ssappington Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 how many use one? found a DIY build thread here- worth doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 For larger systems I've found the 2nd chamber to be worth while. Moat reactors isee that are rated for large systems (500 gallons and above) have 2 chambers- maybe it's just the brand of reactors I'm looking at Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 I've got one, but honestly doubt it does much for me. A well designed calcium reactor isn't sending unused Co2 into your sump. I love the tutorial in your link though. It reminded me of Justin Timberlake. Step 1. Cut a hole in the box... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 how many use one? found a DIY build thread here- worth doing? That's a great DIY, love it. I like the idea of a second chamber and used it for a bit but quit. My needle valve is tied into the lid of the reactor. That forced the following flow through the system Feed->Reactor->NeedleValve->Second Chamber That caused erratic flow issues. Ideally it would have been Feed->Reactor->Second Chamber->Needle Valve Nothing after the needle valve for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zwickm Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 That's a great DIY, love it. I like the idea of a second chamber and used it for a bit but quit. My needle valve is tied into the lid of the reactor. That forced the following flow through the system Feed->Reactor->NeedleValve->Second Chamber That caused erratic flow issues. Ideally it would have been Feed->Reactor->Second Chamber->Needle Valve Nothing after the needle valve for me! I use one a absolutely would not skip it. Not only does it help keep effluent ph slightly higher coming out of the reactor, it helps the co2 dissolve and helps the key elements diffuse in to the water. You need a reasonably big one to make a difference. For a 20“ tall reactor that holds 8lbs media, I used a 3" diameter pvc pipe that is 20" tall. Added a t-fitting and reducer that fits a 1/4 " push connect fitting so the effluent output of the reactor goes into the bottom of the secondary tube. I then filled the tube full of media, added a coupling to the top with a reducer to 1/4" push connect fitting which runs back into the sump. I've measured effluent with and without the secondary multiple times and found the elements concentration and ph is always greater. It's cheap and easy to do so why not :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 Love it, pics?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssappington Posted December 18, 2015 Author Share Posted December 18, 2015 I use one a absolutely would not skip it. Not only does it help keep effluent ph slightly higher coming out of the reactor, it helps the co2 dissolve and helps the key elements diffuse in to the water. You need a reasonably big one to make a difference. For a 20“ tall reactor that holds 8lbs media, I used a 3" diameter pvc pipe that is 20" tall. Added a t-fitting and reducer that fits a 1/4 " push connect fitting so the effluent output of the reactor goes into the bottom of the secondary tube. I then filled the tube full of media, added a coupling to the top with a reducer to 1/4" push connect fitting which runs back into the sump. I've measured effluent with and without the secondary multiple times and found the elements concentration and ph is always greater. It's cheap and easy to do so why not :-) zwick- are you regulating the effluent before or after it enters the secondary chamber? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 For what it's worh: I use one. My old reactor was single chamber and my alk would be low unless I ran heavy co2 and fast effluent. I borrowed a secondary chamber from Mr. Junkie and I was convinced after a couple weeks that I needed one. My current reactor is dual chamber and is working well. I understand this is always going to be a debatable subject but from personal experience I can tell you they work. Even if it's very little co2 that gets to the secondary chamber it's just enough to bring your levels to where they need to be. That being let your tank tell you where it needs to be. Not everyone can be at 11, 10, 9 etc.. After I gave up on that battle everything is thriving (knock on wood). I run my effluent into a refugium where I believe the chaeto benefits from excess co2. That's all I got LOL.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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