Reactor setup - how do I measure ALK?

bearpeidog · 11/24/2009, 04:05 PM

Hi - I have a Sailfert ALK test kit and am trying to get my Calc reactor up and running. THe guidance I have is that my DKH should be above 25 in the effluent cup. However my test kit max's out at 16 - is there a method to use this testkit for reading a higher resolution? Thanks!

JD52 · 11/24/2009, 04:21 PM

Youll have to do some math, once the initial regeant is gone, note the reading, then fill the hype again, add more untill you see the color change then add the two meaurements together, for example, if 1 hype is 10dhk and you have to add another 1/2 the total would be 15dhk... Confused yet? lol

tkeracer619 · 11/24/2009, 04:21 PM

There is no point in measuring a reactor out of the effluent cup.

Start with a low amount of water through the reactor and adjust it down to around 6.5-6.7ph. Test the tank. If your alk drops, turn up the water through the reactor and adjust the gas to keep it at the same 6.5-6.7 and dose with 2 part. Test, if the alk still drops repeat the process. Do this until you are stable. Test daily and you will have it dialed in within a week or two.

bearpeidog · 11/24/2009, 07:00 PM

Thank you - I wasn't sure if it scaled that way with refilling the syringe. I am following Dragon Slayer's instructions for setting up the Korallin and needed to ensure the effluent was up to par per the instructions. That way, if I have issues I can at least post the parameter.

Fingers crossed, reactor seems to be working - now to dial it in...

11/24/2009, 04:05 PM	#1
bearpeidog Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Milton, Vermont Posts: 560	Reactor setup - how do I measure ALK? Hi - I have a Sailfert ALK test kit and am trying to get my Calc reactor up and running. THe guidance I have is that my DKH should be above 25 in the effluent cup. However my test kit max's out at 16 - is there a method to use this testkit for reading a higher resolution? Thanks!

11/24/2009, 04:21 PM	#3
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	There is no point in measuring a reactor out of the effluent cup. Start with a low amount of water through the reactor and adjust it down to around 6.5-6.7ph. Test the tank. If your alk drops, turn up the water through the reactor and adjust the gas to keep it at the same 6.5-6.7 and dose with 2 part. Test, if the alk still drops repeat the process. Do this until you are stable. Test daily and you will have it dialed in within a week or two. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/24/2009, 04:21 PM	#2
JD52 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Austin Tx. Posts: 710	Youll have to do some math, once the initial regeant is gone, note the reading, then fill the hype again, add more untill you see the color change then add the two meaurements together, for example, if 1 hype is 10dhk and you have to add another 1/2 the total would be 15dhk... Confused yet? lol

11/24/2009, 07:00 PM	#4
bearpeidog Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Milton, Vermont Posts: 560	Thank you - I wasn't sure if it scaled that way with refilling the syringe. I am following Dragon Slayer's instructions for setting up the Korallin and needed to ensure the effluent was up to par per the instructions. That way, if I have issues I can at least post the parameter. Fingers crossed, reactor seems to be working - now to dial it in...