calcium Reactor Effluent Question

[DSAfanatic]

What should the calcium and alk levels be on the effluent coming out of my reactor?

Mine are 440 and 19 respectively.

[ErikH]

Completely depends on your reactor, and demand.

[Troy Valentine]

It sounds like you are on the right track. Just take things very very slowly, It took me almost six months to get mine dialed in correctly... Remember a calcium reactor is more of an alk reactor than a calcium reactor. The reactor will allow you to keep your alk levels remarkable stable. Just take your time and test daily.

[DSAfanatic]

I have my ph contoller set to turn on the co2 at 7.25. I think it should go lower but wouldn't that increase my alk as well?

I'm nervous about not being able to keep my alk between 8-10 if I lower the ph on the controllerto 6.5.

[LoneStar]

Well what are your readings from your tank through a 1 week period? A 2 week period? How far do the levels drop off during those week(s)? Then figure out what your daily demand may be....

[mikedelgado]

I set the levels of my tank with 2 part 1st. then set the drip rate and c02 on full tilt. Then put the co2 solenoid on a timer and adjust the timer so that the reactor runs long enough to keep my alk between 8-10. On my tank running the co2 for 2 hrs a day maintains these levels. I set the drip rate more like a slow stream bcause the stupid thing kept clogging up.I purchased an aquacontroller to run my reactor but found the cheapo timer and a little experimentation was the ticket for me.