Korallin C1502 calcium reactor help

[AriMiko43]

I have the reactor plumbed into my 210 gallon system through a maxi jet feeding the inlet. I opened outlet #2 and once the reactor filled I closed outlet #2 and turned on the ehiem pump on the reactor. I then ran a 1/4" line from outlet #1 to the sump and opened it to drip around 40 drips a minute. I have the carbon doser electronic regulator and set it for 10 bubbles a min [this is what the instructions state as a starting point]. The low pressure gauge is set to 12 psi. The ph in the reactor drops below 6.5, it seems that I have to open the effluent fully to get the ph around 6.5-6.6. Do you run outlet 1 at 40 drips and outlet 2 slighty open [1-2 drips a minute]? What outlets should I be using and how much should I open them? Is my low pressure gauge set to high and the bubbles to big? I believe you control the size of the bubble with the low pressure gauge on the carbon doser. It does not have a needle valve. I have the reactor running right now but I am not adding any co2 until I figure out how this works. I figured I will let it just run to get any air out of it then add co2 after the weekend so I can monitor it during the week. Thank you for any info.

 

[RRaider]

Most of what I have read suggests a lower pressure. I'm dialing in my GEO at the moment and have it on 4 psi.
Here is a quote from one article, " at 10 psi you will be applying a 330 pounds of force to the top flange of a 6.5” dia. reactor chamber so anything above that is running the risk of blowing the top or cracking the reactor cylinder."

 

[AriMiko43]

Ok so how do I know when my effluent drip is matched up to my bubble rate? When I hold a steady ph in the reactor? I am shooting for 6.6 in the reactor

 

[tkeracer619]

" at 10 psi you will be applying a 330 pounds of force to the top flange of a 6.5” dia. reactor chamber so anything above that is running the risk of blowing the top or cracking the reactor cylinder."

Yes but there is an open end so there isn't actually 10psi inside the reactor. Once it exits the regulator it essentially returns to atmospheric pressure. Your quote is accurate in a closed environment but not for the purpose of a calcium reactor.


Don't really worry about the drip rate just yet. Get the effluent flowing so its pretty steady with the gas off. Test your tank. Add some gas. I would start around 5psi or whatnot and your current bubble rate. Don't focus so much on the chamber ph unless it drops below 6.5.

If it does reduce the pressure or the bubble count. Test daily and see how it goes. You are testing for dkh not ca. If dkh drops add gas or effluent flow. One at a time until the tank is stable.. Try to keep the ph between 6.5 and 6.8. Test daily.

What media are you using?

 

[tkeracer619]

More gas = lower ph
Less gas = higher ph
More effluent = lower ph
Less effluent = higher ph

 

[jamey1015]

Yeah your right on track, just slow down the co2 bubbles and the ph will come up. I do mine kinda differently I use a Milwaukee ph controller instead, but one bubble every 4 seconds and a quick drip every second or a tad faster keeps mine balanced without turning the co2 on a off with the controller. Outlet #2 needs to drip just like you got it, if not co2 builds in the top of the reactor and it will stop working correctly.

 

[AriMiko43]

I am using the caribsea coarse media. I find that 3 psi on the low pressure gauge and a bubble every 8 seconds keeps the reactor ph stable on 6.6, I have another problem now. My kh out of the effluent is only 13.1 dkh while running the reactor in the 6.6 range. I don't understand why this is. I tried the 100% co2 saturation, checked the pump impeller and any pipes recirculating the reactor. Everything is fine and clear. I did have a broken shaft in the impeller previously but I fixed it and tried everything over again and still the same results.

 

[tkeracer619]

I am using the caribsea coarse media.

This media works well around 6.3 ph.

 

[AriMiko43]

Wow really? I thought under 6.4 was no good and will melt the media. I am new to calcium reactors and am trying to dial this in. I thought 6.6 would be a good range and then work my way up (down on ph) and see what the results are.

 

[tkeracer619]

Its not going to "melt" it will just dissolve faster. Each media is different. Don't go to 6.3 right away but you can and I would lower it past 6.6 without any worries.

 

[DrewFitz]

Not sure if anyone can help me. My Korallin C1502 inlet or Einlauf has sheared off, I dont want to pay £85+ for a new one. Has anyone made any DIY inlets? If so PLEASE HELP

 

[tkeracer619]

Pic please.