suggestions on a regulator

[TheCoralNabber]

I'd like to get some suggestions on a regulator. I've got my reactor and tank, but didn't come with a regulator. what does the solenoid do as well. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

Dan

 

[cmhollis]

The solenoid is an electrically operated valve that you generally plug in to a pH controller such as Milwaukee SMS122. You set the controller to turn the solenoid on as pH goes up, and off as pH goes down. Opening the solenoid allows the CO2 to flow across the media, giving you your calcium. Generally the effluent from the reactor is dripped into a cup, and the controller probe is set up in the cup as well. That way the controller is only reading the pH of the reactor effluent and most people seem to set their control band around 6.5 (solenoid off) to around 6.8 or so (solenoid opens). Then when the cup is full it overflows into your sump. ;l

HTH,

Mike

<EDIT> Just realized I didn't answer your original question about a regulator recommendation. I can't help you there, I am using the one that came with the used MRC reactor I picked up.

 

[TheCoralNabber]

so I would need the ph Controller as well as the regulator/solenoid? I'm guess that is the best way to run a calcium reactor then. Thanks for your help

 

[cmhollis]

You don't need them, many people run without them. It is just a matter of balancing the CO2 bubble rate and the flow rate through the reactor. Personally I like the automation feature of using a controller/solenoid. I picked up a Milwaukee SMS122 controller on eBay for about $85 after shipping.

 

[TheCoralNabber]

I found a place that sells them for $85 new and the regulator/solenoid for $73, which isn't too bad, and the matching regulator and solenoid was about the same. I guess that I might just have to get it soon then.

 

[cmhollis]

Keep in mind that a calcium reactor will drive your tanks pH down. Many people use a kalk or Nilsen reactor to also add calcium and counter the calcium drop (kalk raises pH). Instead of adding another reactor, I am going to use a dosing pump and 5 gallon bucket of kalkwasser. Then you just set the dosing pump to match the amount of water you evaporate out of your tank each day. These dosing pumps are generally refurbished medical peristaltic pumps that are designed to run 24/7.

 

[TheCoralNabber]

I've already got an auto top off sytem in which I use kalk, so that will probably be ok, although I want to get a kalk reactor soon as well, to simplify the process. My 75 is going to rock once I get this bad boy going.

Dan
Thanks for the info.
How do you have your tank water getting into your reactor. I know that some ppl use a peristolic pump, but also know of ppl T-ing off of their return pump, and having a valve to vary the amount of water going through the reactor.

 

[cmhollis]

Mine is tee'd off the return.

 

[TheCoralNabber]

can you post a pic/explanation of how you teed it off of the return? Thanks!

Dan