New CA reactor questions. Geo CR818

Striperviper · Sep 8, 2020

I'm in the process of purchasing a CA reactor for my tank. I have dosed two part in the past but with a new larger tank I'm making the jump to a reactor. I'm going with the Geo CR818. I have a 25 lb Co2 tank. I have ordered the Aquarium plant life electronic regulator, and a PM1 module and ph probe from Apex. Wondering what else besides media I will need with this setup. Getting conflicting advice on whether to use a peristaltic pump or just a needle valve. I'm assuming the reactor comes with the appropriate recirculation pump? I have plenty of leftover tubing from my rodi setup.

Shirak · Sep 9, 2020

The reactor will have a recirculating pump move the water in a closed loop within the reactor and chop up the CO2 bubbles, but you need a way to send tank water through the reactor also. I use a peristaltic Masterflex pump to control exactly how much water goes from the tank to the reactor and back to the tank every minute. There is quite a bit more water moving through the tubing than the needle valve method which drips water from the reactor to the tank and is prone to clogging with deposits because of the slow flow. It's a little less expensive to setup because you can feed the reactor from a small submersible pump in the sump or a connection off the return line vs the peristaltic pump.

Striperviper · Sep 9, 2020

Would a versa pump be a good option? Or do I need one of the higher grade ones like u mentioned u have? Also because it’s constantly running do I need to replace the tubing in the pump more often?

Shirak · Sep 9, 2020

I don't know the specs on the Versa. Mainly looking for a continuous duty rating on the pump. I think it would qualify along with the Kamoer. Do you need a Masterflex pump? No but they are built like tanks

With the Masterflex and easy load pump head it's cheap and easy to replace a 6" piece of tube so I do it every few months just to be safe even though it's rated to go much longer on the tubing I use.

Snoopy 67 · Sep 9, 2020

I use the Kamoer & they say 6 months on tubing.
I go a year with no problems & another fellow has gone 2 years.
My advise is to run at the lowest possible pressure in the reactor, I can run just over 3 PSI. before loosing bubbles in the counter chamber.

Shirak · Sep 9, 2020

Two schools of thought on the pump/reactor setup. Pump between the tank and reactor pushing water through it or after the reactor and pulling water through it. I use the latter setup. Theoretically less pressure in the reactor. I think the main concern is pushing water in with a peristaltic pump which can generate a lot of pressure and burst the tubing in the pump or a seal on the reactor if something should clog the outflow from the reactor.

Snoopy 67 · Sep 9, 2020

Should have mentioned I PULL also.

jda · Sep 9, 2020

Skip the pH probe and module and just get something that you are comfortable with for moving water through the unit. Learn to tune the thing that it will stay rock solid, run better and be more efficient. ph probe and "controller" is a waste of time, IMO, which I document in the paper linked to my signature.

I use a maxijet to push water through the pump, also use a mainline T. I have used Kangaroo pumps in the past (Masterflex of past times). All work fine if they are made to run 24/7.