calcium reactor help

[saltyfun]

Whats the easiest way to set one up? Does anyone have a good article on this?

thanks,
Dave

 

[ppurcell]

Try these two links:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/calcreactors.htm

 

[Sullyman]

What type of reactor do you have?

 

[saltyfun]

Its a diy so I have no directions. I guess one main question I have is.
Should I be measuring the PH of the effluent before it hits the tank or just measure the PH of the whole system/tank?

I was hoping to use my Reefkeeper2 to help control it and I have a second PH monitor if I need one.

 

[Sullyman]

Yes, measure the effluent before it goes back into the tank. I put a small specimen cup on my fuge wall, drilled a hole halfway up the side of the cup. The line from my reactor drips into this cup and I have my controler probe in there, so it's reading the effluent ph and turning off and on the co2 accordingly. I've also put a timer on my co2 solonoid, so it stays off all night.
I use a ph monitor in the tank, so I can see both levels all the time.

 

[saltyfun]

Ok, I will do something similar. So let me get this straight.

I can have my RK2 check the PH and turn the Ca reactor pump on/off as needed.
I plug the Co2 solonoid into a outlet that, my main lights are plugged into.
And run my 2nd PH monitor for the main system.
Is that it?

 

[Sullyman]

The co2 solonoid is what needs to go on and off, the reactor pump is always on. So, hook the co2 solonoid to the rk2, so it will turn the co2 on and off as needed to keep the effluent ph where you want it.
The monitor will show you the tank's ph.

 

[saltyfun]

Ok, got it.

What is the target range for the PH and do I need to get a test kit for Ca?

 

[Sullyman]

What are you using in the reactor? My k2r came with instructions to get the effluent ph to 6.6-6.8 range, and that worked with the Koralith. Since adding Dolomite per Menard's suggestion, I have to keep it lower, 6.2-6.3
What test kits do you have?
I'd get one for Alk and Ca.

 

[saltyfun]

I'm using ARM, aragronite reactor media.

I think I just need the CA test kit. I have any Alk test

 

[Sullyman]

You should get the effluent down to 6.5-6.6.
If you're running a reactor, you need both kits, the reactor effluent needs to be checked for alkalinity too.

 

[saltyfun]

What do I do if the Alkalinity is off?

 

[Sullyman]

The effluent's Alk level should be high, mine's been at 16dkh, the tank's Alk level stays at 9-10dkh.
Getting the Alk set right will bring the Calcium levels where you want them.

 

[saltyfun]

HOw do I raise or lower just the Alk level? Its not proportionate to the Ca level?

 

[Sullyman]

You can use lots of products, I don't use this but have heard good things about it. http://www.aquariumguys.com/reefbuilder1.html
Dripping Kalk at night for evaporation would be better, imo, but if a quick fix is needed.