Korallin Kalkreaktor Bubble Rate

[Reef Creations]

I need help with my KC3001 KORALLIN C-3001 reactor.

The bubble rate gradually slows from its original setting. I set it at about 30 bubbles/min, but within a couple hours it starts to decline until it falls to 9 bubbles/min after 2 days. I’ve been in regular contact with M3, from whom I purchased it. Even after all their advice, I still can’t get this problem solved. Intuitively, one would think this problem is being caused by pressure building up inside the reactor, thus slowing the bubble rate. If so, I can’t find the cause. Here is what I have tried over the last year.

I’ve changed:
- CO2 regulators twice,
- CO2 bottles and sizes,
- CO2 check valves,
- Media several times,
- All the tubing for the inflow and both effluent outlets, and
- Needle valves twice.

I’ve tried:
- Running with and without the micro pump recommend for this reactor,
- Feeding the reactor from my dolphin circulation pump,
- Opening the effluent valves to be sure there is no blockage causing back pressure,
- Cleaning the Eheim circulation pump,
- Bypassing the CO2 check valves, and
- Checking for CO2 leaks all over the reactor and check valves.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

JRC

 

[mwm6]

What are the pressure readings on the CO2 regulator?

 

[Reef Creations]

The pressure in the bottle reads 60 bar and the working pressure is 1.5 bar. Both readings have been stable since I got this new CO2 regulator. These readings are right on target based on the instructions that came with the regulator. This regulator has a fix working pressure level. My two previous regulators measured pressure in terms of psi, and you could adjust the working pressure. However, adjusting the working pressure never made a difference with this problem. This is an Aqua Medic regulator made in Germany. I guess in German they measure pressure in terms of “bar.”

Any thoughts??

 

[XXX]

I have always fought that battle with my 1501. I recently had a problem with the check valve that prevents water from backing up in the CO2 line. I removed it for a few days while waiting on the new one. I never had a problem with the bubble count during that time. Now that the new valve has been installed it is back to the same old story again.