Cookiemunster
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Posts posted by Cookiemunster
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Please check the DIY forum under auto top up with kalk reactor for more updates on FAQ.
The exact dimensions I will provide as soon as I can.
Thanks for the interests guys.
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Thanks for all the questions and comments.
Here are some answers to the questions I have been asked.
It is a kalkwasser reactor not a calcium reactor, hence no CO2 is needed. And no you do not need to add vinegar but you can if you really want to also. But I caution the use of vinegar unless you really know what you are doing....ie constant monitoring and measurement of pH.
The best thing about the kalk reactor is that you don't have to care about it. Just pour as much kalk you want into the reactor. I use 15 to 20 teaspoons of it. It will clear by itself and all the undissolved kalk will settle to the bottom. However by connecting a timer to the external pump of the kalk reactor and setting it to activate every 45 mins, a constant stirring is created without the use of any spoon which can introduce air into the mixture and waste the kalk.
This kalk reactor is an air tight container which due to its design, allows freshwater to be pumped in, and kalk solution forced out into the tank. Hence all you need is to renew the freshwater in any container and connect the auto top up device to the kalk reactor.
No extra kalk precipitate will be released into the tank because only the top most part of the reactor kalk solution is forced out into the tank, hence all the excess kalk stays below (bottom half). As you can see in the photos, the white milky part is caused by the external pump stirring up the kalk every 45mins (set by your own timer). There is no need to worry about the kalk turning the whole tank milky because as you can see even when the pump is activated, the mixing only occurs on the bottom half. This not only ensures a concentrated kalk solution but it is also free from kalk precipitate.
And you only need to top up fresh kalk when it runs low. And of course fresh water into the container.
The dimensions of the kalk reactor I will provide tonight. Off hand, the rough estimate is
Auto top up device:
1 small black box (20cm length x 12cm width x7cm height)
Kalk reactor:
60 to 70 cm in height
15cm diameter
Base area (inclusive external pump) 15cm x 25cm
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Sold to Kopee
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Hi reefers,
I'm taking orders for the auto top up device and the kalk reactors.
Kindly PM me your orders with contact.
Here are the details. Click here
Auto top up:
1 Auto top up device (pump not included) which includes:
2 float switches with 2m of cable and stand for securing to the glass sides, an override switch, quality relay and parts used. With 2 pin socket for connection to any 2 pin pump.
Just plug any small cheap pump (minimum 500L/hr) to it.
Price: $120
Alvy Kalk Reactor:
1 Kalk Reactor which includes:
unit as shown in the DIY review, 1 external circulation pump and all tubings and hoses. Kalk not included.
Price $150
Total package :$250
PS. It takes a lot of time to build one set so please expect at least 2 weeks to complete orders. Cash on delivery terms.
Cheers
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Pls look at the Pasar Malam section for sales.
Cheers and best regards.
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Once the auto top up activates, fresh water from any container is pumped into the kalk reactor (or straight into the tank if not used with a kalk reactor). Kalk solution will then be forced out from its outlet into the tank. (Photo shows a better picture)
The kalk reactor has its own internal pump for circulation of undissolved kalk. This is the beauty of it. You can dump as much kalk you want into the reactor and not have to worry about it getting into your tank all at once since only the top kalk solution is pumped out of the reactor. Fresh water replaces via the long tube you see in the reactor. And since it is water tight, no worries about kalk reacting with air (CO2) to precipatate and become useless. And no worries about topping up with fresh water since all you need to do is fill up fresh water into a container and whenever tank water is evaporated, it will be replaced with kalk solution water. Here is the flow direction.
Water evaporates ---> auto top up activates ---> fresh water is pumped into kalk reactor ---> kalk solution is forced out into main tank ---> evaporated water is replaced.
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The auto top up is connected to 2 float switches. Once the water level drops due to evaporation, the relay activates and the pump is turned on. I use 2 float switches for added safety as a single float switch can easily be activated by a snail or floating algae. A 3rd float switch was actually in my mind to prevent the pump from running dry when the fresh water container was empty but the cost would be too high.
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Hi guys and gals,
alot have already been said about auto top up device DIY. I am showing here how my version of auto top up works together with another great device, the Alvy Kalk Reactor.
As all of you know, a dripping method is cheap but problematic simply because the drip rate is hard to control and highly dependent on the amount of water in the container.
Auto-top up:
I am helping a friend to sell auto top up devices. I can build it myself which I did for Rumour and Bawater but I have no time to do many of these. Each of this set takes at least 6hrs to build. Hence my colleague is offering his services. I know the cost price was stated at about $60 per box. However my cost price is alot higher since I am using 2 float switches with 2 metres of cable each and with mounting stands to fit to any glass surface, an industrial standard OMRON relay with stand for complete isolation of AC supply, a regulated 12V power supply (not the cheap DC variable adaptors) and 2 LEDs for power on, pump on and a manual override switch.
The price of each auto top up device is $120 nett. The profit is only about $40 per box to cover the time and transport. This device is built by a qualified electrician and not a home DIYer. (not saying that home DIYers are not safe but .....
)Kalkwasser Reactor:
The kalk reactor is built by Alvy. And we are incorporating it as a package. However if you require only the kalk reactor kindly approach him via PM and ask nicely as Alvy is a really great friend and nice chap.
The Kalk Reactor is sold at $150 nett inclusive of an internal circulation pump.
If you get both the auto top up and kalk reactor, its a special price of $250 nett.
Pls PM me for details or orders and kindly keep this thread clean.
Below are the photos and more information.
Auto top up:
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Deep Water SPS??? What do these look like and do they require as much WWW of MH?
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Great Work AT. When can I come down to take a up close look at it?
Cheers
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Oh I forgot to add that the photo was taken with PL lights of 6500k and no artinics.
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Have 1 set of the above for sale. Its meant for 2ft T5 tubes(dual tubes). Never used before and brand new.
Final price $50
PM me with contact.
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Hi
I have a green flourescent carpet anemone in excellent health (super sticky and rich green). Size about 10 inch to 12inch in diameter. Selling with a clown fish (not hosting).
Asking $30
Please PM me. Reason for selling is cos I am keeping clams and dun wish to have anemones running around in my tank. Presently its in my sump. Photo is below with clown (not hosting).
Cheers
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Hi I got a Liberty 200 for sale with 2 old sponge cartridge, 2 brand new sponge cartridge and 2 brand new still in box carbon cartridge.
Selling all at $45. Pls PM me with your contact to arrange for meet up.
Cheers
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Spidy I wish you reduced your price earlier. I have been looking for this exact set you are selling.
Atom no offense but relax and let sellers sell their items in peace. Unless you have intentions to buy the setup or you find spidy is cheating or conning. For your info the price for the setup he is selling is not expensive. Yes its second hand but a brand new set costs at least $100. The tank is cheap yes but the stand is expensive.
I just got a 2'x1'x1.5' 6mm ($22) and the bloody wooden stand for $120. If I knew spidy was selling his I would have paid $70 even just to buy it from him.
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Thanks bro for the timer. And especially for helping me out with my 2ft tank.
Cheers
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I use grade 15 coral chips.... not the best option but it definitely works....
I would be looking for ARM too if I ever get to the point of employing a 2nd chamber for my Cal Reactor....
Hi Phang,
the problem with coral chips is its not phosphate free. Meaning I'm gonna have to spend lots on rowaphos and it adds up to the same. Which is why I'd rather spend on higher quality media.
Problem is ARM is very hard to find. Does anyone have any sources?
My calc levels were 480, DKH 8 using tropic marine salt. After stocking my tank, 2 months later, it was Cal 380, dKH 5.8. My GAWD!!!!
Anyway I just installed my calc reactor and measuring the affluent, it is calc 600, dKH >32 (unable to measure cos it was out of range....using salifert) Does anyone know how to measure above 32 for dKH with salifert?
I'm going to need to top up with Reef Builder and Reef Carbonate to balance up the alk levels. I'm aiming for 12dkh and 480 calc. Are these values realistic?
Cheers
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Hi,
to all those who use calcium reactors, may I know what types of media you use?
I understand that ARM is supposed to be the best of the lot. Currently I am using aquamart's aragonite which is $20 per 1kg bag.
Where can I buy ARM and what is the best prices.
Cheers and thanks
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Hi Bro,
well done. It looks really good. If I knew it could look this good, I probably would have DIY my own lights too. hahhaa Great Work!
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If you keep jellyfish, you have to make sure there are no fine bubbles in your tank. Bubbles in the water will irritate the jellyfish and cause it to die. Also, it needs weak current flow.
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Cheers and Happy Hatchday AT!
I'll give you a orange ricordea if you still looking for one. hehehe
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sigh once again too late.
Auto Top Up With Kalk Reactor
in DIY Forum
Posted
Auto Top Up:
There will not be any problem to maintain your tank water replacement. You will need a small pump. Probably a SICCE NOVA unless the height of your tank is more than 5ft. In fact you can use any pump connected to a pail or container of freshwater and with its socket plugged into the top up device. You will need some hoses to connect from the output of your pump to the man tank and a anti flowback valve. These are really cheap. Only $2 for the valve and hoses depending on the pump you choose.
However, if you want it to be hassle free, you will need an extra large container to hold the fresh water. But the benefit is that you can simply pour seachem prime or other antichlorine into the water and not straight into the tank. I also place a bag of carbon to absorb any stuff from the freshwater in the container.
Not to mention, when you are not around for more than a week. You WILL need an auto top up.
Nonetheless, it is better to top up freshwater slowly and maintain the salinity than to pour buckets of freshwater straight into the tank. It stresses your corals and fishes.
These are the advantages of an auto top up.