Korrallin Calcium Reactor Question

[thysrof]

I'm running a Korrallin Calcium reactor c-1502. I bought the complete setup from HD and running the ARM reactor media. The tank is 120 gal with medium load,heavy on SPS. Recently the the drip valve on the affluent will clog and or stop,as well as the air release valve. This leads to the reactor chamber becoming cloudy and when I get them flowing again the tanks clouds up and within 24 hours it happens again. I lasted changed the media on 6/1/07 almost 4 months ago.

I'm wondering if its a multi problem, Low quality affluent drip valve(I've replced it twice in one year) and the ARM Media is being used up faster than anticipated,have noticed it has disolved by about 1/3 in almost 4 months.

Thanks Thysrof

[lvreefer]

Use a larger size media like Gen-x, Korallin, or coarse ARM. The small stuff compacts to easily.

[SDguy]

Sounds like you let the pH in the reactor get too low, causing particulates to clog the valves, resulting in an even lower pH, resulting in more particulates....basically mud. I would remove the media. Rinse it in a strainer to remove the dust/particulates (or just use new media). Clean out the valves. Put it all back together. What pH/alk was your effluent?

[SDguy]

BTW, I use these valves for controlling the effluent:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pro...uct%5Fid=15616

I also run ARM.

[roblack]

I have had the same problem, and CO2 started bubbling through the water lifter and back into my tank, dropping my Ph. Good thing I caught it quick.

[thysrof]

Thanks For the input,I just replaced the media and cleaned evrything real good. I didn't test the affluent PH before i replaced it. Last time I tested it a few weeks ago it was running about 6.5. I also just ordered a better drip valve(thanks for the link to the supplier) and I will buy a larger media for my next media change.

Thanks Again
Thysrof

[SDguy]

Originally posted by thysrof
Thanks For the input,I just replaced the media and cleaned evrything real good. I didn't test the affluent PH before i replaced it. Last time I tested it a few weeks ago it was running about 6.5. I also just ordered a better drip valve(thanks for the link to the supplier) and I will buy a larger media for my next media change.

Thanks Again
Thysrof

Don't go buying the larger media just yet. Once you get the hang of it, the small stuff works great. I'm currently experimenting with large media on the bottom, small on top.

[kevin gu3]

Do the US Plastics valves work better than the ones supplied with the reactor? Did you get the 1/4" barb versions?

[SDguy]

Yes, and yes. These are needle valves. The ones supplied with the reactor are not.