Reactor adjustments

Reefkeeping, Coral, Fish and Invertebrates.

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tbmoore
Astrea snail
Posts: 1158
Joined: Tue May 13, 2003 10:10 pm
Location: New Albany, IN

Reactor adjustments

Post by tbmoore »

I have been asked how I adjust my cal reactor and have listed below my process. There are many ways to do this but I have found for me this is the cheapest and easest and most accurate to achieve the results I want.


I do not count bubbles on my reactor...I ck the ph coming out after it has been running several hours and adjust as needed... I also use a fine metering valve for control. To adjust I keep the ph at 6.5 to 6.6 coming out of reactor then adjust the volume per min coming out using a small marked beaker....to measure...(In other words if I increase the liquid rate I need to increase the co2...then test the ph after about 4hrs). This gives the chamber or chambers to adjust to the change) Right now I am using about 50ml per min and 6.5ph to keep 12to 14 dkh and 480-500ppm (250 gal reef with med load of sps). This will vary depending on tank size and load. I also suggest using a portable digital ph probe to ck output since it is more accurate for adjustment and a small dia but tall beaker for the same reason. It is easier to adjust if you start with a higher output and test your tank every day. To get your levels high to start with you just turn up the reactor to where it levels are climbing with the proper ph and get your levels up....make a note of where you are for future use. If your tank is rising in dkh and cal you can make a small adj and then close the co2 bottle (not the adjustment valve) for a few hours to bring the tank down in range then start the co2 again...by doing this you will save money on mixing chem to keep bringing the tank back up...as you come in range you will have to turn off the co2 less and less till you do not touch at all and only test once every couple of wks to see if still in line.

One point ...your tank should be balanced before you start this since your dkh and cal will rise or fall at the same rate.

Here is a balancing table.
Alk/ dKH/ Calcium
0.00 0.00 360
0.50 1.40 370
1.00 2.80 380
1.50 4.20 390
2.00 5.60 400
2.50 7.00 410
3.00 8.40 420 (Near sea water)
3.50 9.80 430
4.00 11.20 440 (My goal)
4.50 12.60 450
5.00 14.00 460
5.50 15.40 470
6.00 16.80 480 (My goal for my frag tank)
6.50 18.20 490
7.00 19.60 500
end of added info
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