How are you running your ca reactor?

[Aqua Man 07]

So i have a Geo 6x24 CA reactor that I was planning on setting up but after reading a lot of info on them and seeing all these people using $1200.00 pumps to pull water through the reactor and having to modify the reactor to even make it work corectly I'm asking myself why the hell I even got this thing. So could some of you share how you are feeding water yo your reactor at this point I'm so confused what to do I don't even want to look at my reactor I'm definitely not going to spend 500+ on a pump to drip water I'd rather take a loss and get a couple dos pumps and call it a day. Convince me that this reactor is not a wast of money.

 

[DamonG]

So i have a Geo 6x24 CA reactor that I was planning on setting up but after reading a lot of info on them and seeing all these people using $1200.00 pumps to pull water through the reactor and having to modify the reactor to even make it work corectly I'm asking myself why the hell I even got this thing. So could some of you share how you are feeding water yo your reactor at this point I'm so confused what to do I don't even want to look at my reactor I'm definitely not going to spend 500+ on a pump to drip water I'd rather take a loss and get a couple dos pumps and call it a day. Convince me that this reactor is not a wast of money.

I'm just using a maximum. The dosing pumps they are using are far more precise, but for us Meer mortals, a feed pump like the maxi, a sicce, etc will work..

And I have a 618 geo model..

 

[Aqua Man 07]

I'm just using a maximum. The dosing pumps they are using are far more precise, but for us Meer mortals, a feed pump like the maxi, a sicce, etc will work..

Do you have any co2 issues stoping the effluent? Could I run it from a manifold off of my reeflow dart or snapper can't remember wich one but it's the bigger one?

 

[M3P]

I use a maxijet feeding into my lifereef calcium reactor. Works great. It has a mag pump recirculating. No issues here. Probably the most hassle free equipment on my tank.

 

[Aqua Man 07]

I use a maxijet feeding into my lifereef calcium reactor. Works great. It has a mag pump recirculating. No issues here. Probably the most hassle free equipment on my tank.

That makes me feel a little better.

 

[chadfarmer]

U might need something bigger than a maxi jet 1200 to feed the 624 because of the 24 inches. I had one and used my return pump on it.

 

[M3P]

Agree with farmer. Mine isnt that tall, but I'd consider a dedicated pump that way changes to other equipment doesnt change the flow thru the ca reactor.

 

[DamonG]

I'm just using a maximum. The dosing pumps they are using are far more precise, but for us Meer mortals, a feed pump like the maxi, a sicce, etc will work..

Do you have any co2 issues stoping the effluent? Could I run it from a manifold off of my reeflow dart or snapper can't remember wich one but it's the bigger one?

Nope no problems at all so far..

 

[Aqua Man 07]

Ok thanks guys I won't lie I was starting to feel very discouraged reading through all the info. I'm not cheap on stuff but it's hard to justify that kind of cash for a pump. What would a good little pump be I'm comfortable spending 100 on something if need be but I dont think it will take nearly that much.

 

[kegogut]

I have a 618 and I'm running it off of my manifold. Havent had any problems at all.

 

[chucklez]

Do you have any co2 issues stoping the effluent? Could I run it from a manifold off of my reeflow dart or snapper can't remember wich one but it's the bigger one?

I feed mine off the return line.

 

[Aqua Man 07]

I feed mine off the return line.

No ph swings or any other problems?

 

[chadfarmer]

U will have pH swings but that setup via controller or pH controller.

 

[chucklez]

Nope. my effluent is at a pretty consistent rate

 

[Aqua Man 07]

I'm gonna try running it off my manifold first if I have issues I'll get a pump specifically for it I will have the ph controlled by my apex. I'm going to get a better needle valve for it also.

 

[DamonG]

I'm gonna try running it off my manifold first if I have issues I'll get a pump specifically for it I will have the ph controlled by my apex. I'm going to get a better needle valve for it also.

The manifold is a good idea. And the controller, as I was instructed should just be for backup(the ph should remain stable with shift so that it doesnt cut the solenoid off constantly) , and share which needle you get and it's results after you get it..

 

[kegogut]

My biggest ph swing accord to Apex fusion is 6.8 to 6.83

 

[Aqua Man 07]

The manifold is a good idea. And the controller, as I was instructed should just be for backup(the ph should remain stable with shift so that it doesnt cut the solenoid off constantly) , and share which needle you get and it's results after you get it..

I saw the vertex needle valve on brs and figured something like that would work. I would be using the apex as a backup to stop the ph from dropping to low I sapose for more redundancy I could t the effluent line with a electronic cylinoid and use it to flush any co2 or raise the ph if needed.

 

[DamonG]

I saw the vertex needle valve on brs and figured something like that would work. I would be using the apex as a backup to stop the ph from dropping to low I sapose for more redundancy I could t the effluent line with a electronic cylinoid and use it to flush any co2 or raise the ph if needed.

This one:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vertex-precision-needle-valve.html

If so, I thought you meant the needle valve on the Co2 regulator.. That is what I meant..

 

[Schplitter]

You are overthinking it. I did the same thing in the beginning. When I went back to basics like Nook suggested it has been running just fine.

I have mine feeding of my return pump but it's greatly restricted on the output and the outlet for the ca reactor to make it stable. Then I also have the apex control the co2. A good needle valve at the co2 and the effluent line are a must.