Co2 Calcium reactor question

[UnseenTric]

Hello everyone,

I had purchased a Knop Calcium Reactor (the smaller model) from a fellow reefer a couple of weeks ago. Today I purchased the CO2 tank, but have still yet to purchase the pH controller. I was wondering if I could get it up and running with only the Salifert pH test kit until I purchase a controller. I have a new bubble coral that I just picked up, so I would like to get the reactor up and going as soon as possible...
What do you guys think?
-Pete

[inthesand]

sure, i would do this. Set bubble count at about 20 per minute and drip rate at a steady drip. About two drips per second. Aragonite takes awhile to start to melt but you can use an alkalinity test on the effluent and watch it increase daily until you reach your target. Then keep an eye on tank water alk. you don't need a controller. A ph monitor is a good idea. Most watch the effluent doen't hit below 6.5

[MyReef]

Definitely....a controller is not necessary at all to run a reactor. I actually would recommend a pH monitor over a controller. Even if you don't have either, you can set it up and run it with only a test kit. I don't use a controller because I don't want a pre-described set of numbers to tell me whether to dose CA or not. If you do use a controller, set it for a high and low mark and make sure that it will not be detrimental to the tank if the pH does happen to drop.....then it can cut the solenoid off. Otherwise let it does 24/7.

[UnseenTric]

Thanks guys for the advice, you were extremely helpful and informative!

Quick question on set-up.....Those germans sure can build em' but can't explain how to set-up one up to save their life.
Anyhoo- Right now I have the reactor purging, water looks pretty cloudy, but my corals look to be handling it alright. I have the bubble counter disconnected at this point which I think it what these germans are telling me to do. But if I try to limit the effluent then I get a back pressure threw the bubble counter and out comes the water. My question is, when I do run the tubing from the bubble counter to the regulator, and begin to restrict the effluent flow rate, will h2o back up all the way to the regulator? It seems to me that the pressure of the Co2 would keep the water away from the regulator---but Im a little nervous about experimenting with my theory.
Also...Sorry ..... How do I get h2o in the bubble counter? Will it fill up after I restrict the effluent and connect the Co2? Thanks guys!
Any other "heads-up" advice will be much appriciated.
Pete

[MyReef]

There should be some sort of check valve that will stop water from enter ing the CO2 tanks and or regulator.....

I am not familiar with the Knop BC....so I can't help there sorry.....

[poker]

I would place a check valve in the Co2 supply line between the regulator/needle valve and the bubble counter (even though I read that the KNOP units come with an integral checkvalve in the bubble counter assy.). Saltwater can ruin a good needle valve, Co2 bottle and regulator if it gets to it. The reactor is supposed to run under pressure but once a check valve is put in place, it will not allow any flow back up the line past itself thus protecting the regulator, needle valve & Co2 bottle.
The one I use is the brass model available from Marine Depot.

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_cr_co2_...fo.asp?CartId=

As far as water in the bubble counter, I use a hypo from an old test kit and just inject it in mine.