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#1
12-30-2010, 08:13 AM
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I use a bubble counter, it's really easy. My reactor has one built in and I don't use pH to tune it. I measured alk once and it was about 35, IIRC.
The design of my BC is such that I can fill it with water and nothing leaks back. I don't use the one on the reg itself.
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Brad 
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#2
12-30-2010, 10:52 AM
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Read Melev's article on CA Reactors here:
http://www.melevsreef.com/calcium_reactor.html I found it very helpful when I set up my Reactor. Just ignore the part about the cup if your Ph probe is mounted into the reactor. Also you should use a bubble counter as you dont want to add too much Co2 too quickly when the solenoid opens.... the PH Probes are slow to react to the change in Ph and you will get wild swings and the reactor won't work properly. Don't worry about the fluid in the BC going into the Co2 Bottle... it would have to get by about 1200 psi of pressure first! Also get yourself some good quality test kits! It is very hard to adjust the reactor properly if you can't accurately measure the changes in calcium levels in your tank. Good Luck!
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#3
12-30-2010, 12:29 PM
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I foud this helpful http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/s...-ph-controller
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360 gallon sps reef, 180 gal sump, bubble king supermarine 300, 4xmp40Wes, 2 x 6215 tunze waveboxes, 4 ghl mitras 360 Reef Tank
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#4
12-30-2010, 05:22 PM
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Ok, I'll try the bubble counter thing today and set it to approx. 1 bubble/sec.
I'll check the kh and Ca levels again today as well in the tank. They were both low when I checked yesterday (after having the ca reactor running for 24hrs).
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#5
12-30-2010, 08:35 PM
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many articles say not to build up your Calc/Alk with your Ca Rx. Drops your PH, messes up your Calc/Alk balance, all kinds of stuff. Pick up some 2 part to build it up to your set points, then use the Ca Rx to maintain it. I did this and found it VERY helpful. Ca Rx dose equal parts Alk/Calc, so if either is off then you'll maintain an imbalance. I use a bubble counter aswell, works great, set it to 1 bubble a sec, my drip to 1 drip per second and it only took a little fine tuning to get it set.
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My 150 In Wall Build
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#6
12-31-2010, 04:27 AM
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Thanks everyone. I've set up the bubble counter and have it set to about 30 bubbles per minutes and the effluent drip rate is about the same.
OK so I've done some testing and I'll post my values. Please advise what needs to be done in terms of adjusting the Co2 and drip rate. pH controller is maintained at 6.5 Effluent test Ca is about 450ppm Kh is about 25 Ph - can't measure at the moment Tank water test Ca is below the measuring point, so below 370ppm Kh is about 6 pH is about 8.0 With respect to the effluent, are there any adjustments that I should make? Should the Ca of the effluent be higher? How can I get the effluent Ca higher? With regards to the tank water, should I buy some two part to get my Ca to respectable levels first? Looks like the Kh is slightly low as well. Much appreciated everyone for your continued help with this project.
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