Controlling pH - Share of Ideas

[DBlackman]

Hey Guys,

I recently have been struggling with pH dropping to 8.0, which I believe is due to overstocking...

I am considering the idea of adding a second chamber from my GEO CA Reactor; to increase drip and CO2 bubble rates without causing instability of water chemistry.

I don't see ANY ACE built chambers for sell...
... so, I am considering on using a TLF 150 Media Reactor filled with CA media...

Any thoughts from my fellow MAASTards?

[SoLiD]

Most Dual Chamber CA reactors just provide a place to put extra CA media so that you don't have to fool with it as often. The pH difference between the 2 chambers is only sightly different. It would be a better idea to aerate the effluent from the reactor in a cup or holding area rather than having it go straight in to your tank or sump if you think that's where your pH problem is coming from. That would be more effective at raising the pH of the effluent from your CA reactor than adding just a second chamber IMO.

You could also just give it a try and tell us what happens since I don't think that you'll be putting any media in the little fishes reactor. Who knows, you might have a great little experiment in your hands.

-David

[aquasport24]

I dont see anything wrong with 8.0. Do you have any buffer supplement with your system (like kalk) b/c that's would help to stabilize the PH.

[princer7]

How big is your tank? I started to add kalk and it has helped my pH.

[hobogato]

the new reactor i built for my tank is basically a single chamber reactor with a separate effluent chamber. i had to do it that way bc of space constraints. the 2nd chamber brings the effluent pH up to about 7 from 6.6 coming out of the first chamber. adding kalk helps keep the tank pH higher (i use a kalk reactor). when it is time to add new kalk to the reactor, my pH starts getting down around 8.

[DBlackman]

This is great advice... Thanks guys!

David, "raising the pH of the effluent from your CA reactor"... that is what I am considering.

Giau, "Do you have any buffer supplement with your system"... I am using SeaChem Marine Buffer.

Jennifer, "How big is your tank?"... It's my 120gal - Mixed Reef.

Ace, "when it is time to add new kalk to the reactor, my pH starts getting down around 8."... I guess I will be selling coral frags to purchase a Kalk Reactor. Mo money, mo money, mo money!

[DBlackman]

Curious... If I use the CA Reactor to produce more ALK, should there be a need for a Kalk reactor?

For instance, Aquatek's suggestion:
- Set the pH controller to 6.8 (currently at 6.5) on the CA Reactor
- Increase the Co2 bubble count-rate
- Increase the effluent flow (drips to steam) from the CA Reactor; produce ALK in the water column to 14-16 ppm

[hobogato]

that is exactly why you want to use kalk also (you dont have to have a reactor, it just makes it more automated). the CaOH helps neutralize the CO2 in the effluent of the calcium reactor and keeps your pH from dropping as much.

[aquasport24]

You dont want to set your controller too high and getting out of it's(calcium reactor ) working range(6.5-6.7). You can mix kalk with ATO and not having to use kalk reactor.Just let the calcium reactor taking care of the calcium part.

[aquasport24]

i use kalk with my ATO resevoir , 2 teaspoon per galllon.in a 22 gal. container. and dripping rate at 2.5 gpd.