Ca reactor substrate

westernreef · 10/08/2010, 11:21 AM

I am curious how often you all change/top off the substrate in your Ca reactors. I ask, because, I don't see any change in the substrate mass, and yet I wonder if the wanted elements have leached after a period of time.

Also, favorite substrate?

ThaNgBOm321 · 10/08/2010, 11:45 AM

well, you can measure the effluent's alk level and that will give you a good idea of how well your calcium reactor is doing (adding elements alk/calk).

jim.l · 10/08/2010, 12:01 PM

How long has it been running? It takes a while. If the media is still in the reactor, it's still good. The media should be dissolving / disappearing if the reactor is tuned correctly. I dissolve about 3/4 of the media in the primary tube in not quite 4 months, at which time I clean the reactor and replenish the media.

JeF4y · 10/08/2010, 01:22 PM

maybe once a year if I'm ambitious... But I don't have a HUGE ca/alk requirement so my tank is very light on the reactor.

westernreef · 10/08/2010, 11:00 PM

Thank you for your help

10/08/2010, 11:21 AM	#1
westernreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 28	Ca reactor substrate I am curious how often you all change/top off the substrate in your Ca reactors. I ask, because, I don't see any change in the substrate mass, and yet I wonder if the wanted elements have leached after a period of time. Also, favorite substrate?

10/08/2010, 11:45 AM	#2
ThaNgBOm321 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tx, houston Posts: 792	well, you can measure the effluent's alk level and that will give you a good idea of how well your calcium reactor is doing (adding elements alk/calk). __________________ YzGyz = Wise Guys ohhh and cows go MOOO!!! 2nd best way is to learn from ones own mistakes but the best way to learn is from others... thx to Randy and so many other for making reefing that much easier

10/08/2010, 12:01 PM	#3
jim.l Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SE. Florida Posts: 608	How long has it been running? It takes a while. If the media is still in the reactor, it's still good. The media should be dissolving / disappearing if the reactor is tuned correctly. I dissolve about 3/4 of the media in the primary tube in not quite 4 months, at which time I clean the reactor and replenish the media. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 150 reef, soft, hard, SPS

10/08/2010, 01:22 PM	#4
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	maybe once a year if I'm ambitious... But I don't have a HUGE ca/alk requirement so my tank is very light on the reactor. __________________ I've made a small fortune in Reefing! I just started out with a large fortune and the rest came easily. Want a Cleaner Wrasse? Consider a shower! ;-) Current Tank Info: 60 Cube!

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10/08/2010, 11:00 PM	#5
westernreef Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 28	Thank you for your help