Switching to CAL Rx from Dosing Pump - Need Suggestions -

sk8elenex92 · Aug 25, 2017

Hello Everyone. I'm going to be switching to a calcium reactor from an Eshopps dosing pump. I am currently dosing 100ml of Alk and Calcium on my 120. I use DIY alk recipe 1 and BRS calcium. I got the calcium reactor setup for a steal and could not pass it up. Starting with a GEO 618, PH controller but will be using my reef keeper and the Milwaukee controller to monitor tank, reborn media, 2 10lb C02 tanks, feed pump, and eheim circulation pump all for $185. I really could not pass it up so I went with it. I've been playing with it to get my self comfortable for the last week and I think I am ready to set it up, BUT IM REALLY SCARED LOL..

How do you guys recommend that I switch over. I was going to run the calcium reactor by having a steady Effluent flow and adjusting the melting point by controller PH in the chamber. It seems like the most sense instead of messing with drip and bubble count. This is what @twitch suggested in a video and it seems like the easiest way to do it. Please give me the best idea so I dont' crash my tank!!!!

Thank you!

bif24701 · Aug 25, 2017

sk8elenex92 said:
Hello Everyone. I'm going to be switching to a calcium reactor from an Eshopps dosing pump. I am currently dosing 100ml of Alk and Calcium on my 120. I use DIY alk recipe 1 and BRS calcium. I got the calcium reactor setup for a steal and could not pass it up. Starting with a GEO 618, PH controller but will be using my reef keeper and the Milwaukee controller to monitor tank, reborn media, 2 10lb C02 tanks, feed pump, and eheim circulation pump all for $185. I really could not pass it up so I went with it. I've been playing with it to get my self comfortable for the last week and I think I am ready to set it up, BUT IM REALLY SCARED LOL..

How do you guys recommend that I switch over. I was going to run the calcium reactor by having a steady Effluent flow and adjusting the melting point by controller PH in the chamber. It seems like the most sense instead of messing with drip and bubble count. This is what @twitch suggested in a video and it seems like the easiest way to do it. Please give me the best idea so I dont' crash my tank!!!!

Thank you!

First get a CarbonDoser. If there is a single piece of equipment that can/will make running a CalRX as simple and easy as possible this is certainly IT! Many factors can influence the bubble rate of ordinary CO2 regulators. With the CarbonDoser the bubble rate (speed and amount that CO2 is added) remains constant no matter what. It also is simple and easy to set. The light indicates the rate with a flash so there is never a question as to exactly what the bubble rate is. You must add this.

The very best CalRX set ups include, along with the CabonDoser, a slow constant duty pump such as a Cole Palmer Master flex. However this part isn't nearly as essential as the CarbonDoser.

Good luck

sk8elenex92 · Aug 27, 2017

I do have a C02 regulator. Forgot to mention that above

It's a reef fanatic regulator.
Hopefully works out.

Daniel@R2R · Aug 28, 2017

that's a great deal! @hybridazn made the same switch over a while back. Maybe he can help.

hybridazn · Aug 28, 2017

I run my setup the same way as you want to. I feel if you run your CaRX like this a fancy regulator is not needed. You will use the ph levels to do all the work. Just maoebsure you set up a failsafe with your controller to shut off the feed pump in case the ph in the reactor drops too low.

sk8elenex92 · Aug 29, 2017

hybridazn said:
I run my setup the same way as you want to. I feel if you run your CaRX like this a fancy regulator is not needed. You will use the ph levels to do all the work. Just maoebsure you set up a failsafe with your controller to shut off the feed pump in case the ph in the reactor drops too low.

Thanks for the tip. As far as the failsafe do you turn off both your feed pump and your ph regulator if PH goes to low? Doesn't it stop the drip?

I was planning on starting the PH at 7.2 and let it drip. This is what I'm not sure about. How much C02. I guess I just turn it all on and set the bubble count to 20 a minute and then see where it sets the ph to in the chamber??? Reef keeper will be set to turn off when ph < 7.2.