$53 Kalk Reactor

WarDaddy · #1 12/31/2005, 01:24 AM

Well here is the $53 Kalk Reactor.

Simple really. RODI in, Kalk out. Magnetic stirrer to keep it mixed... Stir as often as I need to maintain Ca levels.

In my less demanding tank, I will attempt no stirring, and see how it works just by sending the fresh rodi through the reactor with no stirring. The water going in will be pushed to the very bottom of the reactor, to ensure conact with the kalk.

1 Gallon Glass Jug, $13
John Guest Valve, $6
Magnetic Mixer, $30
Magnetic Stir Rod, $1.50
Predrilled rubber stopper, $2.50

Happy Coral, Priceless :-)

ReeferMac · #2 12/31/2005, 07:52 AM

Very nice Bryan. You're about 40-dollars shy of the cheapest one ever.

- Mac

Herbert T. Kornfeld · #3 12/31/2005, 01:38 PM

I dont think that the cheaper one had a mixer though...which would make this the cheapest TRUE reactor.

Flamehawk · #4 12/31/2005, 04:21 PM

Is there a way of getting a bottle with a wider opening.?I tend to be real messy lol.

SuperNerd · #5 12/31/2005, 04:30 PM

How do you make sure the magnetic stirrer doesn't vibrate the bottle off the platform?

WarDaddy · #6 12/31/2005, 04:32 PM

hummmm. that can easily be accomplished with a wood frame, or a string or two. Thanks for pointing that out!

mmoore0803 · #7 12/31/2005, 04:34 PM

did you test it?....you for got the $12 pump used to feed the reactor.....man that is so cool

WarDaddy · #8 12/31/2005, 04:41 PM

the wide mouth bottle, I have searched, I could not find anything for a reasonable price. Plus the stopper for this size is redily availiable. I have a funnel I plan on using to get the kalk in... and the John Guest valves will make moving to the sink easy for filling and cleaning.

Herbert T. Kornfeld · #9 12/31/2005, 04:44 PM

You could skip the JG and save $6, use a cheap airline valve instead.

WarDaddy · #10 12/31/2005, 05:26 PM

Hey, the pump is needed for top off. That is priced as the top off system, not Kalk reactor. Cost code 99324 for the Kalk, top off is 99313.

Keep your costs straight, or this project will fail because of budget over runs!!!!!

mmoore0803 · #11 12/31/2005, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WarDaddy
Hey, the pump is needed for top off. That is priced as the top off system, not Kalk reactor. Cost code 99324 for the Kalk, top off is 99313.

Keep your costs straight, or this project will fail because of budget over runs!!!!!

ahhhh....

ReeferMac · #12 01/01/2006, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Herbert T. Kornfeld
I dont think that the cheaper one had a mixer though...which would make this the cheapest TRUE reactor.

Powerhead in a bucket won't mix?

- Mac

Herbert T. Kornfeld · #13 01/01/2006, 03:40 PM

Well, that is another issue all together...the bucket must be sealed so that air doesnt come in contact with the reactor's interior or the calcium hydroxide will simply turn into calcium carbonate and be useless. So JUST a bucket and lid, in most cases, does not a reactor make.

I have a friend who I try to tell the same thing...his kalk reactor does nothing for him...its a rubbermain trash can with a powerhead inside it...sorry...this does nothing.

Flamehawk · #14 01/01/2006, 10:14 PM

WarDaddy, is there anyway you could post a pic with the reactor while the stirrer is on? The reason why i'm asking is because i want to see how well that tiny stir bar can mix the kalk.

Would a one gallon reactor work on a 180gal tank? I evaporate about 2 to 3gal per day. Thanks!

cal91666 · #15 01/02/2006, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Herbert T. Kornfeld
Well, that is another issue all together...the bucket must be sealed so that air doesnt come in contact with the reactor's interior or the calcium hydroxide will simply turn into calcium carbonate and be useless. So JUST a bucket and lid, in most cases, does not a reactor make.

I have a friend who I try to tell the same thing...his kalk reactor does nothing for him...its a rubbermain trash can with a powerhead inside it...sorry...this does nothing.

This change from calcium hydroxide to calcium carbonate, is it an immediate change or does it take some time?

Herbert T. Kornfeld · #16 01/02/2006, 03:05 AM

'Some' is a relative term with regards to time. It does take time, as the transformation requires oxidation through exposure to air...thats the reason for the sealed lid. But for what we are considering, the critical point here would be that most of what you would be pumping into the aquarium would end up being useless calcium carbonate if there was no sealed lid.

ReeferMac · #17 01/02/2006, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Herbert T. Kornfeld
So JUST a bucket and lid, in most cases, does not a reactor make.

Nope, that makes the 9-dollar Kalk-Reactor. The super deluxe 12-dollar model includes the handy-dandy "P-trap w/ silicone" mod. 3 Bucks in PVC makes all the difference in the world.

Quote:

its a rubbermain trash can with a powerhead inside it...sorry...this does nothing.

LOL! You better mention something to Randy Holmes-Farley than, too. Apparently he and I have been doing it all wrong for years.

- Mac

laverda · #18 01/02/2006, 02:41 PM

where did you get your Magnetic Mixer for $30.00?

WarDaddy · #19 01/02/2006, 03:40 PM

Got the mixer on E-bay. Been watching auctions for a month, one slipped through.

mmoore0803 · #20 01/10/2006, 10:29 PM

find a pump yet that will push the water up yet?

douggiestyle · #21 01/10/2006, 10:51 PM

salt mix bucket with lid, power head, silicone caulk and two speedfits.

all found in the leftovers box. except the caulk.

cost

$1.07 includes tax

bought the caulk at the dollar store.

jun_celis · #22 01/11/2006, 08:12 PM

Where did you get the bottle and predrilled rubber stopper? Also, how thick of a glass do you think that a magnetic stirrer can handle? Awesome project!!!

douggiestyle · #23 01/11/2006, 09:09 PM

i also left out the two plastic 1 gallon milk jug lids. those are crucial.

WarDaddy · #24 01/11/2006, 09:40 PM

The stopper is a number 6 rubber stopper, pre drilled for 1/4" tubing. I got mine from a chemistry supply website, they were under a buck each plus shipping. I have yet to assemble it with the kalk to see how it works... I have a few things to complete before I am ready for the completed assembly.

WarDaddy · #25 01/11/2006, 10:36 PM

just ran an empty jug test, and the stir rod had no problems.. now to add water and kalk