Calcium reactor adjustment

[Osama]

I have a new dual chamber calcium reactor. My 180G reef tank water is at pH 8.4 & Alk @7-8
I am testing the efflueht from the second reactor chamber; My pH is above 7 maybe closer to 8 ( still high) but my alk is above 32dKh. Should I
a) increase the effluent flow to get a bit lower dKh and
b) Increase the CO2 to lower the pH level of the effluent OR
c) Leave the CO2 where it is and just increase the effluent flow.
The guidelines that came with the equipment recommended a pH of 6.6 to 7 and dKH about 14. Based on those guidelines I am high on the pH meaning I should increase CO2 and high on dKH which means i should increase the effluent flow
Recommendations & esperience with such equipment is appreciated.

 

[reefmkr]

Osama,

try this link http://reefkeeping.com/

good luck

 

[Anonymous]

The pH of my effluent coming from the second chamber is around 7. In order to lower that pH, increase the CO2 bubble count a bit. Take a reading an hour later and see where you're at with the pH. If it's much above 7.5, I would increase CO2 until the effluent is nearer to 7.

Once you get it to the desired pH, give it a day and then test your Alk and Ca. If your values are still significantly less than what you want, proprtionately increase the CO2 count and drip rate. Then give it a day and test again. Repeat until satisfied. This method has always worked for me.

 

[DJ88]

Osama,

A couple of things we'll need to know are your bubble rate and effluent rate. These vary from tank to tank and Rx to Rx but it will give abetter idea for a starting point as to help you.

Without that info I'd say that your Rx is working fine. If you have a high dkh in your effluent your Rx is set right. Concider that the amount of effluent you are putting in is very miniscule compared to the volume of your tank you want to have a much higher dkh than in your tank to make a difference. I usually shoot for double the dkh in the eff for what I want in my tank. But I run a small system. This will change in larger systems I am betting.

The second chamber of your Rx will raise the pH of the effluent because more of the CO2 will be used. THis will vary with the flow rate you have going through the second chamber. The faster it goes through the less dwell time you have to react with the media and use up excess CO2.

If you were to increase your bubble rate form where it is now I am betting you will drop the ph alright, but your dkh will go up again as well.

What media are you using? I use ARM and found that for the most part I could keep my Rx set at 7 for pH and it works great. That is in the main chamber tho. Measure the effluent coming out of the first chamber and You'll probably find your pH is different(lower). With a dual chamber Rx I'd measure the pH of the first chamber get it set to where you want it for Alk and pH, then let it run though the second for a bit and measure the ph of the Second chamber. From then on all you really need to do is keep an eye on the output of the second chamber's pH and Alk.


hth. If you didn't get any of this gobbleydegook let me know. I'll try to explain it a bit better.

 

[Osama]

Graham & Darren: Thanks. I actually understood all that was said. Here is what I plan on doing. If you find falt with it then please advise again. i appreciate the help.
I will keep the bubble rate at the 30-35 Bubbles per minute since my pH from the second chamber is just over 7. I will increase the flow rate to 50 drips per minute. It was actually set too low at about 25-30. I will increase the drip rate gradually from 30 then 40 then 50. I will check the dKH output as long as it is above 20; I will keep increasing the drip rate. My system is in need of lots of calcium; a heavily stocked 180G plus 40g sump.