Calcium Reactor performance

[gpohly]

10 days ago, I hooked up a Korallin C1501 calc reactor. I did this because I was constantly adding calcium (Reef Builder) to my 70-gal total system to get anywhere over 300ppm. (Don't even have any coral other than 80lbs LR yet!)

It seems my CR is operating according to instructions; very little CO2 is accumulating in the CR, indicating nearly complete absorbtion by the media. My effluent drip rate is 100/min; CO2 bubble rate 15/min.

However, the calcium in my tank just doesn't seem to be climbing. It is at 280ppm, about where it started 10 days ago. I checked the effluent from the CR last night, and found it is only at 350ppm. Is this reasonable w/ a 280ppm input, and does the CR just take a long time to make a big difference, or should I look for a performance problem?

Anyone with one of these with a different result?

Thannks,
Glenn

[TheAquaman]

What is your Magnesium level?

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www.magicnet.net/~jwhite/aquamans.html

You may be capable of great things,
But life consists of small things.

[Phill]

Just checked tank specs, how long has tank been set-up (approx 4months?) Have you confirmed your test results w/another test? Your tank is just starting to get adjusted to itself (mood swings) and has not quite balanced itself out yet.

Need more info - what is Alk and Ph of tank and what is alk and ph of effulant. May want to try getting your levels up w/ B-ionic or other first then let the reactor hold these levels.

Carlsbad-Oceanside-Fallbrook- wow brings back memories.


HTH Phill


[This message has been edited by Phill (edited 11-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Phill (edited 11-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Phill (edited 11-07-2000).]

[MiNdErAsR]

FWIW, counting bubbles & drips is about useless. Measure effluent output in mL/min, and the pH of that output. A good starting point is 20-30mL/min at a pH of 6.8-7.0. You'll be measuring tank alkalinity not calcium. Once your alk level is in order, calcium will fall into place. It wouldn't be a bad idea to measure effluent alkalinity as well.

If you find your tank alk level continues to drop, then increase co2 feed slightly. If the effluent pH reaches 6.50, and you're still losing ground on tank alk, then increase effluent flow rate by 10mL/min and start over. Continue until your tank alk is at your desired level and stable.

Finally, do your self a favor and document ALL readings & levels. Makes it easier to spot a trend, and generally makes your life easier in the long run. Allow at least 2 hours for the reactor to settle out after each adjustment. Dialing in a reactor is generally a PITA, but once you find your setting, it's pretty much set & forget. Should take about a week.

Good luck.

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Jim Fox
http://www.geekopolis.com/reef/nos4a2/

In the sea of life, you're just a minnow...you live your life, insecure...

[gpohly]

Thanks, all.

Boy, I measure just about everything, and now magnesium too?

Tank specs posted.

Jim, alk is good - it climbed up steadily right up after CR was in place. I keep good records, so I'll review those, convert drops to ml, and follow your systematic procedure. (I tend to like systems & procedures - must be the engineer in me. Geeks forever. )