Ca+ reactor how to help please

[Briney Dave]

I have a basic calcium reactor system. a 20 lb co2 tank and regulator, pH monitor

How do I know when and how long to keep the system on
how fast of a bubble rate?

I just sort of assumed that there would be instructions on how to operate the system beyond what parts get screwed together.

(silly me)

I know what calcium levels I want (425-450) pH of 8.3 and so on with alk etc.

Do I only turn the system on when the ca drops below 425 or is sinking toward that
how long should it be on to move it back up (testing times etc)

my system is a 240 with a 100 sump 2/3 full
right now its just the live rock curing but I will have a good number of sps clams etc all of which need more Ca than 10% per month water changes will be able to keep up with when they get growing

help please

 

[itZme]

dave, best bet would be to check out geosreef.com. basic setup is in the manual for his reactors. you want to monitor the effluent ph and use that to turn the co2 solenoid on and off. if you cant figure it out pm me. i will respond when i am not on my phone.

 

[Briney Dave]

Thanks Kevin,
I read Geo's instructions but want to make sure that I am getting it. I should only run the system if I am out of range on the Ca+

and its ok to test every 24 hours even if the system is running

 

[scottfarcuz]

If you have fresh uncured rock I wouldn't bother until the tank is cycled and the rock cleaned up. Your demand is likely to be pretty low with no coral, and you will be doing water changes to help the rock along. The added p04 from the reactor media wont help the algae blooms. The demand will change so much later you will still be messing with it.

All that being said jdieck here on RC is a great source of chem info. His website has a lot of nice tools. Here is his section on reactor setup.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

 

[Briney Dave]

I did not even bother testing the Ca levels right now knowing the demand to not be present. Even when the lights come on the coraline will not be taking up too much.
I am just wanting to finish all the plumbing and placement issues so as the need arises

thanks so much for the link!! I will take time at home to check it all out.

Its hard to know who and what to just about this stuff on the net.

Thanks you two for sharing
David