calcium reactor

[Aaronreef]

Hi all, so I may have been slightly stupid here and made a purchase on a reactor, I have no idea how they work and don't actually need one yet but for it was cheap and would come on handy in the future when I set up my large aquarium, it says it has everything needed to work apart from a C02 canister can anyone tell me exactly what parts I should expect to find in a fully working system ?

 

[BoSalman]

I see on that picture that you have almost everything...

The reactor itself, and a recirculating pump attached to it.

You also have a selenoid which should be plugged into that PH controller to control the CO2 output. It also looks like you have that PH probe on top of the reactor which will also go to that PH controller.

Only thing i don't see here is a regulator? Do you happen to have that also?

 

[Aaronreef]

I see on that picture that you have almost everything...

The reactor itself, and a recirculating pump attached to it.

You also have a selenoid which should be plugged into that PH controller to control the CO2 output. It also looks like you have that PH probe on top of the reactor which will also go to that PH controller.

Only thing i don't see here is a regulator? Do you happen to have that also?

Thanks for the response, I don't believe it has a regulator I do have this though not sure if I can use it as it's from a welder

 

[Breadman03]

Look into a Carbondoser regulator or one built by Alan Le.

 

[Water Dog]

Start reading to get a basic grasp of what you’re getting into...

https://www.melevsreef.com/articles/how-to-set-up-a-calcium-reactor

 

[Aaronreef]

Thanks for the replies, I'll look at the carbondoser regulator and have a reed of the link.
I was asking the maintenance staff at work today about co2 bottles he said they have to have a certificate on them before I can get it refilled, I know nothing about this area and don't want to buy a second hand cannister if I can't get it refilled if I ask a seller if it has a certificate are they going to know what I'm talking about ?

 

[Aaronreef]

Look into a Carbondoser regulator or one built by Alan Le.

The reactor I have brought has a selenoid with it does the not fit to a needle regulator and do the same as buying a carbondoser regulator ? Sorry if this is a stupid question just not sure on the difference of the two just yet

 

[Water Dog]

Bring the cylinder to a welding shop or refilling place. They can recertify it for you for $15 or so bucks. If it passes recertification, it’s good for 5 years.

 

[Aaronreef]

I'm in the UK so not sure if it's the same process over here but I'll call round a few shops tomorrow see what they say, I've found a cheap reg I know cheap isn't the way forward just wondered if anyone knows them or has an experience with them

 

[Andy429]

BRSTV has just released a calcium reactor vid that is worth a watch. Have a look at their you-tube channel. I’m a Brit too.

 

[Aaronreef]

BRSTV has just released a calcium reactor vid that is worth a watch. Have a look at their you-tube channel. I’m a Brit too.

Thanks I'm a fan of brs he and this forum have given me no end of help as I'm very new to marine I don't actually need the calcium reactor yet just brought it as I fort it was a bargain and will want one in the future, I think I've just brought a co2art reg and I've been looking at co2 fire extinguishers for £10

 

[Andy429]

Thanks I'm a fan of brs he and this forum have given me no end of help as I'm very new to marine I don't actually need the calcium reactor yet just brought it as I fort it was a bargain and will want one in the future, I think I've just brought a co2art reg and I've been looking at co2 fire extinguishers for £10

Yeah I use refurbished fire extinguishers on mine. A good regulator is worth the money as you will have trouble maintaining a consistent bubble count without it. You will (though not essential) need a PH controller and that will make life much easier. Milwaukee do a sensibly priced one. It’s good that you don’t need it yet as it gives you plenty of time to do your research but when you have the demand in your tank, it’s a sweet way to maintain alk and calk. Since using mine, I wouldn’t go back to dosing. If you have nailed you self a bargain, all the better.

 

[Andy429]

Apologies. I see from your pic that you have a controller. All set

 

[Aaronreef]

Yeah I use refurbished fire extinguishers on mine. A good regulator is worth the money as you will have trouble maintaining a consistent bubble count without it. You will (though not essential) need a PH controller and that will make life much easier. Milwaukee do a sensibly priced one. It’s good that you don’t need it yet as it gives you plenty of time to do your research but when you have the demand in your tank, it’s a sweet way to maintain alk and calk. Since using mine, I wouldn’t go back to dosing. If you have nailed you self a bargain, all the better.

Do you know of the co2art regs are they any good of not what do you use yourself? And yes have a pH controller

 

[Andy429]

If it’s in budget, I think the carbondoser one is raved about and mentioned further up this post, it has electronic control over the bubble count instead of a standard needle valve. I use dastaco reactor which comes with its own regulator. They are a good quality and can be bought separately from H20 Brentwood.

 

[jose hernandez]

CARBON DOSER FOR SURE LIKE THE OTHER MEMBER MENTIONED BRS VIDEO ON CALCIUM REACTORS

 

[Dexter_SA]

you need to keep the ph probe wet.....otherwise it becomes useless and you need to replace it. if its dry already you might aswell throw it in the bin and replace.

 

[jda]

I looks like you need a feed pump. That is a Korallin c1501 reactor - very excellent reactor. The pH controller will need a new probe - don't ever trust one that has been sitting. You don't need a pH controller at all if you do not want to use one - they can jack up more than they help. Get a good check valve for the regulator - saltwater can get back into your nice new regulator and ruin it. Most regulators are fine... if they are hard to dial in, then get a precision needle valve and then that makes them really easy... even a cheap one.

If you plan to let the reactor sit, take the impeller out of the ehiem pump.

 

[Aaronreef]

I looks like you need a feed pump. That is a Korallin c1501 reactor - very excellent reactor. The pH controller will need a new probe - don't ever trust one that has been sitting. You don't need a pH controller at all if you do not want to use one - they can jack up more than they help. Get a good check valve for the regulator - saltwater can get back into your nice new regulator and ruin it. Most regulators are fine... if they are hard to dial in, then get a precision needle valve and then that makes them really easy... even a cheap one.

If you plan to let the reactor sit, take the impeller out of the ehiem pump.

Thanks for the reply you've given me more questions to ask though.
I was told buy the seller
"Korallin Calcium Reactor With Aquamedic Ph Controller with new media. Everything you need to get running with this calcium reactor apart from a co2 bottle.
For tanks up to 1000 litres"

So I'm now wondering if this really is ready to go as you mention needing a feed pump ? And I know it hasn't got a regulator or bottle and needs a new probe so that's 4 exta things I need to purchase? Maybe this wasn't such a bargain after all, also can I ask the purpose of the check valve

 

[Aaronreef]

If it’s in budget, I think the carbondoser one is raved about and mentioned further up this post, it has electronic control over the bubble count instead of a standard needle valve. I use dastaco reactor which comes with its own regulator. They are a good quality and can be bought separately from H20 Brentwood.

I think the carbon doser is out of my budget for now the only one I've found is on Amazon for £500+ and by the sounds of things I'm looking at having to buy more parts for the reactor to make it work let alone the cost of the carbon doser