Calcium Reactors and pH Control

[CowFish]

I'm currently designing a 180Gal Reef System to upgrade from my 40Gal Reef and would like to discuss some of the design aspects. So, here it goes.

Since it is the CO2 that lowers the pH in a Calcuim Reactor has anyone tried directing the output into the pump inlet of a protine skimmer? If I'm correct the exposure to a low pressure system should allow any excess CO2 to excape raising the pH of the additive back to nominal levels proir to entry into the sump.

[The R/C Man]

You are correct. Many people including myself just hang the drip line about 8-10" above the water line so the C02 has time to disipate. Your idea would work much better though.

[CowFish]

Thank you, I appeciate it!

I have been doing a little more research into calcium reactors and have found that people are a odds when it comes to the use of a pH controller. Some say that without it your system is doomed and other say it is unnessary and even a hinderence because the lifetime and necessary maintinece of the pH probes cause more problems than they fix. I understand the need for a solinoid to cut CO2 if the power goes out and I like the idea of a controller that will keep the system, to the extent possible, stable. But, If it isn't worth the money... Does anyone have experiance with both systems that is practical more than preferential?

[Zoanuts]

Aquacontrollers are a must if you are running Co2. Your investment is large and the equipment is necessary to continue the success of your wonderful system.
Equipment First fish and corals next.
I run AC III and it controls my Co2 to the T Great piece of equipment. If it is plugge in to power you can add to AC.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me anything.

[JR719]

If you are going to run a calcium reactor, you will want a Co2 controller, and a monitor. You need something to turn your Co2 on and off and something to monitor the tank params. I have an ACII that works great as a controller for my Deltec.

The theories are varied on this. Some control using the main display, some control within the sump. I monitor on the main display and control thru the sump.

6 of 1 and a half dozen of another. Which is right? Who knows. I've seen some great tanks with all different configs. I use the controller in the sump, while others use it in the main display.

I've also read where some do not use a controller, but rather set a consistant drip rate. That is dangerous and not advised by myself. If you check your Ph with lights on, then after several hours of lights off, you'll see a huge difference. Usually, with lights off, there will be a considerable drop in Ph. If your injecting Co2, your looking at an impending disaster. About the only thing that would stop that is if your dripping kalk or injecting after lights off.

Calcium reactors lower your Ph due to Co2. When your lights are on, your Ph will rise, Co2 injection will drop the Ph, no problem. Lights out, kalk will raise Ph, Co2 will lower. My Co2 never turned on after about 1 hour of lights out.

Please be careful with Co2, and get a controller. Don't ruin your display and corals to save a couple of dollars. Your system will be more stable in the long run, and safer.



Zoanuts, I'm in OK also. Where about are you located?

[CowFish]

Thanks, I have indeed desided to go with a controller, and it has comedown to a few choises:

1. Lighthouse Aquarium Controller
2. Reefkeeper 2
3. (2X) Reef Fanatic Controllers

Opinions and other controller advice would be taken in to consideration, but these are the top three.

Also, I am looking at CO2 Systems
Is a 40 turn needle valve sufficient or should I go with an 80 turn?
5 or 10 Gallon Tank or DIY CO2 Reactor for CO2 production?
Does anyone know of a site that shows designed sizing and flow rate for calcium reactors?
What about plankton reactors?
Is there another type of reactor other than a Kalk, that would effectivly maintain a pH level?

And Go! ;) Thanks!

[Zoanuts]

Cowfish,
Glad to see you using a controller. They all look like they will work fine. I don't have experience with those brands but they look great.

I see you want to run CO2 and I know you are concerned about pH.

What type of tank ie. SPS, Softie, MIX, Fish only?
If you are going to load your tank with Tons of Rock and SPS you will have a Ca sucking tank that will need some form of reactor.
I haven't run a kalk reactor only Ca reactors with Co2 on my systems. Have wonderful results.
You are making some great moves getting the equipment first.

[Reefland]

I haven't ever looked into a controller but the Aquacontroller Jr. seems to be getting some good reviews.

[Samper]

The only ones that I've seen in action are the lighthouse controllers. They work extremely well and are easy to operate. The only problem that I've seen had to do with getting it to sync up to the internet. My old partner has ran them forever and did all the hooking up so I can't give any info on that part of it. A few people whose systems I took care of have them in operation and it's nice to have. They give a reading on the desktop of a computer so you always know what's going on and you can monitor them from any computer in the world. I've seen a few times where the Ph of those systems was out of wack due to a reactor malfunction and the problem was dealt with before there were any ill effects.

[Samper]

Here is a link that shows them in action so you can get an idea of the information they put out there.

Northeast Arkansas Reef Concepts, LLC ~ Home of the NEA Reef Club

Click on the tank monitors tab on the left

[CowFish]

Thanks All,

From what I have read here + research, I have desided to go with the Lighthouse Controller. It seems to have the best options, though I may want to have another monitor/controller later as well.

To answer some questions,
I'm designing a Mix Tank, 180 Gal, I have some fairly unique designs in mind for the tank. It will be a room divider. I will post some pics in another thread as I begin work on the tank, sump an stand itself. For Now I have the Following equipment in mind:

180 Gallon tank 24 x 72 x 24
40 Gallon Sump with Refugium
Chiller/Heater Set - TBD
U/V - TBD
Canister For Chemical Filtration only
Mechanical will be achived on the sump inlet
Chemi-Pure
Purigen
Carbon
(Speaking of which has anyone tried the so called Tri-Active Carbon?)
RO/DI with Auto-Top off
Calciium Reactor - DIY most likely w/ Control
Dual Return Pumps
Skimmer - TBD
Powerheads Etc.

Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated.