Calcium Reactor Solenoid Switch

xcuongx · Aug 4, 2020

Hi all,

Currently I have a Geo Reef Carx Setup with Custom Dual Stage Regulator (from Alan's built), I have the reactor pH set at 6.8 to 7.0. The solenoid would switch on / off 2 times every hour or 48 cycles per day. I am just wondering if this number cycle is normal? How often or many cycles does your solenoid per day? I am just concerned the tear and wear of the electronic solenoid, and it will goes out soon. Please advise. TIA

vetteguy53081 · Aug 4, 2020

I use the carbon doser solenoid and it has many cycles which I understand is normal.

minus9 · Aug 4, 2020

It should be open 24/7, not turning off/on constantly. You'll have to set the bubble count to match your tanks alk consumption.

minus9 · Aug 4, 2020

Btw, my internal pH of my reactor is 7.2 and my alk is currently around 8dkh. I kind of tune my reactor a little differently then others, I'm not in the camp of running the internal pH at 6.8 to 6.5 from the start. I started around 7.3 and slowly worked my way down by adjusting the bubble count. Feed pump is running around 85mL/min (via masterflex). My CO2 is always on, never shutting off. You need to tune your reactor to your tanks consumption.

xcuongx · Aug 4, 2020

minus9 said:
It should be open 24/7, not turning off/on constantly. You'll have to set the bubble count to match your tanks alk consumption.

That is exactly what I was informed that the solenoid shall be on 24/7. However, i have tried to keep it on longer, but the solenoid would get hot from operation. Is it normal for solenoid to be on and hot? Mine is burke solenoid by the way. Thanks

minus9 · Aug 4, 2020

xcuongx said:
That is exactly what I was informed that the solenoid shall be on 24/7. However, i have tried to keep it on longer, but the solenoid would get hot from operation. Is it normal for solenoid to be on and hot? Mine is burke solenoid by the way. Thanks

It should be warm, but not hot. What power supply are you using? I think I'm using a 9v or 7.5v on my Alan Le regulator.

Sisterlimonpot · Aug 4, 2020

Theres many ways to tackle it, ideally setting the bubble count and effluent flow just right to keep it on... I never chased that objective. My solenoid cycles more than twice a day. They're designed to cycle, so I wouldn't be too concerned with it cycling twice a day.

xcuongx · Aug 4, 2020

minus9 said:
It should be warm, but not hot. What power supply are you using? I think I'm using a 9v or 7.5v on my Alan Le regulator.

There is no information on the AC Adapter that connected to the Burke 6011 Solenoid I bought it on eBay. This is weird which I assume the electrical information needs to be on every adapter.