salmon alley
10/25/2002, 09:40 PM
Hi Simon,
First off, just want to thank you for the article on Calcium Reactors. I've just set up my first one, and I'm finding it very helpful.
I do have a question regarding reactors that I hope you can help me with.
I have a dual chamber DIY 'econo' reactor constructed by coralhound. It basically consists of two 4" diameter cones to hold the media and both the feed and recirc pumps are maxijet powerheads.
My regulator is providing a working pressure of 5 psi, and as you suggested, I'm finding that I am having a very difficult time keeping the bubble count steady and consistent. I assume this is due to 1) the low working psi and 2) the relatively crude adjustments available via the needle valve on the reactor.
Would you recommend that I increase the working pressure to 15 psi and install a finer needle valve in the CO2 feed line? The instructions which came with the reactor specifically recommended NOT to increase working pressure beyond 10 psi, so I'm a little confused on what to do.
Thank you for any advice you can provide.
Jeff
First off, just want to thank you for the article on Calcium Reactors. I've just set up my first one, and I'm finding it very helpful.
I do have a question regarding reactors that I hope you can help me with.
I have a dual chamber DIY 'econo' reactor constructed by coralhound. It basically consists of two 4" diameter cones to hold the media and both the feed and recirc pumps are maxijet powerheads.
My regulator is providing a working pressure of 5 psi, and as you suggested, I'm finding that I am having a very difficult time keeping the bubble count steady and consistent. I assume this is due to 1) the low working psi and 2) the relatively crude adjustments available via the needle valve on the reactor.
Would you recommend that I increase the working pressure to 15 psi and install a finer needle valve in the CO2 feed line? The instructions which came with the reactor specifically recommended NOT to increase working pressure beyond 10 psi, so I'm a little confused on what to do.
Thank you for any advice you can provide.
Jeff