Running calcium reactor with no co2 for long time

[((FORDTECH))]

Hello so I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any negative effect in running a calcium reactor for a year with no co2 going thru it. Pretty much over a year ago my co2 ran out on reactor and instead of filling it I switched to 2 part and just left it running but with no co2. Media is full but seems over the long time has little brownish color to it now. And the clear lines seem to have browned a little in color aswell. Is this hurting anything by me letting it run or should I turn it off right away. Thanks for any info

 

[GlassMunky]

Hello so I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is any negative effect in running a calcium reactor for a year with no co2 going thru it. Pretty much over a year ago my co2 ran out on reactor and instead of filling it I switched to 2 part and just left it running but with no co2. Media is full but seems over the long time has little brownish color to it now. And the clear lines seem to have browned a little in color aswell. Is this hurting anything by me letting it run or should I turn it off right away. Thanks for any info

It’s basically just a bio media reactor now, since it’s just water going through skeletons.
no issues with it.

 

[DC Reefer]

I don't think it is hurting anything. I assume you still have water circulating through it, just no CO2? I would expect it has been acting a low volume media reactor and has beneficial bacteria going in the media.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

So as a big bio media reactor what would that do to my tank or for it? Reducing nitrates and phosphates ? Or nothing ?

 

[((FORDTECH))]

For the longest time I’ve had issues with corals not doing well. Just recently am going thru a crash losing lots of corals. Just trying to tie up all lose ends and thought this could be one of them as parameters and stability and icp tests all seem to be good

 

[GlassMunky]

So as a big bio media reactor what would that do to my tank or for it? Resin was nitrates and phosphates ? Or nothing ?

It’s just acting the same as your live rock housing bacteria. Nothing more nothing less.
you could take it offline and probably not see any difference with how big your tank is.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Is there any possibility due to such a low flow thru it that it could cause die off or decay polluting my tank water ?

 

[GlassMunky]

Is there any possibility due to such a low flow thru it that it could cause die off or decay polluting my tank water ?

Not really. Think of how many spots on your tank, like inside or under the rocks, that have just as low flow.

 

[GlassMunky]

You said your having issues with corals but ICP tests come back perfect.... have you tried testing your bacterial community through something like aqua biomics to see if there’s some imbalance or something?
that’s my tanks issue

 

[((FORDTECH))]

You said your having issues with corals but ICP tests come back perfect.... have you tried testing your bacterial community through something like aqua biomics to see if there’s some imbalance or something?
that’s my tanks issue

Hmmm I’ve never heard of that. Where can I purchase that kit ?

 

[GlassMunky]

Hmmm I’ve never heard of that. Where can I purchase that kit ?

Aquabiomics.com

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Hmmm I’ve never heard of that. Where can I purchase that kit ?

not sure if it’s the same kind of bacteria but I just ordered yesterday some of the dr Tim’s one and only maybe over past 10 years my system bacteria has gone away so figure won’t hurt to add some

 

[jda]

It should not hurt anything, but it probably is not doing much. Just take it offline. If you want to run it again, then I would clean it and put is some new media.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Have not added any live rock or sand or any bacteria in over 8-9 years

 

[GlassMunky]

not sure if it’s the same kind of bacteria but I just ordered yesterday some of the dr Tim’s one and only maybe over past 10 years my system bacteria has gone away so figure won’t hurt to add some

This is a genetic test of bacterial dna and gives you a breakdown of all types found in your sample.
Ill post an example in a minute of the results you get

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Aquabiomics.com

not sure if it’s the same kind of bacteria but I just ordered yesterday some of the dr Tim’s one and only maybe over past 10 years my system bacteria has gone away so figure won’t hurt to add some

 

[jda]

If you are worried about bio diversity, then there is more to it than just bacteria. Perhaps a 20lb box of real ocean live rock? Most of the bacteria that we need for the N cycle is fine.

While most microfauna can live for a long time, if you ever used any meds, tried hypo, algaecides, organic carbon or any other media or chemicals, then they can die off.

 

[((FORDTECH))]

If you are worried about bio diversity, then there is more to it than just bacteria. Perhaps a 20lb box of real ocean live rock? Most of the bacteria that we need for the N cycle is fine.

While most microfauna can live for a long time, if you ever used any meds, tried hypo, algaecides, organic carbon or any other media or chemicals, then they can die off.

Hmm this could be the case for my system. Thru all the ups and downs and crashed and all my mistakes over past 10 years I’m sure Ive did lots of damage with little repair. Of coarse not intentionally. But any ways so what’s the beat way to recolonize it in my system. Btw 10 years ago all 250lbs of live rock in my system came straight out the ocean .

 

[GlassMunky]

 

[((FORDTECH))]

Oh wow so this is like an icp test.