kalk reactor vs stirrer?

jerl77 · Mar 17, 2011

whos running one and what one do you have
and do you like it?
looking to get a reactor or a stirrer just dont know what one is better
thanks for any help
jeremy

TropicalReefCorals · Mar 17, 2011

I believe that the method of stirring the Kalk is the most important thing to consider. Remember that the pH of Kalk is somewhere near 12, which means most of the units that use powerheads or pumps will require frequent maintenance or replacement to keep in service.
I am using a DIY unit that uses a motorized stirrer plate with a magnetic capsule inside the bottom of the chamber. It works well, but is sometimes difficult to get the magnet coupled and started up after charging.

btkrausen · Mar 17, 2011

I have been using a kalk reactor for years. Currently, I have a Precision Marine which uses a Maxijet 400 to mix. In over a year, I have yet to see any wear and tear on the impeller. Word on the street is that the kalk from BRS won't mangle up the impellers like other brands. I use to run Kent kalkwasser, and had to replace my impeller several times on my Geo Kalk Reactor.

I'm trying the Brightwell kalk right now, but since I"m moving to a fish only, I'll go back to BRS just to color up the rocks more in the tank.

Paul_N · Mar 17, 2011

I had a DIY reactor and I had to change impeller because some of the fins break off over time. The kalk will settle inside the pump and bind it up. The pump should be taken apart and cleaned as part of the reactor maintenance. I am just manually dosing now in my temp system but will get one of these stirrers when I set the 220 up.

AVAST Marine Works - K2 Kalk Stirrer - Product Details

btkrausen · Mar 17, 2011

By the way, check out the two sticky threads in the Reef Chemistry forum. One of them is mine, and shows and talks about the difference. The other is about the installation of a TLF kalk reactor and how it kept his parameters up and going. Feel free to ask any questions that you have, I'll be happy to help

milkman · Mar 17, 2011

Got my shipping notice today on the AVAST Kalk Stirrer (DIY). I have several other AVAST products and they are top notch. I am switching from two part and dosing pumps.

The AVAST product indicates that the stirrer runs continuously, but I can hook it to my apex and have the stirrer come on and the RO inlet pump turn off. I will try both and see what works.

Viva'sReef · Mar 17, 2011

I've been running my old school Geo reactor for 5 years without taking it apart once(the pump), lol. Maybe dumb luck but it has worked flawlessly(knocking on wood right now). The one I have is different from the ones they sell today though.

btkrausen · Mar 17, 2011

Here is a pic of mine :)

PnoyToiTz · Mar 17, 2011

Power head is cheaper to replace than the Stirer. GEO has a top notch kalk reactor .

mojo · Mar 17, 2011

Th avast stirrer is really nice. I bought one and wouldnt go with out after having it.

Big Country · Mar 17, 2011

I run the Deltec KM500 kalk stirrer, it works great, had to replace the drive motor once a couple of years ago. If I had to buy one now I would buy the one from Avast Marine, works pretty much the same as my Deltec but alot cheaper. Love the kalk from Bulk Reef Supply works alot better than the ESV kalk that gummed up alot when I was using it.

Seasonedreefer · Mar 17, 2011

I should have my stirrer from Avast here soon. I can't wait! I will let you know what I think from everything that I hear the stirrer is better because you can run it as much as you want and don't have to worry about the SLURRY (milky white fluid) being put in your tank.

mojo · Mar 17, 2011

Coery ou coming to hte meeting Sat, You can check out my stirrer then. ITs great. I would only go with a stirrer. Thats just me.

mojo · Mar 17, 2011

with a reactor you need to make sure you ar enot topping off as it mixes. The stirrer is a little easier to use IMO. either way you go they work well.

Seasonedreefer · Mar 17, 2011

Yea Jesse I can swing out to the meeting. I'm assuming you are having it at your place? PM me the details if you could I would love to see how you have your stirrer set up.