Korallin Calcium Reactor

If you guys dont mind me cutting in, I'd like to ask you guys about some calcium reactor setups I'm interested in...
If anyone would give their input, it would be great.

I was looking at the Korallin 1502 package from Marinedepot...
(of course I'll have to find a CO2 tank separately; I believe that will complete the package...it will be ready to go)

;then I'm also looking at the PM CR422 w/ the brass dual guage regulator w/ 5lb CO2 cylinder...
(I'll have to get the media seperately; anything/what else?)

Of course later on I will be upgrading my tank size, so I'm looking for something I will be able to use in the future...
"Plug and play" setup I guess...

Any advice?

Alan.
 
ReefObsessor805,

A small feeder pump is adviseable, if one doesn't come with the package. It will help rid the reactor of any excess air/co2 buildup, and improve its efficiency.

I got that from the setup instructions for the reactor. Not a direct quote, but pretty close

Someone suggested a MaxiJet 1200 to me, so that's what I ordered. I hope it does the trick.
 
Just sharing good news on the replacement O ring for my Eheim 1250. I ordered a 2 mm x 44 mm from McMaster (thanks, JDieck, for the suggestion). It was tad too bit, but I sqeezed it in and no more leak .... at least for now! On to the next hurdle.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8455830#post8455830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ColinPopcorn
ReefObsessor805,

A small feeder pump is adviseable, if one doesn't come with the package. It will help rid the reactor of any excess air/co2 buildup, and improve its efficiency.

I got that from the setup instructions for the reactor. Not a direct quote, but pretty close

Someone suggested a MaxiJet 1200 to me, so that's what I ordered. I hope it does the trick.
Click to expand...
Just keep in mind to provide partial recirculation from the MJ flow back into the tank as the flow that goes into the reactor is not enough to properly cool the powerhead.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8463478#post8463478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dag
Just sharing good news on the replacement O ring for my Eheim 1250. I ordered a 2 mm x 44 mm from McMaster (thanks, JDieck, for the suggestion). It was tad too bit, but I sqeezed it in and no more leak .... at least for now! On to the next hurdle.
Click to expand...
Glad it worked well :thumbsup:
 
So it would be alright to use a smaller Maxi, like a 400 or a 600?
Then it may not run as hot, but will get the job done?
Say a 600 maxi feeder pump for a 12" Reeftek reactor?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8465737#post8465737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefObsessor805
So it would be alright to use a smaller Maxi, like a 400 or a 600?
Then it may not run as hot, but will get the job done?
Say a 600 maxi feeder pump for a 12" Reeftek reactor?
Click to expand...
I am afraid it is not a matter of pump volume but pressure and smaller powerheads discharge pressure is just too low. The flow taken by a reactor is less than 1.6 gph while the powerhead flow even the smaller is 30 times larger. The higher head of the 400 is only around 1.8 feet which might be lost in the tubing alone but depending on the installation you may not even need a feed pump if the reactor is at the level or lower level than the water surface so in those cases a small powerhead may still be useful but the point is that some recirculation will still be needed.
Some have reported very good results using an aqualift. The issue I see is that the Aqualift may require more frequent cleaning for proper operation.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8465588#post8465588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdieck
Just keep in mind to provide partial recirculation from the MJ flow back into the tank as the flow that goes into the reactor is not enough to properly cool the powerhead.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. Can you please elaborate little futher. Are you suggesting the use of a T?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8467849#post8467849 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ColinPopcorn
Thanks for the tip. Can you please elaborate little futher. Are you suggesting the use of a T?
Click to expand...
You can use a 1/4" T without a valve, the small diameter of the output of the T will create enough pressure drop on the recirculation that the line to the reactor will still feed it.
An easier solution is to use the perforated coupling that comes with the powerhead. This is the coupling that attaches to the powerhead outlet and to the fan shaped piece and has ahole fo rthe air intake to the powerhead.
Use the coupling without the fan connected to the tubing to the reactor and attach it to the powerhead, leave the air hole open and enough water will escape (recirculate) trough it to cool the pump while feeding the reactor.
 
Many reactors use the recirculation pump inlet to also suction water directly from the tank. In some reactors the recirculation pump is not large enough, the suction from the reactor does not create enough pressure drop for the suction from the tank or the reactors have to be installed above the water level creating a head pressure which the recirculation pump can't overcome.
For all those cases in addition to the recirculation pump, means to feed the reactor have to be provided, the most common alternatives is a tap from the return pipe, an aqualifter pump or a powerhead.

Here is a typical diagram to feed from the return pump which allows creating some internal pressure in the reactor to aid in the CO2 dissolution.:

18470Ca_Reactor_From_Return_2nd.jpg
 
So, black flexible vinyl tubing would be a suitable type of tubing/piping from the return pump to the recirculation pump; then to the ca reactor? If so, what diameter? 1/2" ?
 
So, black flexible vinyl tubing would be a suitable type of tubing/piping from the return pump to the recirculation pump; then to the ca reactor? If so, what diameter? 1/2" ? I use the vinyl tubing for my phosphate reactor...
 
Actually I use all John Guess fittings and polyethylene 1/4" tubing like the one for RO/DI filters for my Calcium Reactor, Kalk Reactor, Purigen Reactor and top offs.
The only place I use something different is in the CO2 line were I got some special m3 green CO2 resistant line, for the Ozone where I use special Silicone Ozone resistant line and for the Phosphate reactor where I use 1/2" vinyl as I required a larger flow.
If you have access to a 1/8" MNPT Tap, you can actually thread the coupling of the MJ powerhead and use a 1/8 MNPT by John Guess connector to attach the 1/4" poly to the powerhead.
 
jdieck, just a couple more questions if you don't mind...

Where do I find the John Guess fittings?
And what reactor setup would you suggest for me? I'm pretty open right now and pretty confused as well...

I guess I am just looking for nice setup w/out the pH controller b/c I have a RK2 on the way...

Korallin 1502?
Reeftek 12" ? (I can get a better deal w/ this setup)
Precision Marine?
confused...
 
I usually can't recommend brands as I have not tested them all (I have a custom made) but I could say that for a 46 gal tank a basic reactor will be enough unless you want to have some other convinences.

Must have:
a) Single chamber
b) good construction
c) Down flow
d) Good recirculation
e) reliable CO2 system
f) PH monitor
g) Good effluent needle valve
h) Easy to dissolve media (ARM)

Should have but not indispensable
a) Second Chamber
b) PH controller
c) Effluent flow meter

Nice to have (fancy) may not worth the additional expense
a) Pressure Gauge
b) Upflow
c) CO2 difussers
d) Specialized media
e) Water filters
f) Presurization
 
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