rogergolf66
im an addict lol
And this is why using a controller is always simpler. No reactors require one just recommended to make your life and and tuning it so much easier. Good luck
LifeReef Calcium Reactor
- Thread starter d2mini
- Start date
Really? How has it worked so far?
All you need is to start with two settings: BPM of 60 per minute and effluent of 60 ml. From there depending on your alkalinity, you would start with adjusting the CO2 up or down.
There is no reason to know the ph in the rector. Even Lifereef says a probe is not necessary.
I have used reactors on three different tanks and never a ph probe and also have gotten to my desired alkalinity (10-11 dkh) within 24 hours.
I used a different brand than what Dennis is using, but the theory behind calcium reactors are the same. Not all calcium reactors execute them the same though.
I think that if Dennis still has issues getting it dialed in another day or so he should call Lifereef. They made it and should be able to give him the best advise for THEIR reactor.
Dennis, try testing the alkalinity of the effluent and see what it is. This will give you the best idea what's happening with your reactor. Once it's really cooking, you should get an alkalinity reading of something north of 50 or 60 dkh. If you are way below this, then you need more CO2 to dissolve the media (unless you have too much effluent pouring out).
If your alkalinity is very high coming out if the reactor, then increase the effluent. This will increase the tank alkalinity.
Testing the alkalinity is a better indicator than figuring out your Ph.
Ken
Last edited:
d2mini
Premium Member
UPDATE:
In the past 12 hours my Alk has STEADIED. It's still at 8.12 which was exactly my last reading. But this took an increase in settings.
Old settings...
Effluent = 65 ml/min
BPM = 68
pH = 6.57
New settings...
Effluent = 95 ml/min
BPM = 112
pH = 6.47
Think i should leave it be for the next 12-24 hours?
I'm wondering if its taking a few days for this media to really start dissolving.
Jack mentioned the lower ph that was needed with the coarse media and then this person also mentioned there being a bit of a lag in the beginning.
In the past 12 hours my Alk has STEADIED. It's still at 8.12 which was exactly my last reading. But this took an increase in settings.
Old settings...
Effluent = 65 ml/min
BPM = 68
pH = 6.57
New settings...
Effluent = 95 ml/min
BPM = 112
pH = 6.47
Think i should leave it be for the next 12-24 hours?
I'm wondering if its taking a few days for this media to really start dissolving.
Jack mentioned the lower ph that was needed with the coarse media and then this person also mentioned there being a bit of a lag in the beginning.
eyesinthedrk
New member
ive been following along since you were first discussing getting you calcium reactor. i had purchased and set up mine at the same time. my question is are you having an issue with the effluent rate dropping.
ive set the controller to regulate the reactor ph and set the discharge valve to a drip rate. but after an hour i look on my apex and tank ph is rising and reactor ph is dropping, sure enough the effluent has stopped dripping. ill crack open the valve just a hair to get a drip rate and an hour or two later it all happens all over again.
are you having any similer issues? is this a common problem with Ca Reactor steups?
ive set the controller to regulate the reactor ph and set the discharge valve to a drip rate. but after an hour i look on my apex and tank ph is rising and reactor ph is dropping, sure enough the effluent has stopped dripping. ill crack open the valve just a hair to get a drip rate and an hour or two later it all happens all over again.
are you having any similer issues? is this a common problem with Ca Reactor steups?
d2mini
Premium Member
Mine changed a little over the first several hours while the reactor broke in but since then my effluent has been pretty steady. What is the effluent rate you are trying to set? Did you let it run at full blast for 10 minutes to make sure you cleared all the air out of the lines?
eyesinthedrk
New member
yeah. a couple of times lol.
eyesinthedrk
New member
one difference is mine is used, so i dont know if there might be a build up in the gate valve or not. just wanted to see if it was a common thing that will settle itself out before i get proactive with it.
rogergolf66
im an addict lol
Not tring to start a debate but I have used many different brand calcium reactors for years with great results on a controller. I have been in the hobby for a long time and have run calcium reactor with good results with out a controller also. I prefer to use a calcium reactor with controller. Thats just me. That being said all brand calcium reactors say a controller is not necessary. That is true as it is not necessary its just easier. u can also have safety back ups to protect the tank if anything was to ever go wrong.
Im glad u got it dialed in. Lifereef makes great products u will be happy with it.
Roger
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
Your last adjustment was a little erratic, but it worked.
Test again in 24 hours. If it stays at 8.12 you are set. What is your target alkalinity? For example, if the target is 8.5 dkh, use a little sodium carbonate to raise to 8.5 dkh and the reactor will maintain that level. If the target is 7.5 dkh, turn off the CO2 (while leaving the effluent running) and let it drop into the 7.5 dkh and then turn the CO2 back on.
Last thing, measure calcium and mag to make sure it is at your target. What do you use to maintain mag? You could use zeomag/dolomite inside the reactor to maintain mag or dose a mag solution.
eyesinthedrk
New member
as for the controller issue. if it does nothing else it saves CO2 by closing the solinoid valve once at the desired ph.
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
A micro ball valve should be used on the effluent line. What is the effluent rate? As discussed in this thread a rate of 60-80 ml/min is a good start. A low rate can cause clogging and too much can upset the seals on the reactor.
eyesinthedrk
New member
ill do some testing when i get home from work. i was still just trying to get a consistent rate before dialing anything in. unfortunately the consistent rate thing is the problem.
d2mini
Premium Member
Target alk is mid to high 8's so not far off.
Just tested calcium and magnesium.
Calcium = 480
Magnesium = 1100. I'll up my dose on this one. I use the mix from BRS.
d2mini
Premium Member
Hey so another question just occurred to me.
BPM vs Effluent.
Let's say you could get the exact same pH and stable Alk under two different sets of settings.
Set 1 where the BPM is higher than Set 2 and the effluent rate is lower than Set 2... and Set 2 where the BPM is lower than set 1 and the effluent rate is higher than set 2.
In either case the results are the same, but in Set 1 you are using more CO2.
So wouldn't it make sense to go with Set 2 to save CO2?
BPM vs Effluent.
Let's say you could get the exact same pH and stable Alk under two different sets of settings.
Set 1 where the BPM is higher than Set 2 and the effluent rate is lower than Set 2... and Set 2 where the BPM is lower than set 1 and the effluent rate is higher than set 2.
In either case the results are the same, but in Set 1 you are using more CO2.
So wouldn't it make sense to go with Set 2 to save CO2?
d2mini
Premium Member
Yeah, and i guess that's something else I was kind of wondering... is there a sweet spot of efficiency. Some kind of ratio of BPM vs Effluent Rate that creates the most concentrated effluent with the least amount of CO2.
This is what happens when you are stuck home alone with an infant for two weeks. lol
This is what happens when you are stuck home alone with an infant for two weeks. lol
ridetheducati
20 and Over Club
Hypothetically speaking and assuming both setups are dialed in:
Setup #1
CO2 : 100 bpm
Effluent : 90 ml/min
Setup #2
CO2 : 80 bpm
Effluent : 60 ml/min
Less CO2 is being used in setup 2. Small benefit for smaller tank systems, but both setups will impact the overall tank pH the same.
Setup #1
CO2 : 100 bpm
Effluent : 90 ml/min
Setup #2
CO2 : 80 bpm
Effluent : 60 ml/min
Less CO2 is being used in setup 2. Small benefit for smaller tank systems, but both setups will impact the overall tank pH the same.
