Ca reactor question

[Ne0eN]

Question for Ca reactor veterans... How much water should I be flowing through a Ca reactor on a 300gal system? Currently flowing about 1L/min using a Mag3 pump (Ca reactor is about 2' above the sump - so that's all I can get) Still, dosing A&B is necessary to keep up with the Ca load. Any recommendations? Stronger pump?

 

--Rob

[jason the filter freak]

What about getting a Mag 5 and throttling it back if ness.?

[Rascal]

Currently flowing about 1L/min using a Mag3 pump

 

I am hardly a veteran, but if that is not a typo . . . . slow your flow!

Most recommend 1 - 2L per hour, not minute. Flow per min should be measured in ml. 40 ml/min might be a good # to start with. In other words, a drip. You are probably just blowing CO2 right through the reactor right now without lowering the PH inside the reactor very much.

 

This thread might be helpful:

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12934&hl

 

Or just skip to the link for the calculator: http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

 

Good luck.

Edited April 20, 2007 by Rascal

[Ne0eN]

Thanks for the link. I'll measure the output ALK, pH and slow down the flow. You're probably right. I just figured - 300gal system, I should just crank up the flow...

 

--Rob

[dandy7200]

Measuring the effluent alk is the key to dialing in a reactor. This step is skipped so frequently and it drives me loco :wink:

[Gatortailale]

IMO the best read on understanding how to use calcium reactor starts here with this article by Sanja Joshi: http://www.personal.psu.edu/sbj4/aquarium/...ciumReactor.htm

[fab]

Thanks Gatortailale,

 

Excellent article.

 

fab

Edited April 28, 2007 by fab

[flowerseller]

If the confussion was created by me and our conversations about seting it up, I apologize as I'm not such a great example to follow.

I need to have a slight stream from my effluent to keep up with the demand and maintain my PCL.

It does cause it to use CO2 at a slightly higher rate but who cares?

It allows for a lower effluent ALK 14-16 which I prefer over a drip with 30+ ALK.

I find it easier to keep it in check

 

Many have suggested that a decent start off ROT is 10-1 drip to bubble ratio.

Dandy loves these comments and often can be seen involuntarily twitching soon after reading them.

[dandy7200]

:twitch:

 

If you don't burn at least one full alk test kit during a calcium reactor setup you took a very big risk IMHO.

[scott711]

:twitch:

 

If you don't burn at least one full alk test kit during a calcium reactor setup you took a very big risk IMHO.

 

 

I fully agree with this statement.