a better idea what I'm looking for and I've been known to be pretty handy with wire-ties

 

[fatoldsun]

After some back and forth and some help from the folks at Aqua Medic North America, I now know a bit more - looks like the model # I was using was not an Aqua Medic #. The unit is an Aqua Medic Kalkwasserreactor KWR 1000. It appears that it was more popular in Europe than state-side. I found one site overseas selling parts but that would be a mess and likely cost prohibitive so I'm hoping Chad at Aqua Medic can dust off some boxes in their warehouse and dig up what's missing. If I can get it running for <$30 I'll chalk it up as a sucess.

anyway, FWIW, this is a link to the manual
http://www.swelluk.com/pdfs/Kalkwasser%20Reactor%20Instructions.pdf