When to start up the Reactor?

[Modo]

I'm laying out a list of next steps for my newest system. I have a calcium reactor for the first time on a brand new system.

So, do I wait until the water cycles and stablizes before I kick it on? Or can I go ahead and start the puppy up and try and adjust to the current pH and alkalinity now?

It seems obvious to wait, but it's always good to ask. :wink: But if I do wait when is a good starting point to getting it going?

Thanks!

 

[playfair]

You could start it right away, but in a brand new system there isn't much need for a reactor, as calcium and buffer aren't being used significantly. I would keep eye on the test levels, and add bionic for a few months until you stock up and a routine consumption is realized. Reactors are consistant, but in the early stages your tank isn't.

 

[Modo]

Yeah, I started thinking about this a little more and I believe it would be hard to get it tweaked at first in terms of pH and alkalinity. I haven't cycled a tank in over 3 yrs but, if memory serves well I believe these bounce around some in the beginning. Right?

So, if that is the case I might hold off and get my params inline before trying to tweak the reactor.

If anyone wants to add anything or have some better ideas than this let me know.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[rishma]

Another good reason to wait....I read once that excess dissolved CO2 can cause your sand to fuse together and form hard clumps. This is less likely to happen after the tank is established and the grains are thoroughly coated with bacteria, etc.

I did not think to much of this warning and started my tank and reactor together. Months later I was rooting around in my tank and discovered sizeable patches of fused sand!!

Obviously calcium carbonate disloves with CO2 inside the reactor, but I was surprised to find this in my sand bed.

GOOD LUCK!!

 

[myreef]

I actually prefer to start a reacotr on a new system if you have one. This will allow you the time to tweak the reactor before it is necessary to keep up with a huge CA demand. For best results, get your CA and ALK where you want them with a buffer solution, then let the reactor maintain it....a reactor will raise the levels, but will take longer to do so...