CALCIUM REACTOR? Help!

EXOTICAQUATIX · Dec 16, 2012

I am getting ready to buy a precision marine calcium reactor. Ive researched and read a lot about reactors and I'm still not comfortable with the set up. Can anyone show me where to find good instructions (step by step) on how to set one up with a PH controller. does the controller tell the co2 to shut off if the PH gets to low. what should I have the ph controller set to in the drip cup (6.5)? I just really need someone to simplify this so i can have a better understanding and what i need to set it up. Also anyone know of a good Ph controller? Can i just use a apex controller with a ph probe (I was planning on buying a apex anyway)?

Poseidon · Dec 16, 2012

It is really much more simple then it sounds. The pH controller turns ON the CO2 when the pH in the Ca Reactor gets to high, and off when it drops back to the set point. Make sure you set the needle valve to allow the CO2 to go in slowly.

You set the CO2 of the reactor, not the effluent, this is especially true if you have a dual chamber reactor.

As for the controller, I am sure the Apex is a fine choice, I used a Milwaukee one on my reactor, it worked just fine.

Bigdaddy · Dec 16, 2012

i got this off the reef octopus website i used the instructions to get mine started
http://coralvue.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2010/12/CR_Instructions.pdf

EXOTICAQUATIX · Dec 16, 2012

thanks guys...i dont kn ow if its two chamber its the CR622. Im just having a hard time wrapping my head around setting up the controller and the reactor to where they work together as well as the bubble counter...lol a lot to learn

blackx-runner · Dec 16, 2012

I was in the same boat as you. I just got mine hooked up and flowing yesterday, and it was much simpler than I had envisioned. Hook everything up, set the pressure on the regulator, set the CO2 bubble to about a bubble every 3 seconds. I set the pH on my APEX to turn on the solenoid at 6.9 and off again at 6.7. I figured it was safer to start at the high end and lower the pH if needed. Set the effluent output at about 50mL/min. Again, starting on the low end.
Now begins the monitoring and testing. Its running very smoothly and I think just some slight adjustments will get me where I need to be.

CraigG · Dec 16, 2012

blackx-runner, Sounds like your on the right course! I like to running my drip at 60 to 90 drips per minute and run my reactor around 6.7Ph. The key to dialing in reactor is testing alkalinity. I test twice a day til I'm dialed in and generally shoot for a DKH of 10. Once dialed in I like to test about every 3 days to a week. Since your PH is now going to be depressed if your not running Kalkwasser you may want to consider doing so. Keeping you KH up around 10 should help with your PH as well. Good luck!

Ike · Dec 16, 2012

Far too many people in this hobby think that the solenoid should be used to keep the PH from getting too high or too low in the reactor. The controller is only there to prevent the PH from dropping dangerously low in the reactor to prevent big problems. Don't trust one of those solenoids to do more or there's a good chance you will get burned at some point.

CraigG · Dec 16, 2012

Ike, I agree with you but the problem is most regulators are not very stable at lower more controllable intermediate pressures. My regulator is a piece and I have to rely on my solenoid. I just try and keep my bubble rate as slow as possible and keep an eye on it. Also if you have an Apex with email alerts you can program an alert for low Ph in CaRx. If you keep an eye on things and test often you should be okay. I've done it this way for 3 years now and no problems as of yet, It might not be ideal though ;-)

Mike S · Dec 16, 2012

Ike said:
Far too many people in this hobby think that the solenoid should be used to keep the PH from getting too high or too low in the reactor. The controller is only there to prevent the PH from dropping dangerously low in the reactor to prevent big problems. Don't trust one of those solenoids to do more or there's a good chance you will get burned at some point.

Are you indicating that we should get the reactor dialed in so that the solenoid rarely shuts off and just acts as a fail safe? I started running one about 2 months ago and am trying to work towards that.

CraigG · Dec 16, 2012

Back in the day people didn't have controllers for their calcium reactors they just figured out the perfect bubble rate and drip rate. As a result many tanks were pickled. So now we have controllers to act as a fail safe.

Ike · Dec 17, 2012

Mike S said:
Are you indicating that we should get the reactor dialed in so that the solenoid rarely shuts off and just acts as a fail safe? I started running one about 2 months ago and am trying to work towards that.

Yes, if done properly the only time the solenoid should open and close is when you test it ever month of two to make sure it's still functioning. You should be able to get a reactor dialed in within a week to be at that point and only have to make very minor adjustments going forward to get it perfect. If it takes longer than that you're either doing something wrong or you bought a bad regulator.

Mike S · Dec 17, 2012

Thanks I'm at the point where I have my consumption matched and the solenoid only closes every couple of hours. I just need to do a little more tweaking.