Tell me about your calcium reactors!

donut · Feb 3, 2020

Hi guys, I understand the basic principles of a calcium reactor but id love for someone to give me an in depth description of their calcium reactor system! Some pictures of peoples reactor setups would be helpful as well. Thanks guys.

Donut

lapin · Feb 3, 2020

I use the solenoid to make sure the Ph does not drop below a certain critical level and turn my media into mush.
Other than that it stays wide open. I control the output with, drip rate and bubble counter. I measure the alk of the output (effluent). I run my effluent at around 25dkh . Output is a fast drip rate, almost a stream. I run a GEO unit. I have a after market bubble counter that produces smaller bubbles than the original counter (easier for Co2 to dissolve)

Hersheyb · Feb 3, 2020

tons of videos on this topic on youtube.. but basically

co2 and water and plumbed into the reactor, co2 is controlled by a ph controller (ph usually around 6.5-6.7 depending on media). if ph is below the set ph range it'll either open/close the solenoid until it is back at the set ph range. The co2 is usually plumbed into the pump which chops up the co2 so it mixes into the water. The acidic water melts the media which gets pumped back into the system adding alk/calc.

That's the basic of it.. .there are many ways to set up a calc reactor but most of the ones out there are ran this way.

vetteguy53081 · Feb 3, 2020

Vertex RX6 with 25# CO2 tank, carbon doser regulator at 1 per 5 sec and Reborn and Remag media using Tom Pump.

X-37B · Feb 3, 2020

Tunze 3171 carx.
AGA 2 stage regulator
Clippard ev mouse solenoid.
Swagelok s series fine metering valve
10lb tank
Solenoid always on unless power goes out
Adjust bubble/effluent to 20-25 dkh
I dont use a ph controller
10lb tank
Search out jda on this site for setup
Has been a super simple and stable way to tune and run a carx

Daniel@R2R · Feb 4, 2020

Cool thread idea. Following along! Show off those reactor systems, folks! Other hobbyists will definitely benefit from your help!

Water Dog · Feb 4, 2020

Although it’s not hooked up yet as my tank is fairly new (I’m currently dosing 2-part), once mature enough, I will be setting up my calcium reactor for my tank.

Geo 612 calcium reactor with SMC 415 secondary effluent chamber
Industrial lab grade Watson Marlow 505U continuous duty variable speed peristaltic pump
Custom self built DIY Alanle style stainless steel Victor dual stage CO2 regulator

mitch91175 · Feb 5, 2020

Water Dog said:
Although it’s not hooked up yet as my tank is fairly new (I’m currently dosing 2-part), once mature enough, I will be setting up my calcium reactor for my tank.

Geo 612 calcium reactor with SMC 415 secondary effluent chamber
Industrial lab grade Watson Marlow 505U continuous duty variable speed peristaltic pump
Custom self built DIY Alanle style stainless steel Victor dual stage CO2 regulator