Calcium reactors how to setup

[Lakeside518]

I'm considering getting a Geo #612 reactor with a CO2 Regulator Deluxe - Dual Gauge with Solenoid.

I have a neptune aquacontroller Jr. with lab grade ph probe.

My question is:

How do i setup the controller to operate the reactor? Have it shut off on a PH drop? Run constantly and cycle off on a fall in PH?

I'm consider the Geo because i have read nothing but good things on their construction, efficency, easy of service & setup.

Thanks for any help and opinions

Kris

 

[gary greguire]

a ca reactor is nothing more than a tube you pump water threw you can spend a ton of money or buy a less expensive one I don't see a huge diff. The best way is to set the probe up so it is reading the effluent ph and keeps the reactor from dropping internally. This method is proactive instead of reactive. there are some good threads on reactors on RC also some in ReefKeeping
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.php

 

[monti-mike]

be honest here i dont even conect the Ca reactor to the /computer, i just bubble aloot of co2 in to the reactor and when the tank looks happy im good.................
i also bubble alot of co2 st into the tank, so the ph is always alittle more diff. to track offf the reactor.....

run the Reactor 24/7 no on and offs unless u notice a HUGE change in the PH........., the solonoids just get cloged and shorted out so if my power goes out the co2 just keeps gooing in.......

make sure to use a fine needle valve to control the co2, and a good pupm/doser pump to keep the reactor wiith water........

peace

mike

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Do you, who are using the Ca reactors, see a negative effect on the pH (with the influx of CO2?

I don't have one, but am wondering,

 

[gary greguire]

my effluent runs into a cup with an airstone in it to drive off some of the co2.

 

[monti-mike]

no i actually need it big time my ph will soar to a 9.9 wth bo additon of co2, i actually inject it st. in the water with a air stone to stablize my ph ......then its 8.1--8.6 daytime....

 

[zanclus]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8917479#post8917479 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gary greguire
my effluent runs into a cup with an airstone in it to drive off some of the co2.

Wonder where you heard that one Gary ... lol. I run my Geo 24/7, I feed it off from my skimmer pump and set my bubble rate to about 40 bpmn to start. I then set my effulent rate to about a drop per second and waited a few hours. After a few hours I tested the effulent rate with a PH meter and then set the effulent to a ph of 6.6. You should have all of your parameter SET in you tank before starting the reactor it will save you a lot of headaches. set your calc to 430 PPM ,your ALK to 4.43 meq/l and Mag to 1350 ppm after each adjustment to your effulent drip rate mlet a few hours pass then test the ph of it . when it is 6.6 let the reactor run for a day or tow and test your tank parameters then adjust the effulent bubble rate to maintain the values you want. It takes a little to get the reactor "dialed" in but once you do you will not have to fool with it. Set and forget!!!

 

[Lakeside518]

Thanks Zanclus. I would monitor the reactors PH with the port in the lid 24/7 and use another PH monitor to keeps tabs on the display tanks PH.

Thanks again for the input

Kris