calcium reactors

Kaiden · 02/22/2006, 10:02 PM

Can someone please recommend a calcium reactor for a 50 Gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. Also how does it work, I don't really understand how you regulate the PH and add the calcium. Thanks alot..

jay24k · 02/23/2006, 07:02 PM

I bought one from aquaticsystemsdesign.com and so far so good.

You need a ph controller as well.

The way it works is this.

You have a CO2 tank that has a regulator on it. It's plugged into your ph controller. You set your ph controller to the desired ph to dissolve the media. Generally it is from 6.5 to 7 but can vary. The controller sends power to the outlet the regulator is plugged into when the ph goes above that setting you chose. This turns it on and pumps co2 back into the reactor chamber.

You have a pump that circulates the chamber and you have a pump from a sump that pushes water in. You set how much water you want coming out which also varies on calcium need.

The low ph dissolves the media and that's where your alk/calcium is put in the tank.

Hope that helps.

dvanacker · 02/23/2006, 10:09 PM

one thing though....you dont NEED a PH controller. You just have to manually set the reactor's ph with the co2 drip rate.

jay24k · 02/24/2006, 06:52 AM

Why risk it? If the power cuts off, your going to dropping the ph in the reactor pretty quickly causing the media to turn to mush. Not to mention, a ph drop at night will cause the ph in the reactor to be lower. IMO spend the extra 90 bucks and get a controller. If you are going to jump in the hobby, do it right the first time.

This is just my opinion and I know of people who don't use a controller but it is so much easier having one.

o2bnh20 · 02/24/2006, 07:17 AM

I worry more about other things than my reactor if the power goes off. I don't use a PH controller.

I bought a Geo reactor. Wasn't as expensive as the others and works great. Keeps my calcium and alkalinity and PH at very constant levels. I would recommend it

wife no likey · 02/24/2006, 07:33 AM

You can get a suitable solenoid pretty cheap; I would definately recommend having one. It's also nice to be able to shut off co2 output without having to mess with the regulator or tank valves.

elephen · 02/24/2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay24k
I bought one from aquaticsystemsdesign.com and so far so good.

I have one from them also, highly recommended!

www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com

A controller isn't necessary but it definately is nice incase your CO2 decides to go crazy.

jay24k · 02/24/2006, 09:41 AM

I completely agree. You might not have a problem but there is always one person where the bubble count goes nuts and nukes their tanks. Why not buy the controller for 90 bucks when you have THOUSANDS in your tank? It's about as bad as spending 5 dollars on brakes when you are talking about your life.

I'm sorry but it doesn't make sense. People should live proactively not reactively IMO. A very good character trait.

speedracer02 · 02/24/2006, 12:38 PM

^

02/22/2006, 10:02 PM	#1
Kaiden No Comment Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Jackson, California Posts: 566	calcium reactors Can someone please recommend a calcium reactor for a 50 Gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. Also how does it work, I don't really understand how you regulate the PH and add the calcium. Thanks alot..

02/23/2006, 10:09 PM	#3
dvanacker DID I SOUNDS SMRT?? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ontario, CAN Posts: 3,690	one thing though....you dont NEED a PH controller. You just have to manually set the reactor's ph with the co2 drip rate. __________________ --DARRYL-- Current Tank Info: 200g SPS dominant Mixed Reef

02/24/2006, 07:17 AM	#5
o2bnh20 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Mooresville,NC Posts: 677	I worry more about other things than my reactor if the power goes off. I don't use a PH controller. I bought a Geo reactor. Wasn't as expensive as the others and works great. Keeps my calcium and alkalinity and PH at very constant levels. I would recommend it __________________ Scott Current Tank Info: 90g, 10g sump tank

02/24/2006, 12:38 PM	#9
speedracer02 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Auburn Alabama Posts: 50	^ __________________ "If your expecting a kick in the balls and instead get slapped in the face, then its a victory." Current Tank Info: It's coming along nicely.

02/23/2006, 07:02 PM	#2
jay24k Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leesburg, Florida Posts: 6,546	I bought one from aquaticsystemsdesign.com and so far so good. You need a ph controller as well. The way it works is this. You have a CO2 tank that has a regulator on it. It's plugged into your ph controller. You set your ph controller to the desired ph to dissolve the media. Generally it is from 6.5 to 7 but can vary. The controller sends power to the outlet the regulator is plugged into when the ph goes above that setting you chose. This turns it on and pumps co2 back into the reactor chamber. You have a pump that circulates the chamber and you have a pump from a sump that pushes water in. You set how much water you want coming out which also varies on calcium need. The low ph dissolves the media and that's where your alk/calcium is put in the tank. Hope that helps.

02/24/2006, 06:52 AM	#4
jay24k Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leesburg, Florida Posts: 6,546	Why risk it? If the power cuts off, your going to dropping the ph in the reactor pretty quickly causing the media to turn to mush. Not to mention, a ph drop at night will cause the ph in the reactor to be lower. IMO spend the extra 90 bucks and get a controller. If you are going to jump in the hobby, do it right the first time. This is just my opinion and I know of people who don't use a controller but it is so much easier having one.

02/24/2006, 07:33 AM	#6
wife no likey Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 647	You can get a suitable solenoid pretty cheap; I would definately recommend having one. It's also nice to be able to shut off co2 output without having to mess with the regulator or tank valves.

02/24/2006, 09:41 AM	#8
jay24k Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leesburg, Florida Posts: 6,546	I completely agree. You might not have a problem but there is always one person where the bubble count goes nuts and nukes their tanks. Why not buy the controller for 90 bucks when you have THOUSANDS in your tank? It's about as bad as spending 5 dollars on brakes when you are talking about your life. I'm sorry but it doesn't make sense. People should live proactively not reactively IMO. A very good character trait.