bigger calcium reactor?

[fullmonti]

My sps have grown to the point my calcium reactor can't keep up with the demand. Would a bigger C R meet more demand, & how? Would the effluent be stronger or would it take more effluent? If it takes more effluent could I just increase effluent stream from my current one, even though I am now running a stream now not just a fast drip?

 

[Waterobert]

Have you tried to lower ph in calcium reactor by using more co2?The lower ph should produce higher calcium concentration in effluent.

 

[fullmonti]

I recalibrated the probe & ph is running at 6.4-6.5. I was told this was as low as should be run.

 

[Waterobert]

Ph 6.4-6.5 is about as low as you can go. You could try lower it to 6.2 and test your effluent for calcium. I don't know what is the saturation point for calcium, but you never know it my help. Another solution to your problem would be changing circulation pump in your calcium reactor to a stronger one. I wander if anyone know what is saturation point for calcium. Effluent from my calcium reactor is 650-700.

 

[Nanook]

If you can increase the effluent rate, you should be able to "keep up". Do you use a ph controller?

 

[Leonardo_]

A reactor with more volume allows you to increase the effluent rate. You have to aim for a minimum reactor-time of 5 hours(at pH 6.4), to get the optimal saturation of your effluent.

Increasing the effluent rate won't beneficial at some point anymore because it isn't enough saturated. You can lower the pH but you end op with excess Co2 and pH issues in the tank.

So... For example, if you drip 25 ml a minute, you need at least a reactor with (25*60)*5 = 7,5 liter (2 Gallon) for optimal results (and use all the Co2 you put in).
Loading the reactor to the top with media isn't a good idea because you decrease the reactor (water )volume. 1/3 filled is enough.

A large reactor controlled by a pH controller is beneficial for a stable Ca and Alk supply, and can keep up with the demand as the tank matures.
You can also simply enlarge the volume of the reactor to keep up with the demand.

I by-passed a 25 Gallon drum to my Schuran Jetstream II to increase my reaction time. I never had any pH issues because all the Co2 reacted with the CaCo3 and it was able to keep up with HUGE demands

Hope this helps:thumbsup:

Leonardo

 

[Waterobert]

Leonardo, if I test my effluent with calcium test kit what number should I get when effluent is saturated? Thanks

 

[mak]

Leonardo, do you have a Nielsen in your system? If so, what are the pros?

 

[fullmonti]

OK if I understand the 25gal drum correctly, the effluent in the reactor is circulating through the drum so it is in the lower ph longer so it can become more saturated?

Alkalinity is as much of an issue as calcium. I checked alk of effluent, it was 35-40. Can the effluent get more saturated?

 

[Leonardo_]

Leonardo, do you have a Nielsen in your system? If so, what are the pros?

Sorry Mak, what is a Nielsen?

OK if I understand the 25gal drum correctly, the effluent in the reactor is circulating through the drum so it is in the lower ph longer so it can become more saturated?

Alkalinity is as much of an issue as calcium. I checked alk of effluent, it was 35-40. Can the effluent get more saturated?

Yes, the pH is still pH 6,4 but the dissolved Co2 has much more time to circulate inside the reactor and react with the media. This way you "use" all the dissolved CO2 which result in more economic use of your CO2 supply and less CO2 via the effluent in the tank.
I measured Alk ~70 and Ca ~800

Leonardo

 

[fullmonti]

OK thanks, now all I have to do is figure out a way to get more water volume in my reactor. This has helped allot, I didn't really want to spend $700 on a new CR!

I was wondering what a Nielsen was too.
Jim

 

[mak]

Sorry Mak, what is a Nielsen

Leonardo

I mean a kalkwasser reactor. Do you use it? Thanks.

 

[fullmonti]

No, I did in the past when ph was low, but then I hooded up out side air to skimmer & things ran smooth for mouths. Then corals grew so much I started loosing alk&calcium
& ph has been running on the high side.

 

[mak]

I ask because I have the same problem rigth now, i dont know if I wrong, but I see on the left a kalkwasser reactor on leonardos photos.

If I add a second reactor chamber, it will be the same idea like leonardo explain, but with less volume of water...

 

[Leonardo_]

I ask because I have the same problem rigth now, i dont know if I wrong, but I see on the left a kalkwasser reactor on leonardos photos.

If I add a second reactor chamber, it will be the same idea like leonardo explain, but with less volume of water...

These are photo's from my previous setup. I always used A Kalkwasser Reactor in combination with a Ca-Reactor.
Right now I use two-part and Kalkwasser.

OK thanks, now all I have to do is figure out a way to get more water volume in my reactor. This has helped allot, I didn't really want to spend $700 on a new CR!

Jim, I'm glad this helped you a bit. You're right, if you use your current Ca-reactor for the media and by-pass an extra chamber to the reactor you're done The bigger the better

Leonardo

 

[mak]

These are photo's from my previous setup. I always used A Kalkwasser Reactor in combination with a Ca-Reactor.
Right now I use two-part and Kalkwasser.

Leonardo

two-part+kalkwasser+ca reactor :bigeyes:
I have to put back my kalk ractor!

Do you find that way more stable? (ph,ca.kh)

Thank you Leonardo.

 

[Briddle3]

Is this the same concept as an add on chamber... Is the water in the chamber circulated through the second chamber by the circulation pump or is it just the effluent running through it?

 

[RickMartin]

Where did you get the figure 5 hours for total saturation?

 

[fullmonti]

Also Leonardo do you know where I can get metric pvc fittings? I'll need some to plumb the extra water to my calcium reactor.
And thanks again for your help.
Jim