ARID E18 reactor (Phosphate Control!!!)

[Maximus]

Does anyone run any other macro other than chaeto within the reactor? I was thinking about doing a combo of chaeto, some red grape, and dragons breath. Good or bad idea?

 

[pecan2phat]

I added Dragon's breath to the bottom of the 3 chambers and don't think it's a great idea. Chaeto has grown 4x faster and the whole concept is a accelerated macro algae growth for nutrient removal.
I will be taking out the Dragon's breath on the next pruning or at possibly lowering the chamber space in half.

 

[Maximus]

Do you feel that the light is too intense for red macros? My reactor is now online and boy is that light bright, even with the shade around the tube!

 

[pecan2phat]

Is the arid nano probably enough or should I stick to the e3? Oh and nice reef btw.


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You can definitely go down to the 18 based on the zero readings of N03 that I have gotten in the E24 since the reactor started up but not so sure of the sizes below the 18 if you plan on a heavy fish bio-load with related feedings.

 

[Maximus]

Warren, how many hours are you running your Led's on the reactor? Are you running them at night only?

 

[pecan2phat]

Do you feel that the light is too intense for red macros? My reactor is now online and boy is that light bright, even with the shade around the tube!

Maybe but besides it's pretty aesthetics, it does not serve much purpose in the ARID, IMO.
Don't worry about the beacon, it'll die down once the Chaeto starts to grow in. I made a cardboard cutout just for the top that I use after pruning but take it back off after 2 weeks or so.

 

[pecan2phat]

ARID is on a 12 hour reverse cycle.

 

[pecan2phat]

Didn't feel that I needed the 14 hour recommended by Pax. (hour before & hour after main light cycle)

 

[Maximus]

Ahh that makes sense as I just added a tiny bit of chaeto and it hasn't filled in. How often do you harvest your algae? How much do leave in the chamber after you harvest it? Sorry about all the questions.

 

[pecan2phat]

Upon initial seeding, I waited 3 months before pruning. Now I prune at about the 2 month mark. 1st time pruning, I took out about 2/3rds. Felt that was a bit much based on N03 test readings so now I prune roughly half.

 

[Maximus]

Wow, 3 months? Seems like a long time. I have the 18" model and I wonder how long it will take to get full. LOL, it's probably going to be a long time for me too. My phosphates tested at .03 yesterday btw. No idea where nitrates are at. I need to buy a good test kit. Any recommendations on an accurate nitrate test kit?

 

[pecan2phat]

Been a Salifert guy for the last 13 years.

 

[pecan2phat]

Sang,
Here's an example of why I am not going to put Dragon's breath back in. I just pulled the E24 for pruning:

 

[Maximus]

Wow, it looks like the dragons breath barely grew compared to the chaeto!

 

[extendedmango]

Sang,
Here's an example of why I am not going to put Dragon's breath back in. I just pulled the E24 for pruning:

That thing is amazing! I'm probably going to get the n 18. You should email pax bellum with ur questions maximus. Tristan replies super quick and was fairly helpful.


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[robbous]

Anyone have photos of their reactor with the co2 calcium reactor attachment hooked up? i want to add this to mine and honestly not sure how its attached via the quick disconnects

 

[Maximus]

After 5 days, it looks like it's working!

 

[Vio]

I don't believe one second in that "Fancy" reactor, all you need is ......space....good light and water flow. I grow Chaeto by Lb. trim every month and some , i donate when i got a lot, yes PO4 is 0.00 to 0.06 . I got 300 Gal. display and 90 gal refuge.

 

[Vio]

I don't believe one second in that "Fancy" reactor, all you need is ......space....good light and water flow. I grow Chaeto by Lb. trim every month and some , i donate when i got a lot, yes PO4 is 0.00 to 0.06 . I got 300 Gal. display and 90 gal refuge.

 

[Vio]

I don't believe one second in that "Fancy" reactor, all you need is ......space....good light and water flow. I grow Chaeto by Lb. trim every month and some , i donate when i got a lot, yes PO4 is 0.00 to 0.06 . I got 300 Gal. display and 90 gal refuge.