Calcium Reactor Set-Up pH 9.545?

[Member No 1]

Ok, I am not new to a calcium reactor, been running one for years. So I'm more than familiar with it's workings.

So here's the issue... Just finished my upgrade to a 120, and with that I went with a new Vertex RX-C 6D Calcium Reactor. This is filled with Two Little Fishies Reborn Media. Also mixed in is ZeoMag per the describe ratio of 10-30% so I used 20%. The second & third de-gas chambers are 100% Reborn media.
Two new pH probes, one in sump, one in CaRx, both calibrated. Upon starting up the CaRx I noticed the pH in the reactor at 9.54. This was prior to turning on the Co2. I thought that was way to high, and maybe the pH probe was to blame. Tank is running 7.98. So I switched the two probes, but the issue did not follow the probes as the reading was within a few point after the switch. Switch them back, same readings. So I know this rules out a probe issue.
I can lower the pH in the reactor with Co2, but at a ridiculous bubble rate as in a constant stream.
If I turn the Co2 off and let it run, the pH return to the low 9's.

So what could be causing such a high pH inside the reactor, when the tank water that is suppling it is only 7.98? Maybe it needs a break in period? I've added the same media before to my running system, and I never saw a pH spike. There isn't any livestock in the tank, still in the holding tub for another week. And I know I don't need the CaRx yet, but I trying to be sure everything is working properly before I transfer fish and corals. I know the tank pH will raise once I put the skimmer in (it's in the holding tub now).

TIA

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

For some reason that I do not understand, some media drives up the pH when you first start.

It may be surface treated in some way. Quite a few people have reported this in the past 6 months. It goes away before long, so just proceed and use a reasonable bubble rate for a while while the pH declines.

 

[Member No 1]

Thanks Randy... I see if it settles in over the next week or so.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Let us know how it goes!

perhaps folks who have been through this can also chine in,

 

[trido]

Did you calibrate the reactor probe in 4-7 solution?
If so I wouldnt be surprised to get an incorrect reading in normal tank water..

Its interesting that the tank probe also reads high in the reactor. I would think possible stray voltage from the reactor pump.

If your switching your probes though and getting the same readings. My first thought is that you are not using 4 and 7 solution for the reactor and 7-10 for the tank. The two probes will not be interchangable to give you the same accurate reading in both locations.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Did you calibrate the reactor probe in 4-7 solution?
If so I wouldnt be surprised to get an incorrect reading in normal tank water..

Its interesting that the tank probe also reads high in the reactor. I would think possible stray voltage from the reactor pump.

If your switching your probes though and getting the same readings. My first thought is that you are not using 4 and 7 solution for the reactor and 7-10 for the tank. The two probes will not be interchangable to give you the same accurate reading in both locations.

While pH 7, 10 is a better way to calibrate, I don't think it the explanation here since others have seen the exact thing when starting up their reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Here's one of the threads:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/odd-ph-reading-in-ca-reactor.372358

 

[Member No 1]

Did you calibrate the reactor probe in 4-7 solution?
If so I wouldnt be surprised to get an incorrect reading in normal tank water..

Its interesting that the tank probe also reads high in the reactor. I would think possible stray voltage from the reactor pump.

If your switching your probes though and getting the same readings. My first thought is that you are not using 4 and 7 solution for the reactor and 7-10 for the tank. The two probes will not be interchangable to give you the same accurate reading in both locations.

Yes, tank probe in 7.00 & 10.00 CaRx in 7.00 & 4.00. For sake of argument, switching probes from one to the other to see if the condition followed the probe, the readings I got were close enough. After ruling out the probes, I but them back in the proper location.
No stray voltage, CaRx is not in the sump. Also the cords for the probes and all power cords are far apart. Those were the first things I checked.
I've never had this happen before, but since this is the first time running ZeoMag, I'm going with Randy's explanation...That it needs time to settle in.
I'll report back in a week with my findings.
Thanks all for the help.

 

[trido]

Yes, tank probe in 7.00 & 10.00 CaRx in 7.00 & 4.00. For sake of argument, switching probes from one to the other to see if the condition followed the probe, the readings I got were close enough. After ruling out the probes, I but them back in the proper location.
No stray voltage, CaRx is not in the sump. Also the cords for the probes and all power cords are far apart. Those were the first things I checked.
I've never had this happen before, but since this is the first time running ZeoMag, I'm going with Randy's explanation...That it needs time to settle in.
I'll report back in a week with my findings.
Thanks all for the help.

Ya, after Randy shared the link to the other thread I figured it must be the media. I've also never heard of that happening before.

 

[JimP]

Even after having my reactor running for a number of years if I stop dosing CO2 (due to high CA readings) the reactor's pH goes higher than the tank. This is without stopping the flow of water through the reactor so the only answer is the media.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Even after having my reactor running for a number of years if I stop dosing CO2 (due to high CA readings) the reactor's pH goes higher than the tank. This is without stopping the flow of water through the reactor so the only answer is the media.

Thanks. What media do you use? How much higher?

 

[Member No 1]

***** UPDATE *****
After letting the reactor run with the normal bubble rate, the pH has lowered to the normal operating range of 6.7-6.8.
With the Co2 turned off, the reactor settles in about 0.4-0.6 below the tank value.

So I am relieved it was the media causing the abnormally.
Like I stated in my first post, I've always used Reborn, have added it many times on the fly to replenish what was consumed, and never saw a spike in pH.
This was my first experience using ZeoMag mixed in. I will be on the watch when the time comes to refill.
Thanks to all for the suggestions and help.

 

[JimP]

The media I use is Carib Sea ARM (Aragonite Reactor Media) Coarse.

 

[AquamanE]

Following

 

[Wrasse-cal]

***** UPDATE *****
After letting the reactor run with the normal bubble rate, the pH has lowered to the normal operating range of 6.7-6.8.
With the Co2 turned off, the reactor settles in about 0.4-0.6 below the tank value.

So I am relieved it was the media causing the abnormally.
Like I stated in my first post, I've always used Reborn, have added it many times on the fly to replenish what was consumed, and never saw a spike in pH.
This was my first experience using ZeoMag mixed in. I will be on the watch when the time comes to refill.
Thanks to all for the suggestions and help.

I had the same problem with the same media. It resolved after a couple of weeks on its own.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Curious. I don't see how that would happen unless it got some sort of high pH rinse.

 

[bubblemytip]

I have experienced the same with new media, and while it raised my display's pH, it didn't (noticeably) affect my display's KH. Soaking media in RODI for a few days beforehand seems to reduce the initial spike.

 

[YumaMan]

All, thanks for posting your thoughts on this phenomena. I am about to fire up my first (DIY) CaX but after reading will now soak the media for a couple of days, as suggested. That's one less headache for this newbie!