Help with Calcium reactor settings...

Jim Barry · #1 03-23-2004, 09:23 PM

I bought my calcium reactor a couple of weeks ago and I am having trouble getting the proper settings.

Can you have a calcium reading that is too high and will it harm the corals or fish?

PH in tank = 8.35
PH in effluent = 6.7
Alkalinity = ok (don't know the exact readings)
Calcium = 600 ppm
Specific gravity = 1.023
temp 78-80

I have been adjusting my bubble counter and effluent flow, where my effluent flow rate is about 80 drops per minute and my bubble counter is 60 per minute and my effluent is running at about 144 drops per minute.

What should my bubble counter and effluent drops per minute be?

Thanks

Jim

Jim Barry · #2 03-23-2004, 09:28 PM

correction....... effluent is running at about 144 drops per minute.

Jim

Jason McK · #3 03-23-2004, 09:51 PM

Not that I'm an expert and I really haven't got my CA reactor dialed in right yet but I think I know the theory.

Alk is very important in this process I would defiantly get a test kit.

Increase of bubble count will lower the PH of the water in the Reactor thus causing the Calcium Carbonate to "Melt". The Reactor effluent rate determines the Time the low PH water mixes in the Reactor.
So Bubble count determine the speed of which CA is introduced into the water
And
Effluent rate determine the concentration of CA entering you water.

Now Alk is also raised in the process, exactly how I would love to know. But I would imagine if you CA is at 600 your Alk is very high.

This should not cause any adverse effects to your corals or fish but I would dial back your reactor and let the levels become more normal

If I have said anything that is incorrect Please feel free to correct me as I am also new to CA reactors.

J

christyf5 · #4 03-23-2004, 09:52 PM

What test kit are you using to figure out your Ca?

Jim Barry · #5 03-23-2004, 09:59 PM

Hi Christy...

I am using Nutrafin test kit to measure Calcium and Jungle Quick Dip (test strips) to measure alkalinity. I don't think the alkalinity strips are very accurate.

These were recommended by Big Als in Calgary.

Any recommendations for calcium and alkalinity test kits?

Jim

Aquattro · #6 03-23-2004, 10:04 PM

Jim, get some Salifert test kits. I don't think your Ca is very accurate either. 600ppm isn't realistic. And I'm fairly certain you'd get Ca precipitation in solution at that level.
Once you get proper kits, post the values and we'll get you dialed in.

Namscam · #7 03-23-2004, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason McK

Now Alk is also raised in the process, exactly how I would love to know. But I would imagine if you CA is at 600 your Alk is very high.

you mean that alk is very low if your Ca is that high because if they are both high then Ca wil ppt out of solution...only when alk is very low then a high Ca will stay in solution.