CA Reactor set-up

[hackman72]

After 20 years off and on in reefkeeping, I'm about to set-up my first Calcium reactor. I bought a used MRC-5 from another member and don't have instructions for it (I did print the ones from the MRC website). But I do have questions. First, I want to add a ph monitor/controller. I am assuming that the solenoid next to the bubble counter is the CO2 shut-off. I would also assume that it plugs into the controller. Please, correct me if I'm wrong here. I'm wanting to get the controller tomorrow on the powerbuy.
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[william1]

True the soleniod plugs in to the controller to regulate the amount of Co2 that enters the reactor. The controller will turn the on and off the soleniod depending on where you want your PH range to be in the reactor. That will also depend on the media used inside the reactor fine or coarse.

 

[hackman72]

So, would a Milwaukee SMS122 serve the purpose here and work as the controller/monitor with this set-up?

 

[william1]

Yup its the same thing I use works great. also heres a link to a reactor set up and how to tune it in.

 

[hackman72]

WILLIAM1;427251 wrote: Yup its the same thing I use works great. also heres a link to a reactor set up and how to tune it in.

http://www.melevsreef.com/calcium_reactor.html">http://www.melevsreef.com/calcium_reactor.html</a>[/QUOTE]

perfect, thanks bro

 

[william1]

Your welcome it seems like Im always on the boards. LOL

 

[cr500_af]

Linked from the melevsreef article, this one is more thorough and I think better for adjusting the reactor:

 

[schwaggs]

I would consider both those articals a bit "old school" in their CA reactor setup instructions. Melv's artical breifly mentions using a pH controller on the effluent, the Reefkeeping.com artical doesn't mention pH conrollers at all that I could see. IME, to have the best experience with a CA reactor, you need a pH controller with a probe in-line with the circulating water inside the reactor. This way, you can use the pH controller to manage the CO2 adminstration rate which makes tuning the reactor a breeze compared to running one without a controller.

 

[hackman72]

AndrewG;427258 wrote: Hackman,

We're in the same boat. I am getting my Ca Reactor this week. Lets correspond as we get setup and try to dial these in.

William thanks for the link.

can do. I'm about to order my pH controller today so I should be good to go after that. are you/ do you plan to add Kalk along with this?