Run Saltwater Through Kalk Reactor

[reefhunter]

Is it ok to run a kalk reactor and just dose it from a timer and dosing pump, running water through it from the system?

 

I guess the real question is, can I run saltwater through a kalk reactor or is it better for some reason to run top off (RODI/Fresh) through it?

[Boret]

One of the problem I see is not being able to get much kalk into salt water as it will be already somewhat saturated. You might get a lot of precipitation, plus you will need a ATO system anyway so you will be running two systems when you can do so with one. I imagine you will have to do a lot of cleaning.

Plus, with ATO you know the amount you are dosing based on the evaporation. For your tank I will guess 3-4 gal a day.

If you run it through a close loop with salt water (like a Ca reactor) what will you use to make sure you don't over dose? Are you going to time when the pump will feed the kalk stirrer? Do you know the calculation to add X amount of Kalk if you don't do it with RODI water?

 

I see more problems that advantages. Why is it that you want to do it this way?

[Origami]

Hunter, the highly alkaline environment of your kalk reactor will deplete your water of magnesium. I would not recommend running your tank water through it for this reason alone.

[reefhunter]

ok I think I am going to just run my top off through it.. Thanks!