Setting up a calcium reactor

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 28, 2017

NCreefguy said:
Some people use aqualifters,some use dosing/peristaltic pumps or just any small pump/powerhead. I use a small Rio 600(10 watts I think) on one system and a small minijet on another. It just needs to be big enough to constantly feed the reactor.

Can you post a pic of your setup?

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 28, 2017

Also which check valve? http://www.marinedepot.com/CO2_Accessories-FICOCA-ct.html

NCreefguy · Apr 28, 2017

Breakthecycle2 said:
Can you post a pic of your setup?

You won't be able to tell much from my clutter but I'll snap a pic.

NCreefguy · Apr 28, 2017

Breakthecycle2 said:
Also which check valve? http://www.marinedepot.com/CO2_Accessories-FICOCA-ct.html

I use this one..... http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-inline-check-valve-1-4-x-1-4-push-connect.html

...and the one that comes with the Carbondoser regulator.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 28, 2017

NCreefguy said:
I use this one..... http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-inline-check-valve-1-4-x-1-4-push-connect.html

...and the one that comes with the Carbondoser regulator.

I just saw that one. I'll go with that.

NCreefguy · Apr 28, 2017

I've got this one as well..... http://www.aquariumplants.com/THE-BEST-Check-Valve-medical-grade-p/cs-3482.htm

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 28, 2017

NCreefguy said:
I've got this one as well..... http://www.aquariumplants.com/THE-BEST-Check-Valve-medical-grade-p/cs-3482.htm

You use two?

NCreefguy · Apr 28, 2017

Breakthecycle2 said:
You use two?

I've got more than one setup.

NCreefguy · Apr 28, 2017

Cluttered pic but you can see my check valve

hybridazn · Apr 28, 2017

I'll try to make a video of my setup later tonight when I get home.

Breakthecycle2 · Apr 28, 2017

hybridazn said:
I'll try to make a video of my setup later tonight when I get home.

Would appreciate it.

hybridazn · Apr 29, 2017

Here is a quick video I made. Excuse the sloppy sump, I've been neglecting it lately

The quiet one pump in the beginning of the video is my feed pump (317gph)

Breakthecycle2 · May 4, 2017

Hey guys. I have a few question about a calcium reactor I'm trying to set up. How much media do I need? Do I fill it up close to the top? If so, I cant seem to turn the lid so I can lock it into place. Probably a stupid but should there be water in the bubble counter because mine isn't filling. Also, about how pressure of CO2 should the meter read? Sorry, but I'm s complete noob with this one.

hybridazn · May 4, 2017

Depending on which reactor you have Add media up to the bottom of the sticker on the reactor. Also you can add rodi water to the bubble counter, it will evaporate after a few weeks but you can simply add it again. There is also a gel you can use in place of the water.

Breakthecycle2 · May 4, 2017

hybridazn said:
Depending on which reactor you have Add media up to the bottom of the sticker on the reactor. Also you can add rodi water to the bubble counter, it will evaporate after a few weeks but you can simply add it again. There is also a gel you can use in place of the water.

Is there a trick getting the top to twist so you can turn the locking knobs? With the media in it, I cannot get it turn. Also, what should the pressure gauge on the CO2 tank read?

hybridazn · May 4, 2017

Breakthecycle2 said:
Is there a trick getting the top to twist so you can turn the locking knobs? With the media in it, I cannot get it turn. Also, what should the pressure gauge on the CO2 tank read?

Did you buy a used one? Sometimes if ppl store them for a while with the lod locked on the rubber ring will seize the lid. The only thing I can suggest is to remove all the locking screws and gently try to pry the lid off. Just be careful I've seen people snap the lids because they are on so tight.

The gauge on the right should be on the 30

Breakthecycle2 · May 4, 2017

hybridazn said:
Did you buy a used one? Sometimes if ppl store them for a while with the lod locked on the rubber ring will seize the lid. The only thing I can suggest is to remove all the locking screws and gently try to pry the lid off. Just be careful I've seen people snap the lids because they are on so tight.

The gauge on the right should be on the 30

No its brand new. Maybe I wasn't being clear. So I filled the reactor with media...reborn and remag. I put the cover back on, but now it won't turn so I can "lock" it down.

So in the pic (not actual reactor), I am trying to turn it toward the "skinnier" holes.

Breakthecycle2 · May 7, 2017

Couple of questions. I got it up and running a few days. Steady slow drip, 3-4 bubbles per second. My issue now is, my ALK went from 9.2 to 8.2 and my calcium is around 520. Its usually 450. How do I get it lowered? Less bubbles and drip?

VegasUSP · May 10, 2017

hybridazn said:
Here is a quick video I made. Excuse the sloppy sump, I've been neglecting it lately

The quiet one pump in the beginning of the video is my feed pump (317gph)

How do you like the Geo RX? I'm looking at getting one for my 120g. Also what is that second smaller chamber that was in the sump, is that just for extra media....sorry for the questions I'm a noob when it comes to CaRx. Thanks!

hybridazn · May 10, 2017

I love my Geo's Reef CaRX. It's built like a tank haha

The other reactor inside the sump is a Geo's Reef bio pellet reactor that is currently empty but still online since it also feeds my external skimmer.