Calcium reactor effluent

[karma]

Hello, I have a question, if I make a hole in the skimmer lid and let the effluent fall into the skimmer, will the CO2 be removed better?

 

[Subsea]

Not familiar with your skimmer. Better describe how this happens: “let the effluent fall into the skimmer”.

If you want to reduce CO2 in system water, provide more gas exchange with cascading water or air bubblers.

 

[karma]

Not familiar with your skimmer. Better describe how this happens: “let the effluent fall into the skimmer”.

It is a normal skimmer, but if you are familiar with the calcium reactor you know that it has an effluent outlet hose. A friend recommended that I make a hole in the top cover of the skimmer, pass that hose through that hole and let the effluent drip into the skimmer.

 

[Subsea]

So the effluent from the calcium reactor goes into the collection cup of protein skimmer.

Where does collection cup of protein skimmer drain?

 

[karma]

So the effluent from the calcium reactor goes into the collection cup of protein skimmer.

Where does collection cup of protein skimmer drain?

The hose goes up to near the skimmer pump, I think that way the effluent could enter the tank with the purified water from the skimmer.

 

[Subsea]

The hose goes up to near the skimmer pump, I think that way the effluent could enter the tank with the purified water from the skimmer.

How does gravity feed from calcium reactor (effluent) discharge go into protein skimmer pump discharge pressure?

PS: Please draw a one line schematic of what you plan.

 

[karma]

How does gravity feed from calcium reactor (effluent) discharge go into protein skimmer pump discharge pressure?

PS: Please draw a one line schematic of what you plan.

I use a dosing pump, not gravity feed.

 

[Subsea]

I use a dosing pump, not gravity feed.

OK

So you have protein skimmer pump, then calcium reactor pump whose effluent goes to a dosing pump that puts reactor effluent in mixing chamber of protein skimmer.

 

[Fish Styx]

It isn't CO2 that is dissolved in the effluent that lowers the ph, so no- any effect on the ph achieved by running it through the skimmer will be negligible.

The ph of the effluent is lowered because the fluid inside the reactor has been converted to carbonic acid. H2O + CO2 = H2CO3.

If you want to raise the ph of your effluent exiting the CaRx, run it through a secondary chamber that allows it to disolve additional media. I fill mine with dolomite which adds magnesium.

Yes, I know it's technically called "off gassing", but that isn't  exactly what is going on.

 

[NautiTang]

It isn't CO2 that is dissolved in the effluent that lowers the ph, so no- any effect on the ph achieved by running it through the skimmer will be negligible.

The ph of the effluent is lowered because the fluid inside the reactor has been converted to carbonic acid. H2O + CO2 = H2CO3.

If you want to raise the ph of your effluent exiting the CaRx, run it through a secondary chamber that allows it to disolve additional media. I fill mine with dolomite which adds magnesium.

Yes, I know it's technically called "off gassing", but that isn't  exactly what is going on.

Do you still have to dose mag or does the dolomite cover your mag?
What is your effluent PH before and after the secondary reactor, if known?

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I use a dosing pump, not gravity feed.

Is that a hamburger? Now I am hungry. Can I get mine with onions please.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Do you still have to dose mag or does the dolomite cover your mag?
What is your effluent PH before and after the secondary reactor, if known?

I actually just pulled my dolomite out of my reactor, well for the most part and put Mag back on a doser. For me, this was a more effective way to manage it. I’m chiming in as I think part of the answer or question depends on where a person is with how much demand they are putting on their CARX. For example, in my case, I have similar GEO. (8/18). I pushing it to its limits running below 6.4 and near 100mil. So, what was happening to me was my mag would creep, and it’s not like it is super easy to get down with those kinds of ratios. So, for me, dosing it via a doser made more sense until I get to RAP later this month and let GEO talk me into a commercial unit to protect me down stream. But, I started getting nervous when my mag went over 1450. It took a week or two with zero mag going Into my tank to get it down to the 1250 range.

 

[cilyjr]

When Randy answered in your last thread that you may be able to blow off some CO2, did you not try it?
Post in thread 'Calcium reactor effluent into skimmer' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/calcium-reactor-effluent-into-skimmer.1094488/post-13261081

 

[Fish Styx]

Do you still have to dose mag or does the dolomite cover your mag?
What is your effluent PH before and after the secondary reactor, if known?

Nope. I don't dose mag and don't even test for it anymore. I'll actually need to retest the effluent's ph, as I just adjusted the CaRx. If memory serves, it was somewhere around 7ish.

 

[NautiTang]

Nope. I don't dose mag and don't even test for it anymore. I'll actually need to retreat the effluent's ph, as I just adjusted the CaRx. If memory serves, it was somewhere around 7ish.

Just started reading your build thread earlier… might have to skip a few… hundred pages… once I yet through the build portion at least

 

[salty joe]

I think it makes sense to use a skimmer to blow off CO2. I don't use a skimmer but when I ran a calcium reactor, I fed the effluent into a 2" PVC pipe with an air stone. It most definitely raised the pH.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think it will blow off some CO2, but I think it also may risk precipitating calcium carbonate on the skimmer sides. I’m not sure how it also may impact the skimmer itself to have such water constantly added to the foam.

It seems like a fine thing to try, understanding these risks.

 

[Fish Styx]

Just started reading your build thread earlier… might have to skip a few… hundred pages… once I yet through the build portion at least

Yeah, it goes off the rails a bit, but there's lots of good stuff in there. You just have to mine for gold. Pop in and say hello to the Heathens. The collective knowledge in there is pretty incredible and everyone is super welcoming and helpful.