Calcium Reactor Question, Please help!!

[Phamdh]

I just purchashed a korallin calcium reactor and I has some few questions with regards to the alkalinity. The alk reading inside the reactor is approx. 15. I know that its suppose to be higher than 25 so how do I increase the alk? I understand that increasing CO2 bpm will increase the alk but doesnt that lower the pH inside the reactor? if the pH is too low, wouldn't it melt the media? Any help is appreciated. thanks

Dennis

 

[dragon_slayer]

what media are you using and what is the current pH of the reactor?

kc

 

[Phamdh]

i am using knop Korallith and its the larger sized media (6-10mm). my effluent ph is around 6.5. Should I lower the pH in order to dissolve more media?

 

[mavgi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10067803#post10067803 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Phamdh
i am using knop Korallith and its the larger sized media (6-10mm). my effluent ph is around 6.5. Should I lower the pH in order to dissolve more media?

this media can dissolve even at 7.04 and you can test it easy when you measure the alk from the effluent if it's higher then in the reactor it's mean the media dissolve .

i don't know what is your bioload and every tank use different dose but i suggest to you to start low and to test every 24 hour the alk in the tank and to adjust it with slow step.

start 20 ppm from the effluent and 10 drop/min the co2 adjust the controller if you have to 6.7 and test now the alk in the tank and compare it to the next 24 hour if you keep the alk in the level you want then it's ok if you want to get more higher then increase 1 to 2 bubble in the co2 till you set the alk you want in the tank steady but make the test at least after 24 hour and don't play with the reactor befroe this time , you want to look also that in this time the effluent and the bubble stay at the same drip level and if they change to adjust them .

 

[dragon_slayer]

if the media is new and your pH is 6.5 it's Very likely you're getting false readings from your Alk test or you're interpreting them incorrectly. some tests won't accurately read higher then 15 dKH, which test kit are you using and is it a fresh kit?

kc

 

[Phamdh]

I am using Salifert test kit and the kit is approx is 4 months old. I use the low resolution mode and just doubles the KH level to get the value. Is there a test kit which accurately measures the alkalinity?

 

[dragon_slayer]

the salifert will.

kc

 

[mavgi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10077856#post10077856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Phamdh
I am using Salifert test kit and the kit is approx is 4 months old. I use the low resolution mode and just doubles the KH level to get the value. Is there a test kit which accurately measures the alkalinity?

you can use try the ELOS test kit they are very good to .