Calcium Reactor Help
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14952
Printed Date: July 26 2026 at 12:54am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Calcium Reactor Help
Posted By: Seaul8r
Subject: Calcium Reactor Help
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 10:00am
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I have picked up a used reactor and am in the process of getting it going. What are your recommendations for media? What suggestions on where to locate a new needle valve? The previous owner stated the valve needed replaced. My thanks to any of you that can give me direction in bringing this thing to life. ------------- 75 Gallon Display, 75 Sump/Refug, Euroreef ES5-2 Skimmer, Iwaki 70 return pump, DIY Stand/Canopy |
Replies:
Posted By: DaveB
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 2:07pm
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Tell us a bit about the reactor.. is it a double cylinder reactor or single. What is the recirc pump. How much media does it hold. How is it setup for feeding tank water to it..
Do you have a PH Probe so you can tell what the PH is inside the reactor when you get it going?
Do you have a PH controller to shut off the solenoid valve if your tank PH gets too LOW...
Dave |
Posted By: DaveB
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 2:09pm
| The needle valve for the CO2? Is that what you are replacing? I use a needle valve to control flow thru the reactor and for the CO2 bubble count.. |
Posted By: Seaul8r
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 2:38pm
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The setup is a single cylinder, I haven't checked to see what the pump brand is. Yes, the needle valve is for the Co2. No I do not presently have a ph probe like the one your refering to. I presently use a handheld ph meter. I will need to use a small pump to feed tank water to the reactor. Don't know how much media it will hold, it appears to be approx 18" tall and maybe 3" in diameter. ------------- 75 Gallon Display, 75 Sump/Refug, Euroreef ES5-2 Skimmer, Iwaki 70 return pump, DIY Stand/Canopy |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 3:01pm
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Roger,
Mine is 4" diameter and 24 inches tall (though the media only goes to within 4" of the top) it held a little less than one gallon (8lb) of CaribSea ARM.
Mike -------------  |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 3:08pm
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Roger,
I bought my CO2 tank here and they were a big help. They have used regulators as well and I'm sure they could help you with a needle valve.
Universal Cylinder Service 1839 S 900 W Salt Lake City, UT 84104 - 1719 (801) 908-7988 ask for Mel. ------------- |
Posted By: DaveB
Date Posted: November 03 2006 at 5:41pm
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I use Seaflor Arubaa Puka Shell Substrate in my reactor. Never turns to mush, always has good flow thru it, and keeps my Alk at a very consisten 11 dkh. Dave
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: November 04 2006 at 9:06am
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If it doesn't turn to mush, what does it turn to? ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: DaveB
Date Posted: November 04 2006 at 11:02am
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I have used some of the "reactor media" in the past, and some of it can really break down fast at PH levels of 6.6. The media I use doesn't do that at all. Flow thru the media doesn't clog up because it breaks down into to fine of particles. It stays pretty much the way it comes out of the bag, pieces of coral rubble and shells, and as it breaks down, it does so in a way that just increases alkalinity, the water is still crystal clear. This enables me to use a much smaller recirc pump than some reactors call for also. It is also less expensive than some of the "reactor media" that is sold.
Dave
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Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: November 04 2006 at 2:38pm
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Yup, I do like DaveB, but I use Caribsea Geomarine crushed coral (1/8" to 1/4" in size). ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: Seaul8r
Date Posted: November 06 2006 at 8:09am
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Thanks to all of you for providing those suggestions now I can clean it up, fix up and put it to use. ------------- 75 Gallon Display, 75 Sump/Refug, Euroreef ES5-2 Skimmer, Iwaki 70 return pump, DIY Stand/Canopy |