Calc reactor not working
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=56867
Printed Date: August 01 2026 at 11:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Calc reactor not working
Posted By: Jerrick
Subject: Calc reactor not working
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 3:42pm
| So I have been fighting with my calc reactor since I set it up....I get the bubble rate just perfect only to come back to the tank a few hours later and the bubbles have all but stopped....so I open the valve again to get the bubbles going again and a few hours later it has stopped again!!! Anyone ever had this problem? I got a new bubble counter and gleaned the valve but still doing it... |
Replies:
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 5:42pm
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what are you using to control the ph inside the reactor and control the solenoid valve? ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: Aquarium Creations
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 5:45pm
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Kalk reactor or calcium reactor? ------------- Aquarium Maintenance,Consulting,Custom Built Glass Aquariums Rimless/Euro,24Hr Emergency Service 8015485201 Www.UtahAquariumDoctors.com [email protected] |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 7:30pm
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I believe only a Calcium (Ca) reactor uses CO2. I agree with laynframe. Either the CO2 adjustment needle valve is worn out or a pH probe in the effluent is in need of calibration/replacement because it is shutting down the CO2 via the solenoid (if there is a solenoid and controller)  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: DLindquist
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 7:45pm
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Co2= Ca reactor. It doesn't sound like a PH controller is being used. Correct? If that is the case, it's simply a matter of dialing in the bubble counter which can be a PIA! ------------- A government strong enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you have. |
Posted By: Trevor40
Date Posted: June 01 2012 at 11:47pm
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Mine does this when it's running out of CO2. ------------- Call or Text (801)834-3119 |
Posted By: Jerrick
Date Posted: June 02 2012 at 1:46pm
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It is calcium reactor...no ph probe....so I just have the solenoid unplugged....don't know if it works anyways...I will see if It makes a difference if it is plugged in tonight....thanks |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: June 02 2012 at 2:05pm
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it has to be plugged in. I wouldnt recommend running a calcium reactor this way. you need to make sure your at 6.5 ph or lower in your reactor or its not breaking down the crushed corals and producing calcium. If you are running low on co, 300 psig then it could cause issues. sounds like your regulator isnt working well either. Imo you have to run a cal reactor with a controller, so you dont over or under dose the crushed coral media or mess up your tank. I have a lot of experience with these reactors and Ill help you with any qs you might have. ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: Jerrick
Date Posted: June 02 2012 at 3:35pm
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Okay...any suggestions as to where to buy a ph monitor...mine is going haywire and that is why I was not using it....I bought a new probe but I am pretty sure it is the monitor that is bad....never a steady reading it jumps from 0 to 10 and every number in between every second. |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: June 03 2012 at 9:02am
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Marine depot sells milwakee's, thats what i use. Also get calibration fluid that they recommend. ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: June 04 2012 at 1:11am
I agree here. A pH controller really is needed to make sure you're being effective with a Ca reactor. I would recommend either buying a Milwaukee pH monitor or just spending a few extra $ and getting a full tank controller system. That way you can monitor your Ca Effluent pH and your tank system pH to be sure not only that your rector is working, but that the pH in your system is staying stable, that way if it drops too low the controller can shut off your Ca rector before you have issues with low pH. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
laynframe wrote:Posted By: Jerrick
Date Posted: June 04 2012 at 2:48pm
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Okay so what full tank monitoring system would you recommend? Thanks for you input! |
Posted By: eldiente
Date Posted: June 06 2012 at 3:39pm
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Neptune Apex controller ------------- Brian Twin Falls, Idaho 210 Gallon Glass reef |
Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: June 06 2012 at 4:58pm
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you get what you pay for with controllers! I say that and yet im running a old school reef keeper lol. But my ph controller is milwaukee. I dont have much running on my reef keeper. I run my heater off a ranco controller, ph on a milwaukee controller, LEDs on their own controller. ------------- The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!! |