Ca Reactor Questions

[Jamie]

Hi All,

I just set up my "new to me" Korallin 1502 Ca Reactor. I am really pleased with it. I read about 20 Ca reactor threads through the search function on the forum...but I still have a few questions...

- Where to put the pH probe for the controller... I have read two places: in the effluent cup to monitor effluent pH and prevent it from getting too low (less than 6.5), Or in the sump to monitor tank pH to make sure that doesn't go too low (less than 8.0)...Which is right?

- What to use for an effluent cup? Right now i just got the slow drip going into the skimmer section of my sump. If you're willing to share pictures, that would be great.

Thanks for the help.
R, Jamie

[Fish4life]

Does the reactor come with a pH port? I might be confused.

Cheers,

Kurt

[aquasport24]

I used a effleunt cup(copied from Jeffco) made out of 3" pvc with an end cap and a plexi hook. I just hang it from the side of the sump. When i want to read my PH from the main tank, i just took it out and dip it in the sump. Both effleunt drip hose and the probe will fit in the cup nicely.

[LoneStar]

I don't think the Korallin reactors come with a pH port. Its an option you can add to it though...

You can use a simple plastic cup to let your effluent drip into. Once filled, it will overflow into your sump. I'd place the pH probe for the controller in the cup to monitor the effluent reading. You can always get another pH monitor for the tank water in the future.

[DrMark]

To do it "right", really need both, jamie. The controller's probe would be in the effluent cup to have pH of 6.5 and a pH monitor in the sump. Could skip the pH monitor and check pH another way via a test kit or whatever if didnt want a 2nd monitor.
mark

[Jamie]

Thanks for all of the replies.

This reactor doesn't have the probe port built into the unit. So I guess I'll do the PVC thing as recommended and place the probe in there.

Mark...having two does seem to be the way to go...but for now I'll just periodically use test kits...more frequently now since I'm still dialing it in.

[JeffCo]

Giau had it right on, it's the way I do it and it's pretty easy. When you want to check the tank ph you just take it out of the cup and stick it in the sump.

[princer7]

With setting up my Calcium Reactor for the new tank build, I added one into the exististing plumbing line with a pvc T and added a pH in-line probe holder.

http://www.championlighting.com/pics/controllerpics/Aquadyne/3_8inlineholder.jpg

[CoryDude]

I guess I'm old school. I don't have any ph monitors on my reactor or tank. I keep an eye on the bubble counter, the effluent drip rate, and do occasional tests on effluent for dkh. I do test tank h2o for Ca, dKH, and PH, but I've learned that if my alk/Ca is correct for the tank, then the ph is fine and stable also. If Ca or Alk are a little off on my tank, then I test the effluent and make corrections as needed.