Because I'm too lazy to actually read through the full thread I figured I'd just add my comments here and if it's already been said, I apologize.
I've been running Kalk for over 3 years now. I run it in my ATO as it is the easiest way for me to do it. I use Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime--get it at Wal-Mart for about $2 a bag. I mix a heaping 1/3 cup of the powder to 5 gallons of RO/DI water. I mix it very well, put the lid on and let it sit until I need to use it. When it's time to use, I decant only the clear portion into my ATO container. Done.
One thing about Kalk is that it will last almost indefinitely if covered. Kalk reacts with CO2 in the atmosphere and forms CaCO3. Cool thing about this is that it actually forms a floating crust ad this crust prevents further development of CaCO3 by acting like a seal.
Someone asked about what was left in the bottom. You can usually get three mixes before you have to discard as each new mix removes the calcium hydroxide to a point where it just isn't worth the trouble. Pickling lime will only dissolve to a super-saturated point and then the rest just settles to the bottom (that's why I can get three mixes). One way you can increase the super-saturation is to add a little white vinegar to the mix. This allows more solubility of the lime therefor increasing the amount in the solution.
I take my ATO container out from under the stand about 4 times a year, wipe it down with vinegar, clean the pump very well, and fill it up again.
I've been running Kalk for over 3 years now. I run it in my ATO as it is the easiest way for me to do it. I use Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime--get it at Wal-Mart for about $2 a bag. I mix a heaping 1/3 cup of the powder to 5 gallons of RO/DI water. I mix it very well, put the lid on and let it sit until I need to use it. When it's time to use, I decant only the clear portion into my ATO container. Done.
One thing about Kalk is that it will last almost indefinitely if covered. Kalk reacts with CO2 in the atmosphere and forms CaCO3. Cool thing about this is that it actually forms a floating crust ad this crust prevents further development of CaCO3 by acting like a seal.
Someone asked about what was left in the bottom. You can usually get three mixes before you have to discard as each new mix removes the calcium hydroxide to a point where it just isn't worth the trouble. Pickling lime will only dissolve to a super-saturated point and then the rest just settles to the bottom (that's why I can get three mixes). One way you can increase the super-saturation is to add a little white vinegar to the mix. This allows more solubility of the lime therefor increasing the amount in the solution.
I take my ATO container out from under the stand about 4 times a year, wipe it down with vinegar, clean the pump very well, and fill it up again.