Kalk Reactor - need ideas to build one.

[Ashish Patel]

I have 400 gallon tank (550 total volume) and determined to use Kalk only for the first year or as far as it takes me. I just can't get over the prices for some of these Kalk stirs and I will need something alot bigger. I would really prefer a 4 -5 gallon Kalk stir that can do easily 7 gallons per day. The Icecap one caught my eye but its over $450. I will be adding a large frag tank so thats another factor in why i want to build something for under $200 that fits my needs.

I asked my engineer cousin to help advice and wondering if anyone has build a good Kalk stir. Not the one that has a magnet stirr (which is great for smaller tanks),

L

 

[rsumner]

I would suggest looking at the Avast Marine design. They use a really slow high torque AC motor and a simple acrylic tube. If you do want to built it yourself, their K2 is around $200. https://www.avastmarine.com/collections/you-built/products/kalk-stirrer-kit?variant=4582192259

I use the K1 on my tank and it works great.

 

[KStatefan]

The Avast K1 is rated a 7 gallons per day and the K2 14 gallons

 

[kiet_kat]

I built one similar Icecap's Design using a magnetic stirrer

 

[Natural_Reefer]

I just ordered the K1 DIY for $170. We will see how easy it is to put together and works but I don't think I could put together something similar for similar cost by sourcing my own parts and the amount of time spend doing it.

 

[biecacka]

have you looked into a kalk slurry mix? Some experienced reefers use the method of saturated kalk.



corey

 

[kiet_kat]

have you looked into a kalk slurry mix? Some experienced reefers use the method of saturated kalk.



corey

I've been dosing slurry for a few months. Probably more growth on the SPS during that time than the entire time I've started the tank which is almost a year now. But could also be that it matured a lot more too so I cant confirm for sure.

 

[kiet_kat]

I used my Icecap Stirrer to pull slurry through the port that normally feeds RODI. Few issues I've had so far is that a lot settles at the bottom of the sump so I had to add an extra powerhead in the sump. Another issue is that I'm using a Jebao doser and it ended up clogging and the tubing eventually popped off and ended up dosing on the floor. Has happened twice so far.

 

[biecacka]

What is your ratio of kalk? Can you share a picture of your setup?

corey

I used my Icecap Stirrer to pull slurry through the port that normally feeds RODI. Few issues I've had so far is that a lot settles at the bottom of the sump so I had to add an extra powerhead in the sump. Another issue is that I'm using a Jebao doser and it ended up clogging and the tubing eventually popped off and ended up dosing on the floor. Has happened twice so far.