PH Probes, Controllers and Calcium Reactors

Cuda · 04-11-2006, 02:39 PM

As I accumulate the parts needed to run a calcium reactor some questions come to mind. I've been reading a bunch of the past theads and want to make sure I understand this correctly.

I think I need a PH probe and controller for the reactor effluent itself that would turn off the CO2 at the appropriate set point (ph 6.1-6.2) and then just a ph probe for the main tank to monitor it ensuring it stays in the desired range around 8.3? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Also are there different ways the controllers are supposed to be used. I went on a tour of some local tanks recently and someone said they bought a Milwaukee controller for their ph control only to find out the controller worked opposite of what was needed. I'm sorry but at the time I hadn't read enough about probes, controllers and calcium reactors to ask intelligent questions, as you can probably tell by these

whatevva · 04-11-2006, 03:34 PM

Generally, you want to try and have the CO2 bubble count in the ballpark, to maintain Ph. The controller needs to CLOSE on Ph rise to send power to the solenoid and open it, thereby adding CO2 and lowering the Ph. I've read threads where they're doing it with the Pinpoint controller. If the Ph gets too low, then the controller will OPEN and cut off power to the solenoid, stopping the CO2.

Cuda · 04-11-2006, 03:48 PM

If I read this right, I need to determine if my solinoid, which is attached to my regulator, is always open or always closed and then get a controller that does that when energized does the opposite??? Or, can you use any controller and just connect the leads from the solinoid opposite???

Now I know what people like Skeeter meant when they first started using a calc reactor. It's hard enough figuring out all the parts you need, then you have to hook it up, (the right way) and finally figure out how to run it...

whatevva · 04-11-2006, 05:11 PM

As far as I know, the solonoids are always Normally Closed and powered to open. I can't tell you much about the controllers because mine can be programmed either way.

Fly Guy · 04-11-2006, 05:18 PM

Ive never seen any that were naturally open either and ive dealt with a lot more solenoids in life that i have with fish stuff for whatever thats worth.

skeety · 04-11-2006, 05:18 PM

I know the pinpoint pH controller has outlets for both a min and max value. So it shouldn't matter.

But it sounds like you have the right idea. Did you see Tom's picture of the pH effluent chamber he recommends? (I believe he posted the pic in my Ca reactor thread).

And I didn't really find much difference in price, so I recommend going with the Pacific Coast CO2 regulator. I know that ones good.

If you're ordering directly from Andy at http://myreefcreations.com he'll be more than happy to answer ALL your questions, and help set you up with what you NEED, not what will make him the most money.

Even if you dont' buy from him, might not hurt to give him a call.

Fly Guy · 04-11-2006, 05:25 PM

Im not here to slam Andy by any means, i hear nothing but good things from EVERYBODY else here, but i have been less than pleased with his customer service. I purchased a MR-2 and pump from him at the beginning of the year and he only responded to my first email to him. On two seperate occasions since then i have left him both phone and email messages(each time) and have not had any response.

My MR-2 rocks however. Tdwyatt should get commission for his help.

VWD · 04-11-2006, 09:09 PM

I am sure Andy is busy, Glad You MR @ works good for You. I love my Reactor. Cuda , I think if You have a single chamber that range of PH is right, But if You have a dual chamber and you take the reading from the 2nd chamber You have to add to that, You will be running the ph too low. I hope You see what I am saying, The 2nd chamber the Ph will start bring the PH up. You can go to Andy's site and get alot of info on the set up. It will apply to any calcium reactor.

Fly Guy · 04-11-2006, 09:24 PM

With all due respect VWD, i am a businessperson myself, like yourself, and we are ALL busy. ANYONE sends me emails and/or phone calls whether or not i have sold them hundreds of dollars worth of equipment is going to get return communication of some form at some time.

VWD · 04-11-2006, 09:42 PM

I understand That , I guess I never had that problem with MRC , But have also heard others say that.

Cuda · 04-11-2006, 10:51 PM

Thanks all for the great info. I've left messages for both Andy and GEO (since the parts I have were originally part of a GEO kit from Premium Aquatics) to see what help they can offer. Since I'll be initially setting up the tank without the reactor and have never used a reactor...

Is there any special plumbing considerations I should build into the plan that makes it easier later, or does the calk reactor set up separately and just drip into the sump?

Thanks again for the help.
Marc