Quote:
Originally Posted by slief
I am using a smaller MRC 4" diameter 2nd reactor that I had laying around. It's similar to this one.
http://www.myreefcreations.com/produ...Series/x5.html
Avast also has some inexpensive reactors that would work but their footprint may be too large for you.
http://www.avastmarine.com/collectio...-media-reactor
I have it setup above the first reactor on a shelf with the first reactor flowing through the bottom of the 2nd reactor. My setup beyond that is rather complex as I am using a Cole Parmer medical grade peristaltic pump as a feed pump and I use an Aquarium Plants Carbon Doser regulator for my Co2 feed. The Masterflex pump allows me complete control over the flow through the reactor down to 1/10th of a ml/min. I run it at 25ml/min a Co2 rate of about 1 bubble every 4 seconds which gives me a reactor pH of 6.7. I have an Apex that controls the Co2 regulator but it never has to intervene as my reactor pH is always consistent due to consistent flow through the reactor and consistent Co2 rate.
This is my setup.
This thread discusses the Masterflex pumps. These make calcium reactors a set it and forget device and eliminate some of the inherent issues with calcium reactors such as effluent line clogging and maintain incredibly stable reactor pH. That said, these Masterflex pumps are cheap. Especially the better ones like what I use. Most people on the other hand just use a feed pump like a Maxijet or feed from their manifold and then use a needle valve to control the flow via the effluent line. The downside to that method is that it generally will result in clogged effluent lines and inconsistent reactor pH.
Masterflex thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2368618 |
Interesting, as I was just getting ready to ask, as someone mentioned to me about the controller never needing to kick in. Mine kicks in and pretty much controls it. I am confused about that aspect. How exactly does that work?
I'm using a mj1200 as it is what came with it, but I'm interested in getting it so that the ph stays stable. It goes between 6.77 and 6.80 maybe every hour or so(i hear the solenoid kicking on). I guess I'm saying that I don't get that aspect... I am guessing, and you can tell me if I'm wrong, maybe I need to increase my bubble count(Co2 rate), so that the ph goes lower faster, and stays in the solution? So does your solenoid always stay on to keep the Co2 constantly flowing?
And I was thinking about just using one of the little clear di resin refillable chambers and filling it with reborn, and doing a little acrylic fab to screw one of the thumbscrews on the piece of acrylic since it will be flat also?