Cliff, here's an update on your Ca reactor

[miwoodar]

Nice DIY! Glad nobody got hurt when it blew up.

I found DragonSlayer's attachments in this thread helpful...the excel sheet helped me compile notes from my log book onto one page. Tuning became a lot easier after that.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=334587

 

[ReefJerk]

Thanks, Mike. The levels are now at Calc/Alk 460/12 as of yesterday. I will be testing again this afternoon to see where they stand. The effluent pH is a steady 7.5 with ~50 dpm. I want to get that alk down a little more to make me comfortable. 9-10 would make me happy as long as I can keep the calc above 400.

 

[kimoy]

do you have a list of materials needed?

 

[ReefJerk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10611586#post10611586 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kimoy
do you have a list of materials needed?

Posted in the reactor thread...
By the way, my levels are now Calc - 420, Alk - 10. I have the effluent set at a fast drip with the pH steady at 7.0. Tank pH is at 8.5

 

[jman77]

I hope you know you can fix that crack with Weld-On 16..... apply a coating on the inside and outside and you'll be good to go, should n't look too bad as well.

 

[ReefJerk]

Already taken care of

 

[Rocmtnreef]

Good luck with the CA reactor seems that you have come close to an acceptable balance. I had to drop my reactor and may go back when I can afford a proven model. I've been told that slow adjustments with retest is the best way to go. I had a high Alk problem as well on my 55. I believe this was do to a high bubble rate in the C02. Keep us informed!
Chris has had good luck with reactors and I believe that Tim has just started his.

 

[Rpierce]

Can I ask a quick question: What did you use between the two tops to keep water from leaking out the top? I know the small bolts didn't keep it water tight. Thanks in advance.

Rick

 

[Huhhhhh]

On page 1 he was talking about using neoprene from a scuba shop here called Underwater Connection.

 

[calvin415]

Yes, Tim's right... I used 1/4" neoprene between the two plates as a gasket. It works great, even when pressurized to 40 psi (causing the break) nothing came out the top.

 

[ReefJerk]

The neoprene is still working flawlessly. After 6 months of use, it's still holding strong.

 

[Rocmtnreef]

Good to keep in mind should mine ever break.