Getting a calc reactor and have ?'s

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extinguishfire

Ok I am getting a Geo Calcium Reactor 612.
http://www.geosreef.com/Ca_612.html
ca_re_612.jpg
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I am going to need to get a regulator, CO2 tank, media and controller/monitor.
For the CO2 tank what is the best way to go about doing this? I have heard of some people renting tanks or buying tanks. Are there good local places to get the tank for cheap and in good shape? Is it better to get from online? Besides cert date on tank, is there anything else to worry about, like contamination to the inside of tank that would cause problems in display tank? I heard that home depot deals with CO2 sometimes and you just swap out your empty with their full. So that is the first think I need help with.

For media I was planning on going with the larger media that is used in the schuran. viewtopic.php?t=16521
For the people using it, are you using the actual Schuran stuff or like the offbrand stuff like this? http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PC-CRM&Category_Code=cmedia
I am guessing it is pretty much the same stuff and my only concern is phosphate in the effluent. Either way, from what I have read it is a little better to use this since it doesn't clog up the reactor as easily.

Ok I was thinking about getting this combo for controller(milwaukee sms122) and regulator(jbj) http://cgi.ebay.com/SMS122-JBJ-Co2-Regulator-COMBO-OFFER_W0QQitemZ7746486998QQcategoryZ3212QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
but I have some questions before I do. The reactor has a bubble counter on it, so I wasn't sure if I should get a regulator with or without bubble counter built on it. I figured that in the future if I need to change to a reactor that doesn't include a bubble counter that I would have a regulator that would have one. Is there a problem with running two bubble counters? Would you just not fill one and leave it empty? Or does two filled bubble counters bubbling work fine and act as a double check?

Now on the controller I got this comment on RC that has me a little worried I guess.
"If you do get a monitor, make sure that it shuts off when the pH goes on a downswing, not on the upswing. In other words, I bought an SMS122 and thought that it would shut the CO2 off when the tank pH got to 7.9..but the stock SMS122 only shuts off when the pH goes up to a set level. The manufacturer can mod you one for a fee to work with a calcium reactor...but the stock ones arent set up that way."
Will it work alright for my setup and does anyone have any comments to add to this comment made by RC member? How do I order one that is custom set if I need to?
Now a second thought on this reactor and ph monitoring is that it includes a probe hole on reactor for monitoring ph in the reactor. My question is if you don't use this how do you make sure your ph inside the reactor is at the preferred low ph for the larger media? If I get just one controller I would think that it is best to control and monitor tank cause that is the most crucial part for ph control instead of the using the probe hole in reactor for measuring inside ph of reactor.

Wow this turned out to be a long post and sorry ahead of time for my ramblings. I have been researching this for awhile and just want answers to my questions before I jump in further to make sure I don't turn the wrong way. If there are anything else I need to get going on this or other comments anyone would like to make go right ahead. Thanks
 
I have the CO2 combo controller/regulator you are talking about. Works great, I dont know what that guy is talking about with the regulator, it shuts off when the pH gets too low, it will not shut off if the pH gets to high. Also I am not certian, but I dont believe two bubble reactors will hurt anything.
 
That is a heck of a deal.

You'll use the bubble counter on the regulator, so just ignore the other one on the reactor.

The controller shuts the CO2 on and off as the reactor needs it, not what is occuring in your tank. You'll set it to 6.2 - 6.5 to dissolve the media in the reactor, and measure the effluent, not the water in your tank.

Talk to Mesquite or Glenn about a CO2 tank. They always seem to have one available.
 
Just a note...

Make sure you buy your feeder pump, fittings, and a hose because you will need them.

reactorpump.jpg
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You'll use the bubble counter on the regulator said:
I agree I just by passed mine as well. :D
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I have the same pH controller and Co2 regulator you and jason are referring to and it works very well. i kind of wish it went to 2 decimal points, but i guess that is what the extra $$ get you on the expensive units. the regulator shuts off when the pH gets down to the pH set point of 6.5.

my ASD unit also has its own bubble counter which is self-filling, so i can monitor both of them ... the funny thing is, each bubble counter flows at different rates ...the regulator mounted bubble counter is much faster (more bubbles per min) than the CaRx mounted one. as a result i am still experimenting as to which one should be the one i follow and rely on...yours may act the same way, i.e. differently :roll:
 
forgot to mention, this is the schuran media that i am using, from aquaticeco.com, which was highly recommended by kevin b ...

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/12537/cid/3281

so far so good ...
 
@JasonJones wrote:
I have the CO2 combo controller/regulator you are talking about. Works great said:
There are two models for this controller. One shuts off when the pH gets too high, one when it gets too low. He's just saying choose the right one. There is an SM suffix to differentiate.

Regards,
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Where is the best place to drip the effluent. I need to find that out so I can have marc build me a effluent drip cup.
Pics of my sump.
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/k/sump_model_k.html
tt3k.jpg
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I would drip it near your skimmer, that is where mine is. I know there is a good reason fro dripping there, but I dont remember it at the present moment, perhaps something along the lines of the skimmer helps to pull any CO2 out of the effluent.
 
Geeze, change out that filter sock! :roll: :lol:
 
@Marc wrote:
Geeze said:
hehe!
Chris, I got my coralsand from custom aquatic. It's 4.99 for 2.2 lbs.
If you have trouble getting some because its on back order, I have enough to refill my schuran again, and you can come get it if you need.

Only thing i would say is a must, is you need to soak it in ro water for a few days. I had an explosion of hair algea because i did not.
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I am buying a GEO as well and I had similiar questions.

http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=18380
 
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