QuoteReplyTopic: Calcium reactor question Posted: June 23 2011 at 9:09am
I'm trying to figure out how this calcium reactor works. Any input would be helpful.
Its a geo 618 and I've got it up and running with the bubble counter
bubbling one bubble every 3 seconds. The PH in the reactor is at 6.91
and slowly becoming more acidic. It will shut off when it reaches 6.5.
Anyway with the coral being broken down by this acid I have just the
calcium reactor pump running 24/7 but the feed pump I figured that it
would not be necessary to run that until the PH is acidic enough in the
reactor to break down and release the calcium in the substrate.
I tested the effluent and it is very acidic. I know that the purpose of
these things is to output calcium into the sump but I thought that it is
also supposed to output alkalinity as well. Is the effluent output of
these things supposed to be acidic or basic? Right now the PH in my tank
is 8.1 but if I allow that effluent to drip into my tank it would make
the tank water more acidic. Is this the way these things work?
It will drip calcium and alkalinity into your tank. I have mine set to add C02 when the ph hits 6.60 and shut it off at 6.40. Get a test kit for alk and test the effluent. There are tons of websites that will give you the breakdown on how acidic the effluent should be. Melevsreef.com is the one I used to calibrate my reactor. One tip, just because you are automated does not give you leave to not check. That would be disastrous. I check every morning and every night to make sure everything is running, ph is correct etc.. Havent had to touch anything in a month. Good luck.
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