Lightsluvr's 340G Upgrade
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
It's probably not your browser... we'll worry about that tomorrow (Scarlett O'Hara philosophy) Twiddle dee dee...
LL
CA Reactor Virgin
CA Reactor Virgin
Not sure if that's one of the forbidden words, but here is the final assembly and saltwater test of my first CA reactor. I purchased a LifeReef LRC-2 from my good friend Lytehouse and finally got to the stage where I will be putting it online. I went to the COMAS meeting last night, and the club was checking water samples as part of the monthly educational presentation...I took a urine... :eek2: err, I mean saltwater sample and got the high sign :thumbsup: from the official club testers for the night. Alk was 9.3 dkh, CA was 390 and MG was 1320. This affirms my own tests of water parameters.
So here we go with the LRC-2. As Melev reported on his site, I found the reactor to be well constructed with a solid feel to the product:
Following the instructions, I placed the (included) bubble counter in a container of RO/DI and sucked the water into the counter until it was full. There were still a few air bubbles in the counter, but these went away over a few minutes.
Then I placed the bubble counter in the holder mounted on the top flange of the reactor. Very convenient for counting CO2 bubbles:
Next step was installation of the Neptune Systems pH probe in the optional probe holder which is located on the outflow of the reactor's Mag-7 circulating pump:
Here is the CaribSea ARM (coarse) media that I elected to use:
The LRC-2 comes with two plastic discs and a foam disc. If the recommended coarse media is used, only the thicker (gray) disc is required, located under the media:
More next!
LL
CA Reactor Virgin
Not sure if that's one of the forbidden words, but here is the final assembly and saltwater test of my first CA reactor. I purchased a LifeReef LRC-2 from my good friend Lytehouse and finally got to the stage where I will be putting it online. I went to the COMAS meeting last night, and the club was checking water samples as part of the monthly educational presentation...I took a urine... :eek2: err, I mean saltwater sample and got the high sign :thumbsup: from the official club testers for the night. Alk was 9.3 dkh, CA was 390 and MG was 1320. This affirms my own tests of water parameters.
So here we go with the LRC-2. As Melev reported on his site, I found the reactor to be well constructed with a solid feel to the product:
Following the instructions, I placed the (included) bubble counter in a container of RO/DI and sucked the water into the counter until it was full. There were still a few air bubbles in the counter, but these went away over a few minutes.
Then I placed the bubble counter in the holder mounted on the top flange of the reactor. Very convenient for counting CO2 bubbles:
Next step was installation of the Neptune Systems pH probe in the optional probe holder which is located on the outflow of the reactor's Mag-7 circulating pump:
Here is the CaribSea ARM (coarse) media that I elected to use:
The LRC-2 comes with two plastic discs and a foam disc. If the recommended coarse media is used, only the thicker (gray) disc is required, located under the media:
More next!
LL
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Over- reacting!
Over- reacting!
I looked around for the official inspector and he showed up immediately, approving the loading of media into the reactor:
Filled to within one inch of the reactor top, as per the instructions:
After filling the column with media, it only took one gallon of tankwater to completely fill the reactor! After filling, I cleaned and carefully placed the lid gasket in place:
Replaced the lid and tightened the screws sequentially until finger tight:
Applied plumber's "grease" to the threads of both unions to allow easy disassembly later for cleaning, maintenance and media re-fills:
Installed the smaill Rio feed pump and filled up the reactor, while starting the Mag-7 recirculating pump. Just the slightest bit of cloudiness in the media. (I had soaked it in RO/DI in order to test for PO4 in the media.)
Here's my rigged "sump" to circulate water in/out of the reactor while breaking in for an overnight wet test in the sink:
More to follow...
LL
Over- reacting!
I looked around for the official inspector and he showed up immediately, approving the loading of media into the reactor:
Filled to within one inch of the reactor top, as per the instructions:
After filling the column with media, it only took one gallon of tankwater to completely fill the reactor! After filling, I cleaned and carefully placed the lid gasket in place:
Replaced the lid and tightened the screws sequentially until finger tight:
Applied plumber's "grease" to the threads of both unions to allow easy disassembly later for cleaning, maintenance and media re-fills:
Installed the smaill Rio feed pump and filled up the reactor, while starting the Mag-7 recirculating pump. Just the slightest bit of cloudiness in the media. (I had soaked it in RO/DI in order to test for PO4 in the media.)
Here's my rigged "sump" to circulate water in/out of the reactor while breaking in for an overnight wet test in the sink:
More to follow...
LL
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The wet test - no leaks!
The wet test - no leaks!
I have been running the Rio and Mag-7 pumps while preparing these posts, and I am pleased to say that the reactor will be ready for dialing in tomorrow. No leaks seen.
It took one complete gallon jar of ARM plus 25% of a second jar to fill the LRC-2 with media. As mentioned previously, the reactor holds one gallon of liquid while it is making effluent from the mixture of media and CO2 gas. The outflow of effluent is controlled by the tubing clamp shown in the rigged "sump" picture in the previous post.
Here is the reactor circulating water:
Detail of the recirculation plumbing of the LRC-2 with the inflow (left side) forn the Rio feed pump:
Here is a side view of the effluent chamber at the base of the reactor. Note how remarkably clear the saltwater is after just a few minutes of circulation:
Well that's it for tonight. I did mount the regulator on the 5 pound CO2 bottle. We'll hook it up tomorrow and start to drip some CO2 into the reactor chamber. I will be closely monitoring CA, ALK and MG for the ensuing days...
The APEX controller will be programmed to stop the flow of CO2 into the reactor whenever effluent pH falls below 6.5. It will also stop the Rio feed pump if tank pH ever falls below 7.9.
More tomorrow!
LL
The wet test - no leaks!
I have been running the Rio and Mag-7 pumps while preparing these posts, and I am pleased to say that the reactor will be ready for dialing in tomorrow. No leaks seen.
It took one complete gallon jar of ARM plus 25% of a second jar to fill the LRC-2 with media. As mentioned previously, the reactor holds one gallon of liquid while it is making effluent from the mixture of media and CO2 gas. The outflow of effluent is controlled by the tubing clamp shown in the rigged "sump" picture in the previous post.
Here is the reactor circulating water:
Detail of the recirculation plumbing of the LRC-2 with the inflow (left side) forn the Rio feed pump:
Here is a side view of the effluent chamber at the base of the reactor. Note how remarkably clear the saltwater is after just a few minutes of circulation:
Well that's it for tonight. I did mount the regulator on the 5 pound CO2 bottle. We'll hook it up tomorrow and start to drip some CO2 into the reactor chamber. I will be closely monitoring CA, ALK and MG for the ensuing days...
The APEX controller will be programmed to stop the flow of CO2 into the reactor whenever effluent pH falls below 6.5. It will also stop the Rio feed pump if tank pH ever falls below 7.9.
More tomorrow!
LL
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serpentman
part time superhero
Nice. I really like their design. I am planning to mod my GEO to the similar style input which allows the recirc to draw in water.
bennkrys01
Member
Whew
Whew
Wow,
I just lost six hours of my life to reading this. I forgot to go to work because it was such a good thread... Haha. My wife is going to kill me because I haven't left the computer in hours. BUT
It was all worth it. This is an absolutely amazing build thread and probably the only one that truly captivated me enough to read through the whole thing.
I've been out of the hobby for about 2 years (with about 1.5 years experience). I recently purchased a local setup that I'm very excited about setting up in my home. I learned a lot through this thread and took many notes to think about before the move.
One interesting thing that I had forgotten while making my preparation list was LEVELS... but thanks for reminding through your awesome picture filled thread.
Good luck and thanks for the thread. I'll be subscribing and scratching your brain as I move forward with my build.
:spin2: :spin1: :spin3:
Whew
Wow,
I just lost six hours of my life to reading this. I forgot to go to work because it was such a good thread... Haha. My wife is going to kill me because I haven't left the computer in hours. BUT
It was all worth it. This is an absolutely amazing build thread and probably the only one that truly captivated me enough to read through the whole thing.
I've been out of the hobby for about 2 years (with about 1.5 years experience). I recently purchased a local setup that I'm very excited about setting up in my home. I learned a lot through this thread and took many notes to think about before the move.
One interesting thing that I had forgotten while making my preparation list was LEVELS... but thanks for reminding through your awesome picture filled thread.
Good luck and thanks for the thread. I'll be subscribing and scratching your brain as I move forward with my build.
:spin2: :spin1: :spin3:
Thanks for stopping by again... I have no frame of reference with other reactors, but I know the Life Reef was remarkably easy to set up and get started. The instructions were like Jeff was looking over my shoulder as I put it together.
LL
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Thanks - it's working just as expected. Effluent pH is down to 7.16 while the tank pH is steady at 8.12. I'll check tank CA, MG and ALK tonight.
Jeff's instructions indicate I shouldn't expect to see marked results for a few days to a few weeks. I'm running effluent water into the tank at a slow stream, but will adjust back to a steady drip when effluent pH reaches 6.4 or so.
LL
Re: Whew
Re: Whew
I am honored that you spent that long reading my saga... and making your first post on the build thread!
I hope to will come back often - and please free to ask questions and make comments. That's how I was able to undertake this project at my level of experience - I learned so much following along on other build threads...
and WELCOME to REEF CENTRAL!
LL
Re: Whew
I am honored that you spent that long reading my saga... and making your first post on the build thread!
I hope to will come back often - and please free to ask questions and make comments. That's how I was able to undertake this project at my level of experience - I learned so much following along on other build threads...
and WELCOME to REEF CENTRAL!
LL
LRC-2 installation
LRC-2 installation
After testing the reactor in the sink overnight, I moved it to its permanent location under this stand early this morning.
I noted that water was unusually high in the CO2 tubing between the bubble counter and the injection point. I looked closely and spotted some escaping watery gas bubbles in a reducer fitting on the base of the bubble counter. It was easy to remove the counter, apply new teflon tape to the PVC fitting and reinstall. Jeff at Life Reef responded to an e-mail in short order and had already analyzed the tubing question. Another example of great customer service...
Charley approved the activity in front of the tank...
Quiz of the day - how many fish do you see in the above photo?
LL
LRC-2 installation
After testing the reactor in the sink overnight, I moved it to its permanent location under this stand early this morning.
I noted that water was unusually high in the CO2 tubing between the bubble counter and the injection point. I looked closely and spotted some escaping watery gas bubbles in a reducer fitting on the base of the bubble counter. It was easy to remove the counter, apply new teflon tape to the PVC fitting and reinstall. Jeff at Life Reef responded to an e-mail in short order and had already analyzed the tubing question. Another example of great customer service...
Charley approved the activity in front of the tank...
Quiz of the day - how many fish do you see in the above photo?
LL
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CA Reactor jumpin'
CA Reactor jumpin'
Here's a closer look of the reactor location. That extension cord will be gone soon, as all three plugs will be attached to the Apex Aquacontroller.
Plug 1 - Mag 7 Recirculating pump
Plug 2 - Rio 810 Feed pump
Plug 3 - CO2 Solenoid switch (will cut off flow of CO2 when effluent reaches 6.4 pH - will turn flow back on at 6.6 pH) That's the plan anyway, after we see how easy it is to maintain a steady effluent level first...
The Life-Reef bubble counter - look closely and you'll see a couple CO2 bubbles rising in the liquid. (RO/DI)
Uni-Weld Regulator:
The small RIO feed pump provides all the flow needed by the Reactor to push water into the system:
...and the outflow of the reactor effluent into the return chamber of the sump - set to provide a steady trickle.
As I write this post, the Reactor pH reads 6.94 while the tank is holding at 8.4 - pretty much normal reading for this time of the light cycle. The target pH for effluent is 6.4, according to the Life Reef instructions.
Initially, I will not inject CO2 during the dark hours in the tank when the pH normally drops to 7.95 - 8.0.
Time for daily water tests of CA, ALK and MG to monitor what the tank is doing...
Comments and questions welcomed...
LL
CA Reactor jumpin'
Here's a closer look of the reactor location. That extension cord will be gone soon, as all three plugs will be attached to the Apex Aquacontroller.
Plug 1 - Mag 7 Recirculating pump
Plug 2 - Rio 810 Feed pump
Plug 3 - CO2 Solenoid switch (will cut off flow of CO2 when effluent reaches 6.4 pH - will turn flow back on at 6.6 pH) That's the plan anyway, after we see how easy it is to maintain a steady effluent level first...
The Life-Reef bubble counter - look closely and you'll see a couple CO2 bubbles rising in the liquid. (RO/DI)
Uni-Weld Regulator:
The small RIO feed pump provides all the flow needed by the Reactor to push water into the system:
...and the outflow of the reactor effluent into the return chamber of the sump - set to provide a steady trickle.
As I write this post, the Reactor pH reads 6.94 while the tank is holding at 8.4 - pretty much normal reading for this time of the light cycle. The target pH for effluent is 6.4, according to the Life Reef instructions.
Initially, I will not inject CO2 during the dark hours in the tank when the pH normally drops to 7.95 - 8.0.
Time for daily water tests of CA, ALK and MG to monitor what the tank is doing...
Comments and questions welcomed...
LL
melev
Well-known member
I've had a Six Line Wrasse and a Mandarin in my reef since 2005. My tank is bigger (280g with a 29g refugium attached, plus a 20g angled show tank also plumbed in, plus a 3g suncoral tank also plumbed in... ) Regardless, with pod eaters in the tank, you do have to wonder if a Mandarin can find enough to eat as well.
The little gal in my tank has been very reclusive but has held her own for almost four years.
melev
Well-known member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15689304#post15689304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lightsluvr
I was very impressed with Jeff, and I really like his CA reactor design and construction. As indicated by the previous post, I am waiting for my numbers to be "just right" before starting it up.
I sent him a link to the thread here, and he just wanted to correct some misconceptions about his product. He doesn't come on the threads often, because all the wrong information he reads "gives him a headache..."
I can understand his frustration. Ignorance is bliss (I'm blissful all the time), but you can't fix stupid.
LL
I'm glad you did. I never know about that method of filling up the bubble counter, and I've had that reactor for years and years. :lol: Talk about simple. D'oh!
It looks like you still have the pH probe section install incorrectly. Did you not want to change its orientation?
Whoever originally set up the reactor plumbed it that way.. Lytehouse got the reactor from another reefer but never set it up.
After the issue I had with the new Mag-7 leaking, I didn't want to tempt fate (especially around the pump fittings), so I left it as is. However, when it's time to replace media and do a general cleaning in a few months, I'lll re-plumb it at that time.
Can you snap a picture of the back side of that "T" on your reactor? Do you have an elbow there, or did you just bend the hose?
The little Rio feed pump that comes with the LifeReef reactors had to work hard to get water started over the rim of my acrylic sump, but it just chugs along after it got primed. I stopped and restarted it several times to make sure it would continue to flow in the event of a power loss, and no problems. I like that it sticks to the side of the tank (off the sump bottom) and creates no heat at all. I was thinking about replacing it with a MaxiJet 400, but it wasn't necessary.
Thanks for the input over the months! I sure am glad I installed those vents you suggested above the tank...I call them my "Melev Vents".
LL
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Thanks, buddy. You need to come visit soon...
Nine fish is correct...if you count Charley as 3 fish...
LL
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15705417#post15705417 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Here's a few pictures from last August.
Parts I ordered (kit plus that sponge)
Perfect! Thanks, Marc.
LL
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