Calcium Reactor Set Up

[jaspa]

Hi
i am about to set up my deltec P500 calcium reactor and i have a few questions.

I will be using a PH controller and solenoid to control co2 addition to the reactor maintaining a PH of 6.5 inside the reactor.

Do i need to fit my bubble counter or is it now surpus to requirements

What kind of pipe work do you use to connect co2 from the regulator to reactor.Can i use RO tubing or silicon airline.

Do i need a none return valve. If so what type and where from.

What is the best media to use.

Is it best to run it 24/7 or day time only.

Thanks

Jaspa

[Tiggsy]

i have recently set up a PF501 with a PH probe.

Bubble counter - i left it on....why not? cant hurt and is handy guide as to how much C02 is going in, just because the probe controls it doesnt mean you want it gushing in like mad - i have mine set on a 2 bubbles a sec (ish)


You need proper CO2 tubing (from any LFS)

Non return is needed to stop water getting into the CO2 valve - i just use a normal airline one (any LFS)

I have my reactor pump (fluidiser) on 24/7, the C02 is on as needed to keep at 6.5, the peri pump comes on at the same time as the lights to drip it in........i have a vari speed pump but i found it easier to set at a constant drip (bit faster than normally suggested) and then adjust the calc in the tank via the time the peri ran for.

anyway- that worked for me!

T

[kitenski]

hmm, ain't got a non return on my setup, probably should - do you fit it between Co2 bottle and bubble counter?

regards,

greg

[Tiggsy]

well as the bubble counter is full of water that may be a good idea ;)

also - make sure you fit it the right way round :D

[Saj]

Get a Non return valve after the solenoid, or your solenoid will get clogged up with salt like mine did. Well worth the effort.

[jaspa]

Thanks for the replies.
Have now sorted the tubing and none return valves.

Tiggsy i presume by your description that you only run effulent from your reactor when your lights are on ?



What is the best media to run in it



:thumbsup: Jaspa

[jaspa]

What is the best media to run in it


Anybody !

jaspa :thumbsup:

[EnglishReefer]

"What is the best media to run in it"

Is this a fluidising reactor?? if it is and you want to fluidise it then go with whatever deltec recomends.

Personally I would only buy enough for a couple of fills and then try out some different brands - some dissolve easier (ie at a higher ph), some are cleaner than others (less undissolved sludge/crap in reactor), some are purer than others (less phosphates metals etc).

Some brands are too soft to be used in a fluidising reactor and will release alot of dust into the tank with the rough fluidising motion, either turn the recirc flow down or use a different brand.

After a while you will find one that suits your tank, maintence routine and wallet best.

HTH

:)

[crossi]

Hello Jaspa

I'm looking for some co2 proof tubing can't find any were i live could you tell me were you got yours from

Cheers Paul

[jaspa]

my 8 mm RO tubing seems to be able to be used for co2 according to the tech specs.
Got it from RS Components.

Although most of the normal stuff is flexible piping.

Jaspa