Calcium reactor and kalkwasser

[scuzy]

I figure how to add the Kali reactor to my system now

Will have the apex solenoid as extra failsafe to shut off when ph in tank drifts greater than 8.3 this way I won't ever have over dosing cause the logic will close the solenoid and turn off the pump socket as well.


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[All__talk]

I don't have a Ca Reactor but I do run a dual pump ATO (dual floats with APEX), water goes through the kalk reactor below 8.3 and switches to straight RODI above. I dont chase PH, but in the past I ran kalk for all top up water and my day time high PH would sometimes go above 8.4. This set up also helps mitigate the day to night swing, which runs around 8.1 to 8.3 in my tank.

Gary

 

[reefling]

Most calcium reactor driven reefs are 7.8 to 8.0 pH. Steady pH matters more than a certain number.

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[scuzy]

Calcium reactor and kalkwasser

I don't have a Ca Reactor but I do run a dual pump ATO (dual floats with APEX), water goes through the kalk reactor below 8.3 and switches to straight RODI above. I dont chase PH, but in the past I ran kalk for all top up water and my day time high PH would sometimes go above 8.4. This set up also helps mitigate the day to night swing, which runs around 8.1 to 8.3 in my tank.



Gary

This is what I'm going to do with my kalkwasser Rx add-on to compliment my carx. pH < 8.3 pump through kalk reactor then if ph> 8.3 use the ro pump. I'll add in a solenoid to the apex fmm to be double failsafe in case the plug sticks on at least I have two ways to shut it down. I'm also using triple float/optical sensor to prevent over top off.

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[guc32]

Here is how I run my ATO through a kalk reactor.

Runs for max 2min every 10min. And only runs at night.

Fallback OFF
OSC 000:00/001:30/008:30 Then ON
If SumpLo OPEN Then OFF
If SumpHi OPEN Then OFF
If Output Kalk_Ready = OFF Then OFF
If pH > 8.50 Then OFF
If SkimCu OPEN Then OFF
If Time 11:59 to 20:59 Then OFF
Defer 000:30 Then OFF

 

[jda]

What is your plan for if the Apex fails on? I know that it is uncommon, but it does happen. Do you limit the water the the pump can pump into the tank mechanically?

 

[scuzy]

Calcium reactor and kalkwasser

I mean I guess if that's the case I'll need a float like the apex ato.

If it stays on there's more for me to worry about.
That's why there is dual logic one for socket power off and one for off with solenoid.

Problem with the float shutoff I don't have room in the sump chambers it's used for marine pure blocks. I guess I can take over if them offline.


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[guc32]

I hear people say if apex gets stuck on. Does that mean apex says turn off and it doesnt turn off? So what if there is another turn off signal, will it turn off?

Or does stuck on means the switch itself doesnt work anymore?


Yes limit the amount of water in your ATO tank for a failsafe.

 

[jda]

...just think about it. I am sure that you have seen the posts with Apex sticking on sometime when it fails or needs a software update or something. There was a whole run of them lately with heaters sticking on, but this is easy since you can get a heater with an internal thermostat. It is still probably under 1/10th of a percent, but it still sucks for those folks and might be worth a few minutes of thought.

Kalk is dangerous, which you know... and all electronics have either 1). failed or 2). will fail, so better to have them fail off.

 

[jda]

The Apex has an outlet on... fails... and the outlet stays on. Even the ones that are "supposed" to fail off sometimes stay on. This is not a huge deal with lights or even a heater (if dual controlled).

This is a hobby grade piece of equipment after all. Overall, I would say that it is a darn impressive piece of hardware for the price point, but it is hardly lab or industrial grade.

 

[scuzy]

Calcium reactor and kalkwasser

The odds of solenoid and socket fail should be a lot lower

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[laverda]

Scuzy
What are your Alk, Mag and Ca levels at? You need to know where you stand before deciding what to do next. It is very easy to get you ALK & Ca to high running both reactors. Your Ca reactor should keep your PH a bit higher if running properly. Your Alk levels are more important then the PH specifically.
If your ALK & Ca are both low I would do like one of the other posters suggested and add small amounts of kalk hourly at night starting an hour or 2 after lights out.

 

[scuzy]

My alk is at 8.2, calc 420, mag 1300


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[laverda]

Sounds like adding Kalk will be to much unless you reduce the output of your Ca reactor.

 

[mikeatjac]

Actually with new Apex you can get an alarm if the socket fails. However I have never heard of a socket stuck open.

I believe there is a correlation between a higher ph and growth thus I use a kalk reactor with a two part doser.

A former CR user.

 

[scuzy]

Calcium reactor and kalkwasser

Reason I want to get my ph a little higher. Heard great things about a steady ph of 8.3. and carx and kalk could go hand in hand.


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