IKS with calcuim reactor

[tim_haskins]

Hi

What do i need to set up my newly aquired IKS system with a calcium reactor. I have 1 off ph probe and 2 plug bars also temp probe. Can i run calcium reactor without a sump? . I also have aquamedic ph computer. I am a newbie and dont really know the settings that need to be programmed in to the iks. Any help appricated. Tank is 4ftx18x18inch with deltec mce600 skimmer,T5 x 4 new deltec tubes, uv light,rowa fluidised reactor, tunze 6000 streams with controller. I have sump system being a schauran M1 system with jetskim 150 skimmer which i will incorperate when i get my tank drilled and a new stand made.Is there anything else i should look into getting/changing to improve system. I am going for the deltec pf509

Tim

[jacksok]

Hi Tim - a pile of questions buried in there. I'll stick to those concerning the calcium reactor.

First off, you can run a pressurised calcium reactor without a sump.

Basic equipment you would need besides the reactor is a gas cylinder, a regulator (which controls the gas flow), a bubble counter (if it wasn't already built into the calcium reactor), and ideally a peri-pump to provide the water supply to the reactor. With this equipment you could run the reactor manually.

If you want to control the reactor automatically through the IKS then as well as your pH probe you'll also need to add a solenoid valve - this will be used to turn on/off the Co2 supply. (NB this assumes the model of reactor you have will take a pH probe - some brands may need modifying).

The easiest way to get all this stuff is to just buy the reactor kit (http://www.coralculture.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=32_86_89&products_id=527)from CoralCulture - it includes pf509 reactor, gas cylinder, regulator, solenoid, peri-pump and tubing, plus test kits.

You'd set the IKS up to control the pH in the reactor - say 6.2 just for example (the 'right' level will vary depending on the type of media used). The plug for the solenoid valve will be plugged into one of the IKS plug bars. When the pH goes too high the IKS will turn on power in that socket, the solenoid valve will then open and allow Co2 into the reactor and pH will start to drop back down....

Having set your the system up to maintain that constant pH you can then adjust the flow of water through the reactor to add/reduce the amount of calcium being added to the aquarium. This bit is generally trial and error. Measure water parameters each day and make small adjustments to the flow from the peri-pump if levels seem to be increasing/decreasing. You want to get the system to stay in balance, with calcium levels remaining fairly constant.

HTH - feel free to pm me if you need help.

Keith