ATO + Kalk question/problem

[macawmagic]

So I just setup an ATO system on my tank along with an inline kalk reactor. I used to have it installed before, but took it out due to needing the space for my new skimmer.

Before: float valve was above water line. calcium used to build up on valva and clog after like 6 months.

New: I installed the float valve under the water level thinking that all the calcium would instantly mix with the water. Problem is that the top off is instantly calcifying and making a hard white structure going to the surface of the water.

can anyone tell me why this is happening? is this ok, or does this mean that no calcium is getting added to my water? any better way to setup an ato? I've got it all done by gravity right now, but it's obviously not working

 

[gilmour01]

it will do that just from coming in contact with air. just clean the end of the line periodically.

 

[RBursek]

The outlet of the water does not need to be near the float valve, better to have it near the return pump area, but the line will get calcification near the end of it, my Kalk tube gets it and I remove it and run a Muratic acid solution thru the whole line about every 2 weeks.

 

[FISH PROS]

i use kalk via ato also and all i do is every few day just check the end of my float valve and remove any calcium that i might see, it comes right off very easy it also allows me to check to make sure the float valve is working properly

 

[gilmour01]

i think peristaltic pumps are a safer way to run ATO's rather than float valves, but thats just my opinion + preference.

 

[FISH PROS]

i think peristaltic pumps are a safer way to run ATO's rather than float valves, but thats just my opinion + preference.

pumps are nice but float valves are just fine as long as they are maintained, they are definitely not set and forget thats for sure

 

[gilmour01]

the other thing about kalk and float valves is that you tend to get a larger addition of kalk all at once; whereas, with peristaltic pumps its added incrementally throughout the day. i'm not knocking float valves, as i use them for various things, but i do prefer peristaltic pumps for ato's with kalk. again, its just my preference and with most things in reefing there are a multitude of ways to do things.