calcium reactor cant keep up with alk

[biecacka]

Jda,
So you have my method picked out mostly. My effluent is open, apex set to 7.1-7.2 or so to turn the regulator on/off and any 1 bubble every 5-10 seconds. This gets me 7.3 mid day in my tank and around 10 coming from my effluent drip. However a things are growing more and I'm adding more frags I know my consumption will indeed increase. My regulator pretty much stays on as my ph probe keeps it very stable. So when I need to increase my dkh I will have to increase my bubble count and lower my apex settings.
With a low demand, can you see value in my effluent being closer to 20?

Corey

 

[jda]

You will need to get closer to 20-30 when everything starts to grow. Once stuff starts to grow a ton, you will not have much choice if you want to keep up. For right now, do what works. As you start to use more and more co2, then you might want to move to a constant addition instead of dumping.

 

[biecacka]

As of now I use a constant addition instead of a dump. That is part of the reason I use this method for more.
But I know at some point I'll need to get my reactor under 7 to melt not media to keep up. That will require me to increase my bubble count for one. I'll keep that in mind as far as the effluent range 20-30.

Corey

 

[Big E]

I had a Geo for about 9 years and did the same as jda.

Measure dkh, count bubbles per minute and set flow...............never used a ph controller of any sort.

I do remember some larger systems having to use a kalk reactor as an add on because the CR couldn't keep up.

 

[jda]

Cody - how did this turn out... did everything settle down, or are you still fighting it?

 

[CoralWealth]

Cody - how did this turn out... did everything settle down, or are you still fighting it?

helped a ton and everything is really stable now! I greatly appreciate the help. I had to increase the flow and bubbles for demand but other then that, it has been great

 

[jda]

Do you mind if I link this thread to help others rather than typing all of it again?

 

[CoralWealth]

Do you mind if I link this thread to help others rather than typing all of it again?

Not at all!

 

[Gools]

Jda when you were using your kangaroo were you pushing or pulling your water through?
I have a schuran Jetstream 2, and it can't seem to keep up with my 300g, really enjoyed you information here and gong to try it on this reactor. I have a masterflex pushing through, was wondering if pulling changes any of the build up of CO2 that I get as well. Thanks

 

[jda]

I push with every pump that I have ever used.

Get the tune correct and the excess co2 will go away and that thing should be able to keep up with a 1000 gallon tank.

 

[Gools]

Sorry it may have already been mentioned in the thread but how do you test for Alk that high? My salifert and Hanna only go to about 15 dkh.

 

[vegamedic]

Sorry it may have already been mentioned in the thread but how do you test for Alk that high? My salifert and Hanna only go to about 15 dkh.

dilute the sample w/ RODI and multiply the result by the dilution factor

 

[jda]

Sorry it may have already been mentioned in the thread but how do you test for Alk that high? My salifert and Hanna only go to about 15 dkh.

With Salifert, you get another syringe of the final stuff and then just add the results. ...so a syringe and a half ends up being 22.5 dKh, or whatever.

 

[Gools]

kind of jumped the gun a bit. When I tested my effluent it was only 9.3 dkh coming out! Have since taken everything offline, gave everything a good cleaning and going to reassemble and check for any leaks and start over today.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

This is a great read thanks JDA and others for spending the time to help others.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

What kind of Pinch valve do you use?

 

[jda]

Google "flow control pinch valve" and get the correct size from US Plastics or any reef supplier.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I found it, thanks! PS I also ordered a half dozen of the Lifegard A200 pumps.

 

[BOWHUNTER4250]

With Salifert, you get another syringe of the final stuff and then just add the results. ...so a syringe and a half ends up being 22.5 dKh, or whatever.

So looking thru a lot of these posts im not sure if i missed it or not , but correct me if im wrong but you are NOT using a solenoid correct ? your just running effluant controlled with a valve and a bubble counter ?

 

[jda]

I do use a solenoid hooked up to a wall outlet. It only should go off when the power the whole house is off. ...so, emergency only.