wayer prams part 2

[Re_Run]

okay what am I doing wrong?

 

brought the calcium reactor on line.. now cal is dropping and alk is going up

 

what do I adjust

 

went 480 then 460 440 today alk 11, 11.5, now 12

 

do I increase to co2 bubbles * at about 1-2 per sec. or open the drip line more?

 

mag about 1380 +- 20

 

thanks

[kriz2fer]

You always adjust your calcium reactor based off you alk consumption never you calcium. You want to dial the reactor in so your alk is stable. Once your alk is sable then your calcium will follow.

 

Do you have a ph controller?

Your gonna want your effluent rate at a broken stream. Once you have your effluent rate set, then go ahead and slowly increase your co2 rate until your alk seems stable. Start with a slow bubble count and test every 24h. Make very small adjustments each time.

[Emerald525]

When Beth and I had a calcium reactor set up. I found this link very helpful particularly look at the Out of Balance section:

 

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/

 

I hope it helps!

[Re_Run]

good read thanks.. still not sure how to fine tune it dang

[Re_Run]

so just tested my water

 

and great results.. (for the most part) adjusted per the artical

 

calcium back to 480-500 sample changed at 480 then change back about 10sec later then added a drop then change again and stayed

 

tank ph right at 8.3

 

Effluent ph 7.1-7.2

 

bad news alk went to 14.. doing 15% water change right now..

 

mag is right at 1400

 

this is driving me nuts but I will get it

 

 

will update after water change

[Frank]

Effluent ph 7.1-7.2

Your Effluent must be below 6.5 to burn the media or you are doing nothing but adding co2 to the tank.

[Re_Run]

so how to get it lower? raise the co2 .. increase the bubbles?

[Mitchell]

Aragonite media is normally run at 6.5-6.7 and should not drop bellow 6.5. If it were to drop bellow 6.5 there is a good chance of the media turning into mud.

 

Now if you are using calcite media this requires a lower pH and could be as low as 6.3.

 

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[Mitchell]

so how to get it lower? raise the co2 .. increase the bubbles?

 

Yes, the more CO2 the lower the pH.

 

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[kriz2fer]

Effluent ph 7.1-7.2

Your Effluent must be below 6.5 to burn the media or you are doing nothing but adding co2 to the tank.

 

Not so much...the media will start to dissolve at a ph below 7.4. I used to run a ph inside my reactor around 7.0-6.8 and kept the effluent higher.

[kriz2fer]

If your calcium is rises that high in 24h then your making big adjustments. Like I said earlier you need to set your effluent rate at a broken steam and SLOWLY add co2. Start with a bubble every 3 sec, wait 24h then test YOUR alk not calcium and see where it's at. If your alk dropped then increase the bubble count a little higher maybe try a bubble every 1.5 sec. You will soon find a bubble count that maintains your ALK. Once your find that number set you ph controller and leave it alone.

[reefnjunkie]

If your calcium is rises that high in 24h then your making big adjustments. Like I said earlier you need to set your effluent rate at a broken steam and SLOWLY add co2. Start with a bubble every 3 sec' date=' wait 24h then test YOUR alk not calcium and see where it's at. If your alk dropped then increase the bubble count a little higher maybe try a bubble every 1.5 sec. You will soon find a bubble count that maintains your ALK. Once your find that number set you ph controller and leave it alone.[/quote']

 

100% spot on there, it can take a week to dial it in but once your there your golden. I dont even test Ca anymore, just the KH.

 

It can be frustrating but follow Chris' direction- I also have media that melts at a high PH, carab seas A.R.M. melts at 7.5 as an example

 

Good luck