Koralline Reactors input please

[jumpincactus]

I am just about ready to take the plunge and purchase the Koralline 1502 calc reactor.

With the amount of dinero I need some input from those of you that own one or did and talk to me about your satisfaction levels/ pros cons.

I have been warned to stay away from non fluidised reactors as clogging becomes and issue. I want a reactor that is low maintenance, relativly speaking but the clogging issue is this a factor with Koralline products?? Chime in boys and girls.

thanx

[collins]

great reactor. if you go to the lighting, filtration and equipment forum, you will find several threads on the product.

[bearpeidog]

Well, I have been unsuccessful so far in getting mine setup. I don't know if I would have the same issues with other makes but my CO2 bubble count stops after a couple hours.

I won't give it a negative review cause I can't get it to run right but something to consider. One thing I like is the bubble counter will always have water in it (evaporation isn't an issue).

The gate valves that come with it SUCK. Plastic shutoffs that leak when you close em....

You also will want to consider a lifting pump as opposed to siphone feeding it.

If you search for DRAGONSLAYER he wrote the book on how to set these up with a link to a document he wrote to get it up and running. Many people have successfully set it up according to his doc. The instructions that come with the reactor are OK, but his is a bit more step by step, almost idiot proof... hey wait I can't get mine working right that would make me an..... :)

[collins]

bearpeidog,
I'm surprised that you are still having CO2 rate issues. Silly questions, but sometimes the obvious stuff gets missed.

Did you make sure that the nylon washer in your regulator was seated correctly?

Did you use teflon tape on the threads?

Have you applied a soapy solution to the connections to check for escaping gas?

The reason I'm asking is that if the pressures are set correctly on the regulator, the CO2 will force its way into the reactor because it is the path of least resistance. This will force the displaced water out of the effluent lines.

[bearpeidog]

Hey Collins - thanks for sticking with me.

I didn't use teflon tape on the CO2 tank connection but the nylon washer is in there. I was careful not to overtighten as well.

The rest came preassembled (M3 regulator). I will use soapy water to see if I have a leak. I was thinking too much back pressure but a leak would also reduce pressure out so great thought and I'll definately do that.

The other think you mention is "least resistance" . My reactor is under the sump. I put it right under the floor so the water has to travel up about a foot and then the height of the sump. I didn't think that could be an issue but that would offer resistence. I can't put it next to the sump. Kids nor room would permit that.


Kids kept me busy today so I'm shooting to try again tomorrow.

I'll get it going yet!

[mecold]

Do check for leaks with soapy water, had the same problem until I found the leak.

I like my korallin very well because it fits in a small footprint. No problems yet. Do buy the aqualifter pump to feed it though.

[collins]

bearpeidog,
I really recommend the teflon tape, but get the stuff that is meant for gas fittings. If you have natural gas heating, you will notice that all the threaded fittings will have it.

One foot of head is not going to overcome the 15 psi of your regulator. Another place to check is the connections for the green air line. The ends sometimes split and CO2 can escape there.

And you're welcome.

jumpincactus,
sorry to hijack your thread. it really was unintentional