Calcium reactor media

[solitude127]

I'm about 6 months in for using a CaRx and noticed that my parameters are slowly rising. The amount of CO2 being injected hasn't changed nor my effluent rate. Is it possible the that the media is melting quicker because it's saturated with acidic water for 6 months or so?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How do you know the amount injected is unchanged?

It is possible the pH is drifting from what you think, the media surface area has increased, the flow rate has changed, or the tank demand has declined.

 

[solitude127]

How do you know the amount injected is unchanged?

It is possible the pH is drifting from what you think, the media surface area has increased, the flow rate has changed, or the tank demand has declined.

I have the dial for my needle valve locked and the output pressure on my regulator hasn't differentiated.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have the dial for my needle valve locked and the output pressure on my regulator hasn't differentiated.

OK. I have heard folks say that when their cylinders are beginning to run out, the pressure actually rises with no change in the regulator, but more likely your explanation is something else.

 

[solitude127]

OK. I have heard folks say that when their cylinders are beginning to run out, the pressure actually rises with no change in the regulator, but more likely your explanation is something else.

So assuming that nothing has change (co2 input/effluent), do you think the longer the media is saturated in acidic water that it'll melt faster?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So assuming that nothing has change (co2 input/effluent), do you think the longer the media is saturated in acidic water that it'll melt faster?

No, that's not going to happen. Only a change in particle size that increased the surface area could impact the dissolution rate.

 

[solitude127]

No, that's not going to happen. Only a change in particle size that increased the surface area could impact the dissolution rate.

Thank you Randy for your time and expertise.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome and thanks!

Happy Reefing.