calcium reactor media

[ham]

i'm about to start running my mrc 1 about how much media goes into the chamber or about how high 3/4 full ? completey full?

 

[Baxreefs]

I just started running one so this falls into the FWIW category. My dual chamber MTC Pro Cal fills both chambers about 3/4 of the way. HTH

What do you set your effluent pH at? I have trouble getting mine below 6.75, is that low enough? I don't think I've run it long enough to know if it's making a big difference. :-\

 

[Phyl]

ARM wants a PH at close to 7 according to the package (that's what we're running). It all depends on the brand of media you're using. ARM turns to mush under 6.8 or so. We have ours filled 3/4 also.

 

[ham]

just got the media today and we did some fishing to.had to take ALL THE ROCK out and drain to sbout 4'' of water to catch a fish that we thought was reef safe. so the rock works looks a lot different wife did the rock work guess it's a womens touch will have it running tomorrow the reactor

 

[NEWSALT]

I'm using ARM media. How long does the media last? I've been running my reactor since Jan. After sometime, do you see a noticable difference in the height of the media?

 

[Brian]

I'm using ARM as well. I keep the effluent at 7.0 (controlled by an aquacontroller jr.).

Mine has been running about the same time Mike, I have just started to notice a difference in the height of the media in the main chamber. The 2nd chamber has no noticeable difference.

 

[JohnS_323]

We're using ARM also. We started with both chambers filled about 3/4. It seemed to stay at that height for a while and not really move. I put a piece of black tape on it to mark the level and it was infact lowering but very slowly. Once the level got down to about 2/3 it started to drop at a more visible rate. Not crazy quick, but a bit quicker. I think if you put too much media in the recirc pump isn't as effective and it doesn't break it down as well.

That's just my observation. I'd certainly like to hear from anyone with more experience, though!

 

[Carlo]

John I noticed the exact same thing you mention. I now fill my first chamber to 2/3 and my second chamber to 1/2 and I think it runs better. It does require filling more often but even then it's still a long time between fills.

I think you nailed the reason. With less media the recirc pump is more effective.

But I don't really have that much experience with them either. Probably same as you guys. Just thought I'd share my observation since it matched yours.

Carlo