CA Reactor questions

[Reefer Brian]

I purchased a Korallin 1502 reactor recently and havent got it exactly dialed in yet. Just wanted to know a few things from the local pro's. Any help would be appreciated.

What should the effluent pH be?

What should be the appproximate bubble rate?

What should be the approximate effluent drip rate?

[DEXNC]

SHOULD BE 6.5,10 PER MINUTE AND 40 DRIPS PER MINUTE

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You may find that the exact pH you need will depend on the media you use, and the bubble rate and flow rate together should be used to match the tank demand. :)

These have more:

Calcium Reactor setup calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.php

[Reefer Brian]

Thanks Randy, the links were helpfull as always. Much appreciated.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck. :)

[anothermineral]

I've been using a 1502 for a couple of years now and love it. Per Randy's comment above, drip rates will depend on both media used and demand.

Over the years I've tried several methods for feeding the reactor. I currently use a feed off my return pump which I feel allows me to keep the drip rates more consistent over the long term. When using small power heads or an aqualifter (both which worked well), I found myself making small weekly adjustments as the flow would ultimately taper off a little or excess CO2 would not vent consistently. By having more controllable/higher input pressure, the reactor stays rock solid for weeks at a time.

I've also found that adding a small second chamber filled with media has aided in keeping my tank PH from dropping.

[palawan]

SHOULD BE 6.5,10 PER MINUTE AND 40 DRIPS PER MINUTE

Is that using the Korralin bubble counter or the bubble counter mounted on your regulator?

[sohal1025]

Once it is set at 6.5, 10 and 40 dpm, is the reactor running 24/7 or should it be put on a timer?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Most people run them 24/7. :)

[sohal1025]

When I run mine for more than a few hours the Co2 builds in the top of the reactor. Thats with a low bubble count. Any less of a bubble count is not enough coming out and sometimes the Co2 flow stops, and thats with a new valve/guage too.

[anothermineral]

sohal1025,

The 1502 has a second output on the top of the unit to vent excess C02. What's your drip rate on this second output? I keep mine at ~ 4-5 drips per minute.

Also, as I mentioned in my above post, I've found that an increased input volume has aided in reducing CO2 build-up. Are you able to increase the flow/pressure to the reactor?

[CHIEF GR]

[i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13390175#post13390175 target=_blank>
...
I've also found that adding a small second chamber filled with media has aided in keeping my tank PH from dropping. [/B]
Do you use a DYI chamber or a commercial product?
I am running the TMC 1000 C/R and i have found that my PH readings have dropped by 1 alltogether.
Day PH: 7,9
Night PH: 7,8

Tnx!

[joevel]

I agree with the erratic output of using an aqualifter but nothing which can do any damage as I check on weekly basis and adjust. I purchased the Lid to place my ph probe in the unit and it works very well. My controller dispenses CO2 when ph exceeds 6.75 and air when below 6.35. Works nicely .. turns on/off automatically. I sometimes have to suppliement with dosing (1/week) due to auto top off roughly 15gallons a week. I think so much top off due to skimmer.
Effluent 58 drips/min
C02 15 drips/min
increased to keep up with dkh and calc

[anothermineral]

Chief, I use one of these DI resin housings for my second chamber.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DI-Resin-Filter-Refillable-Clear-Inline-De-ionization_W0QQitemZ120273460267QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46310QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153 .l1262

My tank PH fluctuates b/t 8.1 and 8.25. I keep my effluent PH at ~6.6.

[Diveshaman]

Thanks to all for the invaluable information you all have given here. Many thanks to Randy as well for your links and information on reef chemistry.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck. :)

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13429694#post13429694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joevel
My controller dispenses CO2 when ph exceeds 6.75 and air when below 6.35.
Can you explain the benefit of using air vs. Co2 depending on pH? How is this accomplished?
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13429694#post13429694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joevel
I sometimes have to suppliement with dosing (1/week) due to auto top off roughly 15gallons a week.
Wouldn't topping off with limewater take care of this?

[virginiadiver69]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13390175#post13390175 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by anothermineral
I've also found that adding a small second chamber filled with media has aided in keeping my tank PH from dropping.
How do you have the second chamber plumbed? How does having a second chamber make a difference, wouldn't using a larger reactor do the same thing?
I'm not challenging you, I don't even use a reactor yet so I'm trying to learn what I can. :)

[anothermineral]

Virginiadiver,

I have the output of the first chamber plumbed directly into the second chamber. I then regulate the effluent coming out of the second chamber which goes directly into my sump.

The additional contact time of the effluent has with the added media helps remove any excess CO2 that wasn't used up in the main chamber. The benefit is a higher effluent PH without sacrificing calcium output. This higher effluent PH will have less of a lowering effect on your tank's overall PH.

A larger reactor could/would have the same excess CO2 issues. It's not a matter of size. The benefit is gained by passing the flow through a chamber that is not being fed with CO2. The hope is that any CO2 not used up in the main chamber will be used up in the second.

Hope this helps.

[virginiadiver69]

Gotcha...thanks. I'll keep that in mind if/when I add one.
I love it when I learn something new here!