diy calcium reactor flow

[richie z]

on a diy calcium reactor how many bubbles should i be aiming for in the counter? and should return flow back to sump be about the same or more . if excess co2 returns to sump will ph fall /the sump has lots of ciculation for its size and a deltec mc 500 skimmer at the piont im planning the return of reactor flow. will this oxygen rich water encourage co2 evaporation. hope someone can help as i have read a lot about calcium reactors but not one web site coud i find a answer /thanks

[Lee_Bay]

I think what you are looking for is a balance of CO2 and water flow through the reactor to maintain a PH of 6.7ish inside the reactor. If you don't have a probe in the reactor you can measure the effluent leaving the reactor before it gets into the tank.

Yes, this will change the PH of the tank (lower). This is why some people run a calcium reactor and a kalk reactor. They kinda neutralize each other as far as changes to the PH of the tank.

[Lee_Bay]

And to answer your question about # of bubbles, I would start at a bubble every second or two, measure your PH, then make adjustments from there. More CO2, less water flow will raise the PH in the reactor, Less Co2, more water flow will lower the PH.

[richie z]

i thought so but it best to ask advice in these things so thanks for the input

[Siffy]

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

[richie z]

some web sites say the sump will stabalize the ph as long as there is plenty oxygen can this be right? im not so sure.

[Siffy]

Not oxygen, but gas exchange via the tank or sump water's surface. It should expel any excess CO2 added to the tank from a Ca Rx over time to prevent a significant and continual drop of pH.

[wizsmaster]

Originally posted by Lee_Bay
More CO2, less water flow will raise the PH in the reactor, Less Co2, more water flow will lower the PH.

the other way around

More Co2, Less water = Ph of water will be lower, more acidic.
Less Co2, More water = Ph of water will rise, water will be less acidic.



Aim of a PH of around 6.5-6.7 inside your reactor.

ReefKeeping article on Ca Rx:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.php

[richie z]

thanks this helps/ do you think it wise to run a calcium reactor without the adding kalkwasser or another kind of buffer

[Lee_Bay]

Originally posted by wizsmaster
the other way around

More Co2, Less water = Ph of water will be lower, more acidic.
Less Co2, More water = Ph of water will rise, water will be less acidic.

Yep you're right. 1:30A.M. on NYE after a few beers