Low ALK Help

[Lyscer]

I just added a calcium reactor to my tank 3 days ago and it has been a PITA to adjust. I just tested my ALK and it is at 6.3 according to the salifert test. Should I dose with my bionic alkalinity/calcium? What should I do?

[theatrus]

Yes, you want to bring the Alk + Ca in balance first. The reactor will add a balanced amount of Ca + Alk.

[cward]

Yes, I would add a supplement to get your levels where they need to be, then check them every other day until you get your reactor tuned in. After that, the reactor should take care of everything.
Here's a good calculator (http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html) to help you set up your reactor.

[Lyscer]

So should I turn the reactor off or let it keep going and add the bionic?

[cward]

Keep the reactor running.

[Lyscer]

Another question, it seems like my reactor is getting like a pressure lock. My effluent drip rate is 2 drips per second. I try to keep the input of C02 around 30 bubbles per minute but it seems like it slows way down after a couple of hours. It goes to like 7 bubbles per minute. Any ideas?

[drives300]

WHAT UNITS are you measuring the alk in ? 6-7 meq /l is high bur 6-7 dkh is a little low

[Lyscer]

dKH

[old salty]

Lyscer,

What pressure are you running your regulator at? You may be having an issue if you are running too low. Also, what is the presure of your bottle. Finally, what brand of Ca reactor are you using? You also want your effluent rate to drip at a fast drip but not a stream.

Bump up your alkalinity with an additive of your choice until it's exactly where you want it to be. Then test calcium and again, use your additive of choice to get it in balance with the alkalinity. Once you are there, we can assist you in setting up your reactor so you won't have to play with it except when you change CO2 bottles.

[Lyscer]

I'm running it a little higher than 3 psi. Maybe like 3.25 it looks like. The bottle pressure is reading 1000psi (40lb bottle) Which I know is excessive but is what was sold to me with the reactor. The reactor is a Knop C reactor. My effluent rate is 2 drops per second (should it be slower/faster?). I will keep adding my additive slowly until the alk/ca is where I want it to be.

[Lyscer]

anyone else have any suggestions? When does alk get to low? What are some of the side effects I may see?

[old salty]

First thing to do is to raise the low pressure to about 10-12 psi. These regulators will not function correctly with low pressures, hence why your bubble count will not remain constant.

Increase the effluent rate to a fast drip, but not a stream; maybe 5 drops a second.

Once you get this done, wait a few days and go from there. If you need to increase your bubble count, do so in small stages.

[Lyscer]

My regulator maxes out at 10 psi. Think it will be sufficient if I set it to 8?

[old salty]

Does the regualtor max out at 10, or the gauge?


Either way, turn it up.

[Lyscer]

Good point, looks like it's the guage. I will check bubbles in he morning.

[old salty]

Cool. You should see a drastic improvement in maintaining your bubble count with the higher pressure.