Kalk Milkshake Maker

Last crawled date: 1 year, 10 months ago

Key points:

Uploaded as a .STEP file to allow for easy modification in fusion360 or similar CAD software, export it as an STL from there. If you can't work out how to simply 3D print these parts, the rest will be too complicated. This is for experienced tinkerers, hackers, makers and reefers. THIS IS NOT SIMPLE. yet.

This "Kalk Milkshake Maker" is effectively a high agitation kalkwasser reactor or stirrer. The paddle design along with the narrow tube allow the mixture to constantly be in an oversaturated state. This is to be used in line with the "kalk slurry" method of dosing. More info can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/telegraham/
https://www.instagram.com/mahina_corals/

Intention is approx. 100rpm mixing rate 24/7 with the mixture being a thick, white, milky solution. RODI water is then dosed via IDEALLY a continuous duty doser or on a MINIMUM hourly dosing rate directly to this Milkshake Maker, which will then overflow into the tank. PLEASE NOTE!! The overflow into the tank MUST be into a high flow area. Ideally near a return pump or similar area to allow for instant mixing in the system.

Dosing rates will vary.

For EXAMPLE ONLY - I am currently using this on a 30 gallon mixed reef. Previous "100% saturation" kalkwasser mixture was being dosed at 140ml/hour/24 hours a day for a total of 3360ml of kalkwasser per day.

With the Milkshake Maker and kalk slurry, I am dosing 15ml/hour/24 hours for a total of 360ml per day and I am maintaining my alkalinity levels as such.

The mixture is the "outer tube" full of water (approx. 1.4L of RODI) with an initial addition of 1/2 cup of kalkwasser added, and allowed to become fully mixed and milky. This solution is then dosed allowed to overflow and dosed to the tank.

Please note, this may cause a serious spike in pH which can crash your tank if over 8.6 and a spike in alkalinity too. Only use this method if you are very experienced, have a pH controller NOT A pH TEST KIT!!! and ideally an ALK controller or at minimum twice daily ALK checks with a hanna checker for the first couple of weeks.

THIS WILL CRASH YOUR TANK AND KILL EVERYTHING IF YOU DO IT WRONG. DONT BE DUMB AND DONT CUT CORNERS.

A hole is required to be drilled into the "outer tube" to accept the "drip tube". This can be difficult to do, and requires a steady hand and a "step bit" in a drill.

IMPORTANT!! The "drip tube" MUST have a hole (2-6mm) drilled in the top of it as noted in "kalk hole.jpg" to break the syphon action of the overflow, otherwise significantly more liquid will be pulled via syphon than intended to be simply overflowed.

Assembly, modification, fabrication, wiring, etc. must be completed by the end user and the user should have a basic understanding of similar assemblies. I simply do not have time to help. These files are being offered for free and shared freely to help those who need it, or to spark new ideas, this is not a product and therefore I accept no responsibility or offer any ongoing support.

Uses the following bought parts

Outer Tube - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086KTMSH1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mixing Rod -
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/acrylic-coral-pointer-green-1-pack.html

Motor -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/262756197070
Other option : https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-1000RPM-Powerful-Magnetic-Electric/dp/B00FH7Y5P2/ref=sr_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=16mm+gearbox+motor&qid=1624503403&sr=8-22

NOTE: Easier motor options may be found on amazon and the top of the milkshake maker could be modified to fit them, these are motors I had sitting around so I used them.

1/4 push fittings (optional) -
https://www.amazon.com/Lemoy-Connect-Fitting-Reverse-Fittings/dp/B07H2TR3LQ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=1%2F4+rodi+fittings&qid=1624503455&sr=8-4

1/4 bulkhead - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0747PDQ2F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1/4 acrylic tube (optional) -
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=32501

Speed controller -
https://www.amazon.com/WayinTop-Voltage-Controller-Adjustable-Control/dp/B08BJ4WQCV/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=12v+motor+controller&qid=1624503532&sr=8-10

12v Power Supply -
https://www.amazon.com/R-Tech-UL-Listed-Switching-Supply-Adapter/dp/B00FEOB4EI/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=12v+power+supply&qid=1624503568&sr=8-9