calcium reactor questions

[Gilbert]

just got a used calcium reactor and i have a couple of question on how to used it and st it up. its for a 55gallon
how long will the media stay good?
how do i know when to change out the media?
where can i get the co2 tanks refilled and serviced ?
if my calcium i high right now how can i lower it?
any tips on setting it up like the bubbles per second count?

thanks in advance.

[wesheltonj]

Media good until mush
Change out before mush
Welding shop
Stop adding

[aquasport24]

You can refill the bottle at Praxair(410 &35 south) next to BIG RED com., A1 FIRE&SAFETY on Hwy 281 (203 E Raphsody dr) and another place next to AT&T center. Praxair will do one for one swap only, A1 will refill while you wait.

[aquasport24]

Praxair #946-9948
A1 safety& fire #342-5518

[wesheltonj]

Theres a welding supply off IH 10 around Culebra

[CoryDude]

If you already have a bottle, call praxair before going over. I had problems with the one in Austin not wanting to fill a bottle that wasn't inspected/purchased through them.

[Gilbert]

another question
What about my alk does the reactor also maintain my alk or should i keeo dosing some bi ionic

[moneytank]

it should maintain it also depending on how much alk your tank uses

[CoryDude]

It will help you maintain your alk, but you'll need to use a buffer to get the level where you want it. Then let the reactor help keep it there. You'll still need to test tank h2o and effluent for alk/ca levels to make sure reactor is working properly.

[Bill S]

Just a word of warning:

I would be very careful about using a Ca reactor without monitoring the pH of the effluent. Too high a pH, and you'll get no reaction. Too low a pH, and you can melt down your reactor, killing your tank.

[Gilbert]

Thanks for the info BILL
Now i have other question.
What does the pH in the reactor have to be?
Where can i get a low cost pH monitor?

[Bill S]

Milwaukee. You will also need a solenoid.

As I recollect, it's 6.2-6.5 in the primary chamber - but PLEASE check this before using it.

[Gilbert]

Is milwaunkee the brand? Where can i find it?
Then where would i get the solenoid?
Any idea on the cost?

[Bill S]

Try searching fleabay for "milwaukee ph controller". You will also need a solenoid. Some of the folks there have a deal combining the controller, a solenoid and regulator - which you probably don't need, but can come in handy when yours gives up the ghost in a year or so (they don't last forever around salt water).

[Gilbert]

ok i have another question to add
i plan on having my calcium reactor gravity fed, so i have a 1/4 holes going up to the tank. the question is, How do i create a siphon to get the water moving down the holes?

[aquasport24]

Your feed pump will push the water out and you should have a valve at that 1/4 hose to adjust the effluent outlet drip.

[Bill S]

To start the siphon, do it the old fashioned way - suck on the tubing, once the flow starts, hook it up to your reactor.

[reybeast]

probably too late, but you could use an aqualifter (Toms) to start the siphon, that way it will always restore the flow if you lose power..