Calc reactor making me nuts

[jumpincactus]

Need some help from seasoned calcium reactor folks.

As some of you know I am in the long process og dialing in my reactor.I am finding this task to be a little frustrating.

Tested parameters on 5/21 as follows:

Ph consistant day in and day out 24/7 runs at 8.1/8.2

Calc was at 395 Alk was at 8.8.

This is utilizing 15 BPM on C02 and a steady drip of effluent.

Todays readings were Calc 390 and alk @ 7.7 So it would seem the reactor is keeping up somewhat with the tanks calc demands. However as you see the alk is dropping. Lost 1.1 Dkh in 4 days.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks



Tested today

 

[Len]

Rather advanced question, so I'm moving your thread to the GRD.

 

[trido]

I know Im never much help to you in this case but... Have you tested your Mg lately?

 

[jumpincactus]

Mag 1450

Not sure what mag levels would have to do with alk tho. I know that mag needs to be sufficient for calc uptake. Need to know why my calc is holding but losing my alk levels.

I am almost there. My calc is not dropping anymore. Seems that I have that dialed in.

 

[jumpincactus]

Duane you need to know you are an inspiration to me dude. ")

 

[Anonymous]

Ok, just had this thought last night before bed... but I'm not missing sleepy time to post a message

But have you thought that you actually are shifting back towards a balanced calcium/alkalinity mixture?

Just googling a few results at 390 ppm calcium your balanced alk will actually be 4.2dKh... so you will continue to see the alk drop. Shoot for 410 and you should have 7dKh, 420 and you'll be balanced at 8.4, etc

Here's a calculator I was using http://www.andy-hipkiss.co.uk/index.htm ... lkcalc.htm

 

[Anonymous]

I think Mike may have hit it on the head regarding balanced ca and dkh. What are the alk levels coming of the effluent?

I also like this calculator better than the one Mike linked:

http://reef.diesyst.com/

Some good reading there too.

There could also be build up in the water effecting your alk, and a water change might be the best way to get it in balance.

 

[jumpincactus]

Well maybe I should quit fussing around with it. Let it run a week and if the alk stops falling and stays consistant hopefully it will hang around 7.7 dkh which matches the calculator you guys gave me.

At 380-450 calc my alk should ride between 7-11 dkh.

Never considered it may be dropping to get into balance. For some reason I thought It was better to have a higher alk around 9 dkh

thanks for the input

 

[Anonymous]

hmm? According to the calculator 380-450 should be 2.8 to 12.6 dkH..

7-11dKh would have a calcium range of 410-440 ppm.