Question about Ca Reactor set up

[Saldarya]

Hello all,

Looking for a lil help here. I am setting up a MRC Ca Reactor and came across a problem I am not sure about. Got the Mag 2 set up, which is the recirc pump, then used a small Ehiem (160 gph) as the feed pump, actually smaller than the suggested MH1200. Connected the air hose to the CO2 injection barb, then fired it all up fo a leak test.

No leaks!! But, due to the obvious pressure build up in the reactor, water is forced through the airline hose.

Question is, wont this pressure out of the CO2 line push water back into the regulator or do I simply need to install a check valve on the air line. Even with a check valve, with the small amount of CO2 being injected overcome the water pressure in the hose?

I think I am missing something simple here and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[CMcNeil]

yeah you need the check valve,and yes the factory 20psi will be just fine to overcome the water and inject.once the co2 starts it will fill the hose till it has to come out the bottom of the bubble counter.

 

[Saldarya]

Outstanding, many thanks. Does it make any difference that I am using the bubble counter off of the regulator. So, I would fill the bubble counter before the hose.

Thanks again!!

 

[CMcNeil]

it shouldnt matter.i have 2 counters,1 on the regulators and one built onto my reactor.i only count my bubble rate from the reactor counter.you need to put some fresh water into the counter(i assume your counter is a clear plastic one mounted to the regulators).then you can see the co2 bubbles and count them.

 

[Saldarya]

Again, thank you for the help.

 

[CMcNeil]

no problem