Dialing in a new Calcium Reactor

[navion91545]

I have been trying to figure out how to get my reactor dialed in and have been struggling.

My current effluent PH is 7 and the KH is 18. From the notes/instructions I was given:

Increaseing the CO2 feed will cause the effluent pH to drop, and raise effluent alkalinity.
Decreasing CO2 feed will cause effluent pH to rise, and lower effluent alkalinity.

Increaseing effluent flow rate will cause the effluent pH to rise, and lower effluent alkalinity.
Decreasing effluent flow rate will cause the effluent pH to drop, and raise effluent alkalinity.

As I understand it I should get the alkalinity set to my target level and my calcium level will fall into place.

It seems to me that anything I do will put me out of spec with the levels on either pH or KH. Any suggestions?

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

The pH effluent should be around 6.4 .

The alk should be close to 10-12 DKH.

Set a slow flow of water thru the reactor. Less than 100gph.

Set the CO2 bubble counter to the desired pH(6.4-6.8)

This should provide a constant supply of 420ppm-500ppm calcium which is fine.

Make sure you are using a good reactor media like A.R.M. instead of crushed coral or something cheaper. If your reactor is set right the media will turn a little mushy. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn't clog. This will take some time to melt so don't worry just keep an eye on it and the levels.

Now take the effluent and run it thru a container full of
Seachem's Gray Coast Calcite.

This product will balance the Magnesium content of the water and add strontium. This will aid greatly in coralines and new skeleton growth. This product only works when exposed to low pH levels.(Below 7.4) This will buffer your pH back up to about 7.8 and will make it easier for the pH to buffer back up to 8.2 after it enters the system.

You can make a reactor out of a 1 liter Pepsi bottle by drilling holes in the bottom and placing floss to cover the holes. then apply the product above then another small layer of floss. Then drill the cap. Run your discharge line thru the cap and screw on bottle.

Make sure that your final discharge of effluent is near the intake of your skimmer. The skimmer will aid in removing any access CO2 and complete the buffering process of the pH.

I hth you.