Calcium Reactor Setup

[bkv1997]

Equipment


Geo's Reef

• All cell cast acrylic construction
• Clear lid to view proper O-ring seal
• Key hole slot for lid removal
• Micro ball valve effluent control
• Eheim 1048 pump, bolted to base plate
• pH probe port in lid
• pH probe adapter included
• Auto fill bubble counter
• 10 x 9 foot print, 24" overall height
• Holds 12 pounds of media, we recommend large grain schuran type
• For reef aquariums up to 350 gallons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


RF Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid

RF CO2 regulator features:

• Integrated 110V German solenoid valve Integrated precision needle valve
• Preset working pressure gauge making fine tune easy
• Compact and chrome plated body
• Compatible with standard US CO2 tanks

------------------------------------------------------------


Aquacontroller Junior

• Monitor: pH, and Temperature
• Control: pH, and Temperature
• Optional Computer Interface - works With AquaNotes NOW!
• 1 Optional External Switch Input
• Timers
• Simulate Sunrise/Sunset
• Simulate a Moon Cycle
• Control Powerheads/Pumps (Wavemaker)
• Hardwired or X10 Control Options
• Programming Language
• Alarms
• Perform Datalogging
• Flash Memory for easy Firmware Upgrades
• LCD Display
• Display Lock with password protection
• Battery Backed Real Time Clock

------------------------------------------------------


MaxiJet 1200

• High performance with low power consumption
• May be used externally or submerged
• Waterproof rotating water outlet
• Silent, versatile, low maintenace
• Protected motor will not overheat
• Tank Mount Bracket
• UL Approved
• Directional Flow Flap

-----------------------------------------------------

Media


Schuran Media

NO Picture - Used to help maintain Magnesium
Dolomite - Calcium Magnesium Carbonate - CaMg(CO3)2

-----------------------------------------------------

CO2 Tank

I just got mine from a local company since you will need to have it filled locally anyways. I got a 20lb Aluminium Tank.

http://www.airgas.com/

-----------------------------------------------------

Testing

I setup the Unit in the Garage next to a 30 gallon trash can just to test for leaks etc and am extremely glad I did. Over three days it revealed the following issues.

• Inlet of the EHIEM 1048 pump had a slow leak (Fixed with teflon tape)
• Outlet of the EHIEM 1048 pump had a slow leak (Fixed with teflon tape)
• CO2 line into the Unit had a small leak (Fixed with teflon tape)
• Effluent line out of the Unit had a small leak (Fixed with teflon tape)

The above small leaks were one to two drops over 12 hours, tiny leaks that would be harder to find and fix if not tested before hand and in an environment where I could inspect from 360 degrees.

CO2 Line:
I highly recommend spraying the entire CO2 line with soapy water to check for CO2 leaks. I had not tightened the regulator onto the tank tight enough and noticed my high pressure side had dropped by 5 PSI. I never heard a hiss or anything, so its a good idea to test upfront.

---------------------------------------------------------

* = Indicates CO2 Completely Off
+ = Effluent Wide open

-- Trying to get things to settled down.

TANK Effluent
Date Time PH Alk(dkh) Calc PH Alk(dkh) Calc
*+9/24 11 AM 7.77 7.7 390 7.42
*+9/24 12 Noon 7.8 --- --- 7.77
*+9/24 1 PM 7.85 --- --- 7.9
*+9/24 3 PM 7.95 8.4 --- 8
*+9/24 5 PM 7.95 7 360 8

--I had unhooked my Kalk Reactor while doing this and started noticing the alk and calcium drop.

9/24 5:30 PM The unit was set at a rate of 25 ml per minute effluent with a PH of 6.9.
9/24 8 PM 8 9.1 400 6.9 30.8 500
9/25 5 AM 7.8 7 360
9/25 6 PM 8.1 7 360 6.9 16.8 480
9/25 6 PM Adjusted the effluent PH to 6.8

9/25 9 PM 8.1 7 360 6.8
9/25 9 PM Manually added Calcium and Alkalinity to adjust the levels up.

9/26 8 AM 7.9 9.1 380
9/26 5 PM 8.1 8.4 360 6.8 16.8 480
9/26 5 PM Reduced the Effluent PH to 6.7

9/26 10 PM 8.1 8.4 360 6.7 16.8 480

9/27 8 AM 7.9 8.4 380
9/27 8 PM 8.1 8.4 380

9/28 7 AM 7.9 8.4 380

[bkv1997]

Obviously using spaces to make columns won't work. I'll correct this later. I'm more less creating a log so I can create an article for anyone interested in doing setting one up in the future.

[RevReefer]

Thats great bud. I for one appreciate the time you will put in this. I will need it for the future tank.

[sailfin]

Same here. I doubt I'll be able to afford one to start, but in the future I'm sure I'll need it.

[bkv1997]

Updated.

[Ironman]

your such a nerd!
but I will use your research when I get ready, cause im not a nerd!

[bkv1997]

You're negative comments don't want to make me continue going out of my way to update this to benefit you.

I'm only putting this here so you guys can learn from my mistakes, so .

Because we all know when it comes to CA reactors and this club no one had a clue, including myself.

[RevReefer]

Thats not true Brandon, I knew they were expensive!

Nice work you big nerdy computer dude!

[Ironman]

does anyone else ever get tired of a certain member who will remain nameless thinking hes better than everyone else? momma always said "Pride comes before a fall" or in this situation a "crash"! Im predicting a crash in 4 days. and we know how these predictions are pretty reliable!

[bkv1997]

Where is the "Just Kidding"? First you call me a nerd now this...... don't make me start editing your posts again .