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Calcium Ideas

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by mpivit, Nov 12, 2014.

  1. Nov 12, 2014 #1
    mpivit Dubuque

    mpivit Well-Known ReefKeeper

    494
    Dubuque
    Ratings:
    +28 / 1 / -0
    I currently run a knopp C calcium reactor on my 110 gallon sps tank. It's having a hard time keeping up with alk demand.
    Since I run all my equipment in the stand, I don't really have room for a larger reactor. A larger diameter chamber won't fit. What I can do is build a second chamber for the effluent to run through. I've heard of people doing this to increase the effluent ph before returning it to the tank, but will it also raise the alk output of the effluent?
    Maybe I've been running my reactor wrong, but currently my effluent is not dripping, but is a slight stream, more than a trickle. I modded a ph probe into the chamber so I'm sure the reactor is running a low enough ph, but maybe the contact time with the media is too short. Does anybody think that SLOWING my drip may actually raise the output?
    Any suggestions? Besides ditching the reactor in favor of another method. (2 part does not appeal to me, and kalk wasn't keeping up because my tank only Evaps about a gallon per day)
     
  2. Nov 14, 2014 #2
    jeremy Davenport, IA

    jeremy Acro Addict

    2,382
    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    I know you said 2 part doesn't appeal to you but you could dose along with your reactor. Sorry I am no help on ca reactors. But you should be able to leave your reactor set where you have it and supplement with 2 part. But then you have 2 dosers and 2 containers. Not sure if you have room.
     
  3. Nov 14, 2014 #3
    jeremy Davenport, IA

    jeremy Acro Addict

    2,382
    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    Maybe contact fishbrain. If I remember correctly he has a dual chamber ca reactor. Maybe he can help.
     
  4. Nov 14, 2014 #4
    glaspie69

    glaspie69 Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,792
    Ratings:
    +41 / 2 / -0
    Unless you have a Forrest of sps growing chances are something it's quite right with the reactor, normally there is a slow drip coming off the output. Overall the chamber ph might be low enough but if it doesn't have enough time to break the media down its hurting you rather than helping. The other thing to look at is a calcium reactor is designed to hold a level stable, but not necessarily designed to raise the level significantly. You might try slowly adjusting the bubble count and output drips down and get them stable to a point the maintain your levels and then try manually adjusting the alk up and see if it holds it then. Hope this helps alittle
     
  5. Nov 14, 2014 #5
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    3,963
    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    I agree with glaspie69 the reactor isn't set right. Sounds like it's running way to fast of a drip rate. What is your ph in the reactor? And yes a second chamber is never a bad idea. Especially in this case cause I suspect that you need to lower the ph in the reactor some.
     

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