Precision Marine Calcium Reactor setup question?

[lluv24]

I have a precision Marine Calcium reactor and I have no idea how to set this thing up and would someone tell me where I can get a setup guide or manual for this reactor. I’m not sure on the model

I would really appreciate the help

 

[Water Dog]

I’ll take a stab at this...

- Tube going into the John Guest elbow down by the Eheim circulation pump attaches to the top of the bubble counter.
- CO2 line from the CO2 tank / regulator will attach to the check valve beneath the bubble counter.
- The line from the tank / feed pump will attach to the straight John Guest fitting down by the Eheim circulation pump.
- Ph probe goes into the Tee fitting on the long black pipe that feeds into the top of the reactor.
- There should be a John Guest fitting atop the reactor lid... that is where you attach the effluent out line.

 

[lluv24]

I’ll take a stab at this...

- Tube going into the John Guest elbow down by the Eheim circulation pump attaches to the top of the bubble counter.
- CO2 line from the CO2 tank / regulator will attach to the check valve beneath the bubble counter.
- The line from the tank / feed pump will attach to the straight John Guest fitting down by the Eheim circulation pump.
- Ph probe goes into the Tee fitting on the long black pipe that feeds into the top of the reactor.
- There should be a John Guest fitting atop the reactor lid... that is where you attach the effluent out line.

Ok there is a connection with a valve on top of the reactor I have. So that is the line that drips into my tank for calcium etc?

 

[lluv24]

Ok there is a connection with a valve on top of the reactor I have. So that is the line that drips into my tank for calcium etc?

Also do I need another pump to feed water from the tank to the reactor inlet by the Eheim pump?

 

[Water Dog]

Yes, that is the effluent line. The effluent drip rate is adjusted using that needle valve.

 

[Water Dog]

Also do I need another pump to feed water from the tank to the reactor inlet by the Eheim pump?

Yes. If using a regular feed pump, a Sicce 0.5 works well. Many use a variable speed peristaltic pump. The Kamoer FX-STP comes to mind as a hobby grade pump, but they are fairly new, so the jury is still out as to their long term reliability. Many use industrial grade pumps like Masterflex or Watson Marlow pumps, but they are not cheap!

 

[lluv24]

Yes. If using a regular feed pump, a Sicce 0.5 works well. Many use a variable speed peristaltic pump. The Kamoer FX-STP comes to mind as a hobby grade pump, but they are fairly new, so the jury is still out as to their long term reliability. Many use industrial grade pumps like Masterflex or Watson Marlow pumps, but they are not cheap!

Should there be a valve to control how much is going into the reactor?

 

[Water Dog]

You can put a valve before or after the reactor

 

[lluv24]

You can put a valve before or after the reactor

Sorry about all the questions
How many gph should go through the reactor?

 

[Water Dog]

I really doesn’t work that way. A small pump like a Sicce 0.5 pressurizes the reactor, the needle valve adjustment controls the effluent drip rate based on how you set it. However, clogs often happen so you may have to readjust the needle valve every few days / once a week.

An alternative way to run a CaRx is the steady stream method detailed here...

 

[lluv24]

Ok

I really doesn’t work that way. A small pump like a Sicce 0.5 pressurizes the reactor, the needle valve adjustment controls the effluent drip rate based on how you set it. However, clogs often happen so you may have to readjust the needle valve every few days / once a week.

An alternative way to run a CaRx is the steady stream method detailed here...

thanks

 

[lluv24]

I really doesn’t work that way. A small pump like a Sicce 0.5 pressurizes the reactor, the needle valve adjustment controls the effluent drip rate based on how you set it. However, clogs often happen so you may have to readjust the needle valve every few days / once a week.

An alternative way to run a CaRx is the steady stream method detailed here...

Would a toms aqua lifter work as good as a sicce pump I have plenty toms aqualifter;-)

 

[Water Dog]

I wouldn’t use an Aqualifter pump. I don’t think it’s string enough...

 

[jda]

That reactor has no place for a pH probe. That is OK because you don't need one anyway. If somebody tried to put a pH probe port on that T fitting, then get rid of it and use it for output... if you are going to use one, then it the chamber is best place.

Let us know if there are any more ports not in the photo.

You need to fill the bubble counter up with water if it does not fill on it's own - some do and some do not.

Here is how to plumb it in the photo attached. You still need a co2 tank, input pump, ball/needle valve for the effluent and a check valve. Don't forget the check valve.

 

[Dburr1014]

Water dog is spot on.
I just picked one of them 6 months ago used. The probe holder works perfect. I would not use the reactor without it.