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Crusty kalk

Hockeynut

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
Anyone out there running Kalk have issues with it clogging up reactors like GFO carbon reactors?
I started running Kalk about three weeks ago and I don't know if it's because I'm using the Mrs. wages Kalkfrom Walmart or if it's just all Kalk. I noticed pretty soon after that the walls inside my sump him had a pretty significant Build up on the glass. Then my Tunzi ato didn't work one day It also had buildup on it. And today I come home to find that my Gfo reactor Has all about stopped.
I took apart the reactor and realized that I had the same buildup at the base screen Clogging it so much that water really wasn't making it through. I'm running a pretty weak solution About half of what is recommended 5 teaspoons in 5 gallons. This may be a common problem but because I'm new I really don't know too much about it. Any help would be appreciated thanks
 
J

jpkrze

Common problem with Kalk usage. Need to clean all pumps / floats more frequently due to the buildup. Try mixing your kalk and letting it sit overnight, then pour into your ATO. Will help avoid pumping in the concentrated residue

I switch between Kalk and two part every two months because of this. Just get tired of dealing with the maintenance but Kalk ato is definitely much easier /cheaper
 
Hockeynut

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
I do, I would hate to think what it would be like if I didn't let it sit overnight. Is there anyway I can get that build up off my reactor cartridges it seems like it's impossible to get off.
 
Hockeynut

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
Great thanks a lot Brian. Hey I ordered my Vegas, woo hoo I can't wait to get them. Got them from champion.
Got to switch over to 2 part with doser man I hate Kalk.
Does anyone know how far those dosers from brs will push?
I would love to put them in my room where I make water about 12 feet away.
 
jpelzer

jpelzer

They'll push that far.

I run kalk and haven't had the same issues you guys are describing. Only place I've seen buildup is on the pipe where it leaves the reactor and enters tank. It's a flexible hose, so I flex it and the crud falls off. Obviously I'm doing a reactor vs drip, but I wonder what the difference is? I use BRS kalk.
 
Hockeynut

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
I don't really know what the differences in the BRS Kalk and the Mrs. wages I read something about it being a little finer but I don't know how much of a difference it makes. I really dislike using Kalk anyway I'm hoping that the BRS to part will be able to cover it and I will not have to use Kalk. I spoke to another guy who runs two part and Calc and I'm hoping that I don't have to do that.
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

I use brightwell kalk +2 via a GB purchase...but in a reactor. I don't have any of the build up you're referring to. The Tunze ATO pushes water into the reactor- so the ATO is not sitting in the solution - is that where you dump the kalk?
 
downbeach

downbeach

Does your container have a lid on it? I use/d both BRS and Mrs. Wages without the problems you're describing. My experience with the with the two, is that BRS is a lab grade, and Mrs. Wages is a food grade, and it seems to leave less sediment in the bottom of my container. Other than that they're both calcium hydroxide, and will form a crust when exposed to atmospheric CO2.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rhf/feature/index.php
 
Hockeynut

Hockeynut

NJRC Member
Yes it has a lid, thanks for the link, I'm going to soak my stuff in vinegar and start fresh and see what happens. also I only have 5 gal res for my ato right now maybe the size might be a bit to small and is sucking up some of the solids on the bottom. I have my pump about 3" off the bottom.
 
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