Calcium Reactor Media

[Lacy]

I am setting up a used reactor and was looking into the choices of media. I have read the articles that are available on Analysis of Media, Reef Chemistry and Ca+ Reactors but cannot find a definitive comparison between media except for "Calcium Reactor Substrate -- Phosphate Levels" by Greg Hiller. There he compares ARM, Koralith and Limestone mainly concerning phospate levels.

Can anyone recommend a comparison article that truly defines the media? Solubility, Ca+ and trace levels, impurities, etc.?

Alternatly, if anyone has tried more than one media, what were their results?

Other questions: Will Koralith C+ work in a non-fluidized reactor? Or is it too fine and build up channels (reduce the surface area)?

Who are the best suppliers for Media?

I currently have a 180g reef tank with a heavy loading. I add CA, Alk and Mg suppliments daily (balabnced) but cannot keep up with the demand (thus the reactor).

Thanks for any and all assistance!!

 

[Lacy]

In paragraph (4) I meant to say ROWAlith C+, apologies.

 

[Billybeau1]

No, but jd may be able to shed some light on your question.

When I see him, I'll send him your way.

 

[jdieck]

Rowalith C+ will be too small for non fluidized reactors.

I have tested ARM and Gen-X medias and both are below the recommended level of Phosphate of 0.02 ppm although they tend to change depending on their sourcing location but in general they are very acceptable.
I found that both medias dissolve rather better than Koralith or pure calcium carbonate.

Depending on the reactor diferent sizes work better.

For a single chambered upflow reactor I would use large sized media.

For a downflow reactor with a single chamber I would use small sized media (Like small ARM)

For an upflow or downflow reactor with two chambers I would use large sized media for the first chamber and small sized media for the second chamber.

 

[Lacy]

jd,

Thanks for the info. THe reactor is a twin chamber MRC CR-2. The first chamber is a downflow, recirculating chamber, the second is an upflow to an effluent. I am adding a monitor chamber to the effluent line to monitor/control the pH with a Milwaukee SM-122. I had considered adding a monitor port to the first chamber to ensure there is not too much of a pH drop, but I was told the the lowest pH point would be at the outflow.

Thanks!!

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12341298#post12341298 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lacy
jd,

Thanks for the info. THe reactor is a twin chamber MRC CR-2. The first chamber is a downflow, recirculating chamber, the second is an upflow to an effluent. I am adding a monitor chamber to the effluent line to monitor/control the pH with a Milwaukee SM-122. I had considered adding a monitor port to the first chamber to ensure there is not too much of a pH drop, but I was told the the lowest pH point would be at the outflow.

Thanks!!

In this case I would use large media for the first chamber and small media for the second chamber.

The lower PH will be inside or same as at the output of the first chamber and not at the final effluent outflow from the second chamber as the second chamber will increase the PH of the effluent.

THe respoinse time from the controller will be improved if the probe is installed either in the first chamber or in the line between the two chambers. You canDIY a sump for the probe to be installed in between chambers if you do not want to install a probe holder in the first chamber.

 

[Lacy]

That looks similar to the chamber I was making for the effluent. I'll modify it to go between the two chambers as you suggest.

Can I assume that the outflow from the first chamber is a lower pH due to the absorption of CO2 in the second chamber?

 

[ScallopKing]

don't mean to hijack, but jdieck what large and small do you recommend?

I have the same reactor and need to replace media now.

good thread, thanks for letting me jump in un-announced!

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12343564#post12343564 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lacy
That looks similar to the chamber I was making for the effluent. I'll modify it to go between the two chambers as you suggest.

Can I assume that the outflow from the first chamber is a lower pH due to the absorption of CO2 in the second chamber?

Yes the PH in the first chamber is lower . That is the control point you want to have your controller to monitor.

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12343600#post12343600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ScallopKing
don't mean to hijack, but jdieck what large and small do you recommend?

I have the same reactor and need to replace media now.

good thread, thanks for letting me jump in un-announced!

For large media ARM or Gen-X work well, for small media I have always used ARM.

 

[ScallopKing]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12344098#post12344098 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdieck
For large media ARM or Gen-X work well, for small media I have always used ARM.

what do you set your ph too for large ARM or Gen-X. I run full ARM small media in both chambers with first chamber at 6.5.

hey, thanks too!

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12345031#post12345031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ScallopKing
what do you set your ph too for large ARM or Gen-X. I run full ARM small media in both chambers with first chamber at 6.5.

hey, thanks too!

THey both dissolve well at 6.5, larger media may take lower PH but may not worth it specially if your alkalinity requirement is well met at 6.5 to 6.6

 

[Lacy]

Hmmm...ScallopKing, as a pilot, I would usually greet a hijacker with excessive force...


But in this case I'll let it slide - good question, thanks!!