Reactor Questions

[barebottomcouple]

I purchased this calcium reactor a few years back for $50 and am thinking I might start using it to reduce water changes to keep up with calcium...my question is where would I get a c02 bottle?.. I am going to order Shlobster Fossil Reactor Media from J&L aquatics .....

also not sure of make of this reactor

 

[Kman]

You can check the local welding companies for a CO2 canister. But they might only have really big ones.

 

[Kman]

Or from pets and ponds.
http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquarium-supplies/c378121399/p17694657.html

How old is the regulator and Solenoid? I would worry about that failing on if it is older. If it does it will crash your PH and kill your tank.
If I was you I would set that up on a temp tank for testing till you get it all worked out and set properly. Because it will take some tinkering till it is set correctly.The reactors are great for adding a lot of calcium and carbonate hardness in the proper ratios as well as other trace elements but if it goes wrong it really goes wrong. I would not run that without a CO2 controller like the Apex or RKL.

 

[reef keeper]

I got mine from a fire service place that reloads fire extinguishers.

Get a new solenoid.

Mops sells a great media. Try them

 

[Kman]

I also worry about used solenoids. Since the reactor cost $50 it is worth that cost.

 

[barebottomcouple]

its a brand new solenoid and gauge set I got them a few weeks ago I also have a ph controller I think its a pinpoint I will have to look

 

[Kman]

That will work then for the PH controller. You defiantly don't need a new solenoid then.

 

[EricTMah]

Nice Barebottom! You'll have to keep us posted on how this works out for you.

I just picked up an ATI reactor. But will be waiting to install it as my kalk ato is still keeping up with my CA needs.

 

[Kman]

Yes he will definitely have to keep us posted.

I still have mine kicking around that I will use in time.

 

[barebottomcouple]

I will keep you all posted

 

[skittles]

Praxair in town probably have them.

 

[scubasteve]

praxair was the cheapest for our company

 

[barebottomcouple]

thanks guys I will check it out I just want to get away from 40 gallon weekly water changes if I get Shlobster Fossil Reactor Media it has magnesium, strontium, as well as calcium and trace elements. I would change to 10% w/c a month then

 

[Neopimp]

I get my keg co2 from a fire extinguisher safety place. Lots of options


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[Jewel]

There are other ways of reducing water changes, You could not do them, I know bad idea. You could not do them as often or not 40 gl at a time, I know not what you were thinking. You could incorporate a ATS. Algea Turf Scrubber. They are easy to build, doesn't have to be really big and it will definitely help your water quality reducing water changes. But you got that old Reactor staring you in the face and want to use it for something. Good Idea for sure. I'd use it for a recirculating Bio-pellet reactor and that would help increase water quality. Keep Us Posted.

 

[barebottomcouple]

There are other ways of reducing water changes, You could not do them, I know bad idea. You could not do them as often or not 40 gl at a time, I know not what you were thinking. You could incorporate a ATS. Algea Turf Scrubber. They are easy to build, doesn't have to be really big and it will definitely help your water quality reducing water changes. But you got that old Reactor staring you in the face and want to use it for something. Good Idea for sure. I'd use it for a recirculating Bio-pellet reactor and that would help increase water quality. Keep Us Posted.

first off I am not doing water changes because of water quality...0 ammonia 0 nitrate 0 phosphates... I change water to replace calcium, strontium, magnesium, and trace elements. that is why I want the calcium rector.to replenish the elements.

 

[Jewel]

ok then, Well then that's a great idea.

 

[unibob]

first off I am not doing water changes because of water quality...0 ammonia 0 nitrate 0 phosphates... I change water to replace calcium, strontium, magnesium, and trace elements. that is why I want the calcium rector.to replenish the elements.

You may be missing the point of water changes. Are you dosing at all?


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[barebottomcouple]

You may be missing the point of water changes. Are you dosing at all?


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nope I don't dose anything except a little iodide

 

[unibob]

So then don't do water changes and dose your trace, alk, calc, mag.

Water changes are for removing impurities usually. Not for replacing missing elements.


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