Calcium reactors for dummies ???????

[Scudd]

Could someone explain the operation of a Calcium reactor to me. I understand that C02 is release into a chamber that has calcium media in it, which then releases calcium back into the tank,......but
1. How is this system set up?
2. Does anyone make a complete system ...tanks, media, CO2 tank and controller? Something thats plug and play.
3. Does the reactor run in line like a skimmer 24/7

 

[corndogg]

The CA Rx (calcium reactor) setup is essentially 3 parts.

1) co2 tank

2)co2 regulator

3)actual reactor

Marine depot sells packages with regulators and reactors. But, you'll most likely end up purchasing the co2 tank locally because shipping can become cost prohibitive.

I recommend searching for a used setup because it's possible to score a complete setup from a reputable builder for $300-400 depending on brand, tank size rating, age etc...

Expect to spend $500-800 for a comparable setup new. But...as you know with anything in this hobby, it is possible to spend considerably more or less. I suggest you spend the most you can afford the first time around to avoid redundant purchases from buying too cheap a setup the first time.

The majority of people do run their reactors 24/7. However, occasionally you'll find someone that doesn't follow the norm.

 

[corndogg]

Some of the best brands are:

GEO
Deltec
Schuran
H & S

 

[Scudd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9688549#post9688549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by corndogg
The CA Rx (calcium reactor) setup is essentially 3 parts.

1) co2 tank

2)co2 regulator

3)actual reactor

Marine depot sells packages with regulators and reactors. But, you'll most likely end up purchasing the co2 tank locally because shipping can become cost prohibitive.

I recommend searching for a used setup because it's possible to score a complete setup from a reputable builder for $300-400 depending on brand, tank size rating, age etc...

Expect to spend $500-800 for a comparable setup new. But...as you know with anything in this hobby, it is possible to spend considerably more or less. I suggest you spend the most you can afford the first time around to avoid redundant purchases from buying too cheap a setup the first time.

The majority of people do run their reactors 24/7. However, occasionally you'll find someone that doesn't follow the norm.

So, is it plummed in line with my sump?

 

[corndogg]

They are fed from a line tee'd off from your return pump or a separate feed pump like a maxijet.

Then you drip the effluent (water that circulates inside the reactor) into a higher flow area of your sump.

 

[gasman059]

eparate feed pump like a maxijet.

GEO DESIGN

 

[jlynn427]

this might help

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a360/jlmoondoogie/CaReactor-2003_08.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

 

[Scudd]

1. So how do you know how much Co2 to release. 2. Is it at a fixed rate from the control valve?

 

[marsh]

1. System set up-
Essentially what a Ca Reactor does is deliver a balanced supplement of Ca++ and Alk. They do not supplement Mg unless you place 5-10% of reactor media as CaMg(CO3)2 (Zeomag or Dolomite) in the reactor. Generally you follow the Alk in your tank to "dial in" your reactor for your tank. They are relatively easy to set up.

What ever reactor you get I would highly recommend getting a Ph controller. It makes the "tuning" very very easy. The Ph probe is bathed in the reactor fluid. It maintains the reactor fluid (effluent) at your set Ph (~6.5 or so) and turns off your CO2 when the Ph gets to low and turns it on when too high. No fiddling with accurately setting the "bubble rate". All you need to do then is measure the Alk of the effluent and set the effluent drip rate and monitor your tank's Alk.

As for setting up a reactor...get your Ca++, Mg++, and Alk up to correct levels first using Randy's "two part" or other...http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html Get good test kits for this.

Then use the online Calcium reactor calculator to set your drip rate given the effluent Alk, tank Alk etc http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html
This process will take a week or two but generally only involves setting the Ca reactor drip rate (with known effluent Alk) and measuring the tank Alk at 48 hr intervals.

2. Plug and Play -generally the retailer will come up with a package for you.
http://www.saltycritter.com/calcium-reactors/calcium-reactor-packages.htm

3. Does a reactor run 24/7 - I do but some people do not run theirs during lights off given the Ph drops that occurs at night. There are some Ca reactors that have two chambers that reportedly mitigate the Ph drop. Some people use a Kalkwasser reactor for top off to balance the Ph drop from a Ca reactor.

 

[92cg60]

Perfect Title Sorry for jumping in on your thread but I've got a really dumb question.. I'm pretty much out of room in the tank stand. Is there a "in-sump" reactor out there? Most I see are kept dry anywhere but in the sump. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[glaudds]

Here's a good read..
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.php

 

[hahnmeister]

Almost any reactor can be used 'in-sump'.