Calcium Reactor Setup

[4fishman]

I am in the process of setting up my first reef tank, I previously had an FO tank. My question relates to the setup of a calcium reactor.
I have purchased a DA Controller that has a pH probe input with an ouput that will go to a CO2 solenoid, correct?
Second question how is the amount of calcium rich low pH water introduced into the tank or sump? How is the controlled? Introducing a low pH solution scares me.
Please help me avoid a disaster.

[Henry Bowman]

A pH controller is used to attach to the Co2 solenoid. WHen the pH in the reactor reaches a set point, the solenoid closes. You are correct. The typical set up runs the pH in the reactor at 6.6-6.9 pH.

The calcium rich water is usually added via a dosing pump, aqualugt pump (cheap and effective) and or the input water to the reactor is run off the main pump line to slightly pressurize the reactor and the effluent (Ca rich water) is controlled via a valve.

The low pH water entering the tank should be introduced into an area of high flow and possibly areated, to gass off any remaining Co2 thus raising the pH as the effluent enters the aquarium.

Many Ca reactor users (incl me) also dose kalk, particularly at night to keep the pH from dropping. HOWEVER, if you have the reactor dialed in correctly, your pH should not drop too low.

It is important to make sure the tank's water parameters Ca and Alk are at the desired target range when you start the reactor. A Ca reactor should only be utilized to maintain Ca and Alk, not to adjust it.

Here is a link to a basic set up calculator. http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

and more info....on Ca Reactor Set up

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

and another article on calcium supplementation methods

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Hope that helps.

[4fishman]

Thanks Henry