Calcium Reactor Question

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 23, 2017

Hey guys. I'm having balance issue. My ALK stays between 8.3-.88, but calcium us between 500-550. MAG is 125-1400. I an using the PH method to control the CO2 regulator. Right now it kicks on at 7.4 and off 7.3. The effluent is a steady "long" drip. How an I get this more balanced?

reefrf · Jul 23, 2017

I'm not sure why your calcium is high, perhaps some others could comment. I typically don't worry about my calcium levels but normally mine are in normal range most of the time. As for your ph probe and assuming it is accurate I would shoot for a lower reactor ph, like 6.6-6.8, I prefer the large aragonite like the TLF reborn. You can also test your effluent to insure your media is being dissolved properly. Your effluent should have an alkalinity of 20-25dkh, it may be slightly lower and be fine too. How often do you check your calcium & what test kit do you use?

ReeferBud · Jul 23, 2017

What target are you shooting for?

Since a CaRx will add calcium and alkalinity in a 1:1 proportion, an option is to manually dose one parameter until reaching the desired balance and then let the reactor maintain the balance.

Make sure your test kits aren't expired. I've always struggled to get repeatable and precise calcium test results, which is why I mostly just test for alkalinity.

Also check your salt mix, it could be a source of the imbalance as well.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 23, 2017

reefrf said:
I'm not sure why your calcium is high, perhaps some others could comment. I typically don't worry about my calcium levels but normally mine are in normal range most of the time. As for your ph probe and assuming it is accurate I would shoot for a lower reactor ph, like 6.6-6.8, I prefer the large aragonite like the TLF reborn. You can also test your effluent to insure your media is being dissolved properly. Your effluent should have an alkalinity of 20-25dkh, it may be slightly lower and be fine too. How often do you check your calcium & what test kit do you use?

I check it a few times a week and it's always the same. I use Red Sea and Salifert kits.

Breakthecycle2 · Jul 23, 2017

ReeferBud said:
What target are you shooting for?

Since a CaRx will add calcium and alkalinity in a 1:1 proportion, an option is to manually dose one parameter until reaching the desired balance and then let the reactor maintain the balance.

Make sure your test kits aren't expired. I've always struggled to get repeatable and precise calcium test results, which is why I mostly just test for alkalinity.

Also check your salt mix, it could be a source of the imbalance as well.

Test kits are new, so it's not that, but I'm using Red Sea Coral Pro salt.