Shiftline/soapy - thanks for the information. That's helpful!

Did some snooping online over lunch and found the answer to my bulk kalkwasser question. The answer is YES - use some newspaper as a gasket between the container and the lid and get some eggcrate for the pump to sit on.

I think this is going to work out nicely!

Really? interesting! it took me ages to find some sheets of rubber to make gaskets. (ended up finding some at home hardware)

One item for consideration: kalkwasser can do a number on pump impellers. Either clean the pump frequently with vinegar or be prepared to replace the impeller from time to time. Little maxi jet pumps are especially susceptible to wearing out in my experience.

Or pump RO water in and let it push out the Kalk water :)

That's good advice. So to clarify, are you referring to return pumps/powerheads in the aquarium? Or the pumps in the Kalkwasser storage/ATO pump? Or all pumps in general?

Just the pumps actually in the Kalk storage container

^ What he said ^

Gotcha. Thank you very much for all your help. I went out and picked up a new 32g Brute tonight. To help keep the pump raised I remembered that I had a grit guard that I used to use when hand washing cars. I thoroughly washed and rinsed it and now I have it soaking in a vinegar bath to take off remaining residue. I think it'll work well.