Knop reactor Setup

[Armson]

Anybody Know how to set up a knop C reactor? I bought one used a few months back and I never got the instructions (I doubt I would have read them anyway). I know I need a CO2 bottle, regulator, solenoid and Check valve. Anybody got any suggestions on what brands won't have me tearing my hair out?

 

 

 

B

[krish]

Byron,

You can check out the Milwaukee regulator that also has the solenoid valve. It goes for

about $86 or so.

I have a regular beer brewer type regulator that i purchased for around $35 or so.

I bought the solenoid from ebay and one can rig it up for cheap.

The regulator from Milwaukee has the bublee counter as well. Thats a bonus.

 

I have an empty 5lb CO2 tank from Roberts O2. I will let you have it for $45 if you wish.

You can exchange it for a fully filled one for $16.

Getting a new one from them will be around over $100 or so.

I went up to a 20lb tank.

 

When you set it up, use pieces of nylon screens around the intake in the Ca reactor

chambers. Also screen any intakes as well. These 1/4" tubing get clogged with Arganoite

pretty fast. If the reactor has 1/4" tubing hook ups at the lower part of the acrylic chamber,

i would use large size aragonite to cover that part and then top off with the finer material.

Will prevent clogs to some extent.

 

When you run the reactor, make sure that after a day of running, you get an effluent pH of

around 6.9 to 6.70 or so. If you are any lower than that, you can reduce the bubble count or

increase the flow thru the reactor.

 

I think thats about the generic tips on a reactor. I don't run a Knop, but a dual stage

MTC procal.

 

good luck

-krish

[Armson]

Thanks for the help, I would love to take that bottle off your hands.

 

The sell a Milwaukee regulator(ma957) at http://www.glass-gardens.com/  

I take it this is the one you are refering too?

[krish]

Hi Byron,

The store you are referring to has good pricing on the regulator assembly.

Just let me know when you would like to swing by for the bottle.

I am at work most days atleast till 7pm. I can throw it in the car and you

can meet me at work in Herndon. If not, then weekend is the next best

choice.

 

Actually, the Roberts O2 is pretty close from my home. If you

can come over during the week days, between say 1:30pm

to 2:30pm or so, then you can grab the bottle and get it

exchanged for a full one as well.

 

-krish

[Armson]

I live literally 5 min from your house. Eddi and I stopped by to see your system early in the year. I know exactly where Roberts is as well. I am in no hurry to get the bottle so just let me know when the best time for you is. You ever get that phosphate problem fixed?

[krish]

Byron

The phosphate problem has not been totally fixed. it is better than what it used to be , but

is not totally gone. Will need to put more effort into it. But the corals are growing well, so

not awfully worried. The new Kalk reactor should help in due course, since all new water is

going thru the kalk reactor and should help precipitate the phosphate.

 

-krish