Setting up new Calcium Reactor - help please

Brent Thomann

Brent Thomann

New member
I have a Schuran Jetstream 1 Calcium Reactor on its way and wanted to get the rest of the stuff I'll need to get it running.

I found this combo - Milwaukee CO2 Regulator & PH Controller Combo (MA957 & SMS122)

would you suggest getting that or is there something just as good for less money? Not sure if wanted to spend that much. I also have a Milwaukee controller for my ozone so I'd like to keep it consistent. I guess I'd just be asking about the different regulators then. I know to get one that has a solenoid but I've found many different regulators out there. Ones with 2 gages, 3 gages, fines tune gages, name brand off brand?? what do you suggest?

What about the media? what should I use and where can I find good pricing on it? I believe I've read that Schuran Reactor Media (larger pieces) was recommend. Haven't looked but its probably the most expensive stuff too. Anything out there comparable for less if that is what you recommend?

Also, I think I read something about being able to add some type of magnesium supplement to a reactor chamber to help raise mag? Like to kill to birds with one stone. Tired of adding Kent Mag fliud like I have been.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'm sure other will find this post for people searching for similar help.

Greatly Appreciated,
Brent
 
I use a two gauge low pressure system with solenoid acquired from Precision Marine many years ago. It has a regulator for adjusting pressure coming from the bottle (10 psi setting) and a fine tuning knob for adjusting bubble count (start around 1 bubble/second and a drip a little faster than you can count.

www.precisionmarinedirect.com
 
Ahh... You are correct. I didn't read down in the auction far enough. The one from MRC does not have a controller.

In that case, that's a pretty good deal. I saw the exact same pacakge on a site for $225 (Introductory Priced).

Sorry for the confusion...

-Doug
 
humpn247,

I have Schuran reactor JS1. I'm very happy with mine but it was tricky to fine tune this type of reactor. One key factor to consider is to use a peristaltic pump to feed this reactor. You could T'ee it off from your return pump if you have patience to "tweak" it out or use a variable pump.
Gen X media aka schuran look a like would also be suitable to use for your reactor. Aquaticeco sells Schuran media for decent price.
For magnesium media, some uses dolomites and add it to their calcium reactor media. I forgot the ratio but it would be wise to visit the reef chemistry forum on this subject.
Good luck. hth.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8172886#post8172886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hawaiianwargod
humpn247,

I have Schuran reactor JS1. I'm very happy with mine but it was tricky to fine tune this type of reactor. One key factor to consider is to use a peristaltic pump to feed this reactor.
Click to expand...

what affordable peristaltic pump out there would you suggest? What flow is recommended? I do have an extra line tee'd into my overflow that I was using for my skimmer but kept having difficulties with inconsistent water levels in my skimmer so I'd imagine I'd have the same problem with the JS1 reactor? What want this to be as easy / less frustrations as possible.

THANKS FOR ALL THE FEEDBACK

I found/purchase from the selling forum 10 lbs of Schuran media for $50 shipped, not bad right! Also purchased the Milwaukee Regulator/controller combo MA957 & SMS122. Any thing else I'll need you think, already have the tank. Dads old home brew co2 tank.
 
I use Carib Sea's ARM media in my reactor. I just gravity feed my Ca Reactor. I see no benefit to using a dosing pump, especially since the output is controlled by the reactor valve. Too much pressure could change flow output or internal pressure.
 
If you are looking for a really easy way to feed your reactor, try this. We took an extra MaxiJet Powerhead, drilled two holes in the outlet nozzle and put the 1/4" reactor feed tube into the nozzle. Feed a zip-tie through the two new holes and tighten it up to hold the tube in place. (Make sure you don't push it into the nozzle too far or it will stop the impeller) The PH provides positive pressure to the feed line and allows blow-by through the rest of the nozzle to keep from building up too much pressure. The PH sits in our fuge so it provides extra circulation and maintains the feed to the reactor.

-Doug
 
now thats clever! would a mj900 be suficent, only 8 watts? probably even go smaller right?


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8184591#post8184591 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dougchambers
If you are looking for a really easy way to feed your reactor, try this. We took an extra MaxiJet Powerhead, drilled two holes in the outlet nozzle and put the 1/4" reactor feed tube into the nozzle. Feed a zip-tie through the two new holes and tighten it up to hold the tube in place. (Make sure you don't push it into the nozzle too far or it will stop the impeller) The PH provides positive pressure to the feed line and allows blow-by through the rest of the nozzle to keep from building up too much pressure. The PH sits in our fuge so it provides extra circulation and maintains the feed to the reactor.

-Doug
Click to expand...
 
MJ900 should work fine. I used the MJ1200 because it's what I had on the shelf in the reef room, but all you really need to do is create a little positive pressure.

-Doug
 
Just curious. May save you some money. Do you have a protein skimmer? You could use the outflow to pressurize the line without overdoing it. Basically the same thing Doug suggested. That is where my line is stuffed into.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8191210#post8191210 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by westcott
Just curious. May save you some money. Do you have a protein skimmer? You could use the outflow to pressurize the line without overdoing it. Basically the same thing Doug suggested. That is where my line is stuffed into.
Click to expand...

yes, but I'd have to run the line pretty far, approx 6'. would it matter. I actually run my uv sterilizer off my skimmer and its on the other end of my stand/sump.

You know what, I'd rather buy-
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=OE1137

if it would work instead of hassling with running a line into my uv sterilizer.
 
We used to run our reactor feed off the effluent from our skimmer but it had problems restarting after skimmer cleanings so we went to the PH method. The pump you are looking at might work, I just don't know anyone using it for that purpose. You would need to throttle it down quite a bit for a reactor.
For $12, you could give it a shot...

-Doug
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8198403#post8198403 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dougchambers
We used to run our reactor feed off the effluent from our skimmer but it had problems restarting after skimmer cleanings so we went to the PH method. The pump you are looking at might work, I just don't know anyone using it for that purpose. You would need to throttle it down quite a bit for a reactor.
For $12, you could give it a shot...

-Doug
Click to expand...

thanks Doug.

I did a search and came up with that pump, others are using it to feed their reactor but not a JS1.

I'm bummed now. I bought a used JS1 off of the selling forum and I got broke in 3 spots, damaged during shipment.
 
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