calcium reactor

[freezerguy]

people use ph controllers to run their calcium reactors. Is this the ideal way to control the reactor? And, why would monitoring the ph of your tank maintain the calcium level? just wondering exactly how it works.

 

[pwhitby]

you monitor the pH of he reactor, not the tank. You need pH of 6.5 for aragonite to dissolve

 

[freezerguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7046297#post7046297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
you monitor the pH of he reactor, not the tank. You need pH of 6.5 for aragonite to dissolve

so does the co2 lower the ph in the reactor, causing the aragonite to dissolve? what keeps your calcium levels from getting too high in the main tank?

 

[pwhitby]

yes, thats what the CO2 does. You control the flow thru the reactor to keep things balanced.

 

[freezerguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7046339#post7046339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
yes, thats what the CO2 does. You control the flow thru the reactor to keep things balanced.

ok, that makes sense. it would probably be more clear to see one in operation. once i get my new tank going, i would like to get more sps and i think a calcium reactor would be a good investment.

 

[_Sooner_2]

The GEO brand calc reactors come standard with a fitting for a PH probe. I'm pleased with mine. This makes it much easier to measure the PH in the reactor.

I have my effluent drain into the sump right where the skimmer intake is. I've read that having your effluent from the reactor going into the skimmer will blow off the excess CO2. I think some skimmers even have a fitting to run your effluent directly into them.

Ronnie

 

[saltysooner]

whats the best way to keep an eye on your tanks ph when your monitor is in the reactor? and does it run 24/7? I'm still trying to get mine dialed in right.

 

[pwhitby]

Lori, I only monitor the effluent from the reactor, I set the bubbles to give me a 6.5 pH with approx 1-2 litres per hour flow.

Every so often I will check the tank pH while I am setting my Ca Reactor up. So long as the flow is restricted to 1-2L hour, you can have the bubbles as fast as you like.....if the tank remains stable, increase the flow thru a little, if needed.

P.

 

[saltysooner]

Thanks for the help Paul, how did you determine the amount of effluent per hour?

 

[pwhitby]

I took a 1 liter coke bottle, timed how long it took to fill....then did a little math.

Once that parts done, you need to do some testing, determine if ca/alk is rising, if so, you are fine (unless its rising fast)...then adjust flow to keep levels wher you want them.

It takes a week or so, but once done, a Ca Reactor is your best investment on an SPS system.

P.

 

[saltysooner]

thanks for the help

 

[VCoo71]

i use my monitor/controller to monitor my tank.....i know how many bubbles of Co2 will keep my reactor effluent at a steady 6.8 (anyone using ARM media...... i woudnt run it any lower or it will turn to mush!)
if my tanks PH drops below 7.9 (which it never does)it will shut off the Co2 ........i have read/heard where it is hard on the soleniod valve to be be constantly shutting off and on

and i sure do like to know what my tanks PH is

charlie

 

[_Sooner_2]

Lori,

I had a PH moniter when I bought the contoller. I run and moniter the reactor with the controller, I have the old PH moniter for the tank (couldn't see selling it for pennies on the dollar).

I would love to have a calc moniter. But, everything I've read says they're no more accurate than the test kits we all use. hard for me to justify the cost.

Ronnie