Kalkwasser container help

[kharn101]

Hello All,

I’ve decided to set up a still kalkwasser reservoir to help address my low pH.

For equipment, I plan to use the following:

1. FX-STP2 continuous pump to dose kalk at a controlled rate
2. 5-gallon BPA-free container with cap

I see the pump uses 1/8-inch tubing. Should I use silicone tubing or polyurethane tubing to connect it?

I’m also trying to visualize the full setup, including installing a bulkhead union. Most options I’m finding are 1/4-inch, which seems larger than what I need for the container.

My understanding is that I would drill a hole in the container, install a bulkhead, and run rigid tubing inside so it sits above the kalk slury,

Could someone walk me through the full setup, including:

• Bulkhead sizing and recommendations
• Transition from bulkhead to push-connect fittings
• Proper tubing type and sizing
• What tubing should feed into the FX-STP2
• What rigid tubing should I use to hookup to the bulkhead?

Appreciate any guidance on how to properly configure this.

 

[Project1004]

I been using my Kalkwasser solution out of 5Gallon buckets. The rubbing doesn’t matter. But if possible, you will want to use external pump so the pump last longer.

I use to use 10Gallon reservoir. This is just easier and no need of pouring.

Try to get it air thought seal. Just no disturbance.

I’m using redsea doser tubes

I only now mix for 2mins instead 5mins.

This doser seems to work great. Consistent dosing instead of in increments.

Very first one is kalk drip line. Esv alk line does get caked almost other day.

PS: If you want to use kalk as way to boost pH… DON’T.

Use CO2 scrubber instead. Kalk should be used adding alkanility and calcium first. If you don’t have corals to consume the Kalk, you are going to have alots of problems.

 

[X-37B]

I run kalk in my 150. Simple setup.
5g bucket will work fine. I use a 6g advanced acrylic that fits inside the stand.
No bulkhead needed. I run a rigid 1/8" piece into the container.
my Kamoer runs 24/7 at 4mlm currently.
I had low ph 7.5 at night. After a few weeks ph is now 8.0 at night.
It works well to offset the low ph drip from my carx.

Current 2 year old 150.

 

[kharn101]

I been using my Kalkwasser solution out of 5Gallon buckets. The rubbing doesn’t matter. But if possible, you will want to use external pump so the pump last longer.

I use to use 10Gallon reservoir. This is just easier and no need of pouring.

Try to get it air thought seal. Just no disturbance.

I’m using redsea doser tubes

I only now mix for 2mins instead 5mins.

This doser seems to work great. Consistent dosing instead of in increments.

Very first one is kalk drip line. Esv alk line does get caked almost other day.

PS: If you want to use kalk as way to boost pH… DON’T.

Use CO2 scrubber instead. Kalk should be used adding alkanility and calcium first. If you don’t have corals to consume the Kalk, you are going to have alots of problems.

Yea, I forgot to mention this! I have low ph because my tank is in the basement. Looking at my apex right know it says 7.4.
During the day I can get it to 7.6. I thought a scrubber only can get between 0.2-0.4.Will a scrubber even be able to help? I run a calcium reactor so my alk can be adjusted.

 

[kharn101]

Also, I have a heavy sps stick tank. However growth has been slow because low ph. So the alk will get consumed from kalk.

 

[PPBlimpy]

I am temporarily using a 1g plastic water jug for the grocery store. Drilled a hole in the cap and dropped a piece of poly 1/4” line into it. Used a zip tie around the tube to set depth. Dosing 2800ml /day via doser. Light load on my 210 currently.

In the process of setting up a 50g drum in the basement for kalk storage but process will be similar. Nothing fancy.

If going thru the top of a container a bulkhead isn’t needed. Just a tight fitting hole

 

[kharn101]

Yeah, great point, simply drill a hole, plug it with a hose barb, attach rigid tubing to the bottom of the hose barb to sit inside the tank so it can be siphoned without touching the sludge.

Have another tube go to the otherside of the barb feeding the dosing pump.

Sounds like this will work, not sure why i tried to over complicate this with a bulkhead. After i drill the hole, and insert the barb, i can put some silcone around it to ensure it's a tight fit.

 

[X-37B]

Yeah, great point, simply drill a hole, plug it with a hose barb, attach rigid tubing to the bottom of the hose barb to sit inside the tank so it can be siphoned without touching the sludge.

Have another tube go to the otherside of the barb feeding the dosing pump.

Sounds like this will work, not sure why i tried to over complicate this with a bulkhead. After i drill the hole, and insert the barb, i can put some silcone around it to ensure it's a tight fit.

I just drilled a small hole in the container. Slipped the hose on and have it around 2" from the bottom. Works well.

 

[kharn101]

Would a c02 scrubber work also is my main question also? I know kalk is also meant to help with demand if alk?

 

[PPBlimpy]

Yeah, great point, simply drill a hole, plug it with a hose barb, attach rigid tubing to the bottom of the hose barb to sit inside the tank so it can be siphoned without touching the sludge.

Have another tube go to the otherside of the barb feeding the dosing pump.

Sounds like this will work, not sure why i tried to over complicate this with a bulkhead. After i drill the hole, and insert the barb, i can put some silcone around it to ensure it's a tight fit.

I wouldn’t do it air tight. Will cause vacuum. Need a small vent hole.

 

[gman107]

Not too tight a hole air still needs to go in

 

[kharn101]

Yea, good point guys! In also ordered more chaeto to see if this will help with the ph issue. If thing don’t improve after this additon, I might try kalk or a c02 scrubber. However kalk seems like the option I would go with over throwing more money into a c02 scrubber as some point I will need it for the sticks to keep up with demand.

 

[PPBlimpy]

Have the ability to run the skimmer airline outside to fresh air?

 

[Project1004]

You being in the basement, you really need air circulation. Getting the Fresh air is the best but co2 scrubber would definitely help raising the pH. Oversized skimmer would also help aerate.

Since you have much of sticks, what are you dosing to compensate the consumption? You will use kalk in to replace that. 2pt or calcium reactor etc.