CO2 consumption in calcium reactor

[calboomer43]

Hope someone can answer this for me. Finally stabalized my calcium reactors flow and effluent rate. How long should a full 5lb bottle last me. My bubble rate is 30 bubbles/min.

Thanks

Lonnie

[Delphinus]

It's hard to say for sure, since different bubble counters will have different bubble volumes and that can account for a lot of variation. I use the Milwaulkee regular/bubble counter combo units, and using them I've had bubble rates around 100 bpm last me about 1.5 years on a 20lb cylinder. So I would guess you should be good for a year, or close to it.

I do have a 2.5 lb cylinder and using the same bubble counter on a FW tank, and a bubble rate of about 30 bpm I get about 6-8 months between refills. The little cylinder is cute and all, and conveniently small to hide in a stand and whatnot, but it exhausts a little too quickly for my liking. Given that the cost difference for fills between the two is negligible, the lesson I learnt is that there isn't a whole lot of cost savings in the long term using the smaller cylinders. Anyhow I digress a little, I was just thinking that in terms of comparing to this .... I would think you're good for a year on that 5lb cylinder.

[christyf5]

I accidentally lost about half my 10lb tank (valve not closed tight enough) and it still ran for a year and a half with a bpm of about 45-60.

[Chin_Lee]

based on various people's experiences from what i've heard, i would estimate your 5lb bottle at 30 bpm will probably last you 1-1.5 years.

[Bryan]

My 5lb with the approx bubble rate as yours lasts 9 months

[StirCrazy]

my 20 Lb bottle lasts about 6 months at 60 bpm.

Steve