Problem with Ca Rx (Geo 618) and Carbondoser

[lacrosseboss18]

I'm having problems setting up my Calcium reactor. I have the Geo 618 and carbondoser regulator. My issue is that I am not getting CO2 into the reactor unless I set the carbondoser to the highest bubble rate. I have set the bubble size on the regulator from 6-12 and consistently have the same problem. I have the reactor filled with Two little Fishies reborn media. I have it controlled through my Apex. I have it set to keep my pH between 6.5 and 6.7. Unfortunately never gets to the correct range because no CO2 is entering the reactor. I have a MJ1200 feeding the reactor. All equipment is brand new. I have the CO2 tank filled, and water is in the reactor. I'm just not able to get CO2 into the reactor. Ive tried taking the CO2 line and sticking it in a cup of water and it seems to be working. I spoke with Geo (awesome support they get back to you almost instantly) and they tried to trouble shoot me but still no help.

 

[Collinw24]

What pressure do you have the second stage of the regulator set at? It's possible that the PSI is low enough that it can't push CO2 in. Aside from that, the CO2 isn't just disappearing. If it goes in the reactor it has to go somewhere. The only place besides the water it could go is if there was a leak.

 

[lacrosseboss18]

I have the one pressure gauge at 1000psi and the second i have set it between 6-12 and get the same problem. I've tried different check valves and also ive checked the tube for leaks and have tried 2 different ones.

Ill get a click on the regulator that it dispensed CO2 but when i look at the bubble counter on the Geo i don't see anything and my pH remains the same

 

[lacrosseboss18]

Tired adjusting some things tonight and still nothing

 

[rainmaker]

Never used that regulator but 1000 seems very high

 

[rainmaker]

I use same reactor with Milwaukee regulator Controlled with Apex an have no problems keeping co2 between 6.6 an 6.7

 

[rainmaker]

That's setting pressure at 40 to 50 psi

 

[lacrosseboss18]

Sorry the bubble psi coming out I've set from 6-12 psi to see if it makes a difference. I think I have 1000 in the tank

 

[lacrosseboss18]

Geo reactor seems great. It's the regulator that I'm having problems with

 

[rainmaker]

Do you see bubbles in counter on reactor

 

[lacrosseboss18]

I only see bubbles when it set the bubble count to the max setting. A constant bubble stream. If I set it to 1 bubble every 2 seconds I see nothing.

 

[rainmaker]

If no bubbles then adjust the pressure up little at a time till it just starts an let it run there a while till ph drops in reactor may take a day to lower

 

[rainmaker]

The controller should keep it in correct range

 

[lacrosseboss18]

I've tried changing the pressure of the bubbles and nothing. I've tried at 6-12psi and have left it stagnant for 8-12 hours while at work. No bubbles are entering the reactor.

 

[rainmaker]

Could be a problem with the needle valve then

 

[rainmaker]

Pressure at 6 to 12 psi seems low if I don't keep mine between 30 to 40 it's harder to adjust bubble count A higher psi keeps it more consistent

 

[rainmaker]

What pressure does your 2nd gauge show not the tank pressure

 

[rainmaker]

Or post a picture of your regulator gauges

 

[zoomonster]

I have the same setup. Couple things... 1) if your using the check valves you should be maybe you have one backwards. 2) Even when correct orientation I had that happen once and had to clean/blowout everything but that was after like two years of use. 3) Check valve may just be bad.

 

[zoomonster]

And BTW I usually run the bubble size (only gauge adjustment) at around 3.5-4 as reflected on right gauge. The bubble rate dial is pretty self explanatory and just the number of bubbles per second regulated by the electronic controller. That's pretty much it for whats probably the simplest and best regulator you can buy for AQ use. I like the GEO but if your using the effluent flow valve it came with your going probably going to have issues because it constantly clogs and can't maintain a drip. I actually added a second chamber (ML1 reactor) that the effluent flows through and flow is controlled by one of the valves you would get with a BRS reactor, ATO backflush kit etc. You could get a better valve but that works great. You might also want to check out the idea of constant flow vs. drip. Works well, makes life simpler and because you run at a higher reactor PH you use less Co2.