Kalk in ATO with float switch

[CindyKz]

If I use Kalk in my ATO reservoir can I use a float switch in the reservoir as well, or will the kalk cause a malfunction? I know kalk is hard on pumps. TIA, Cindy

 

[hart24601]

I have found that if you fully dissolve kalk in water it isn't too bad on the pumps, however if you leave residue in the bottom the pumps can get clogged. I now have a 5g bucket that I mix kalk in and wait for it to settle out before filling the ato.

 

[CindyKz]

I have found that if you fully dissolve kalk in water it isn't too bad on the pumps, however if you leave residue in the bottom the pumps can get clogged. I now have a 5g bucket that I mix kalk in and wait for it to settle out before filling the ato.

Do you have a float switch in the reservoir?

 

[hart24601]

Not currently, but in the past I have had float switches in there. What type of float switch and purpose is the switch for?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Are we talking mechanical float switch?

 

[CindyKz]

Not currently, but in the past I have had float switches in there. What type of float switch and purpose is the switch for?

Are we talking mechanical float switch?

Yes a mechanical float switch to add a "forgot to top off again" alarm to my apex.

ETA: what type of float switch is there other than mechanical?

 

[hart24601]

So this alarm goes off when the ATO runs dry? Almost always submerged?

 

[ca1ore]

I ran a Madison reed float switch in my calk reservoir and it wasn't overfly affected by caking. You just need to clean it periodically as you would any switch in the system.

 

[CindyKz]

So this alarm goes off when the ATO runs dry? Almost always submerged?

Yes

I ran a Madison reed float switch in my calk reservoir and it wasn't overfly affected by caking. You just need to clean it periodically as you would any switch in the system.

thanks! I got mine from Autotopoff.com Unsure if they are the same or not. I guess I'll just try it and keep a careful watch.

 

[hart24601]

Yes

Got ya. Yep I have used switches in a similar fashion with kalk. Just keep it clean and test from time to time. I don't know if it will last a decade, but it shouldn't fail right away either.