Koralline reactors

[somethings fishy]

I was wondering if any of you Korallin users use the micro power head recommended for it. I don't I have been trying to dial in my reactor but the drip rate always slows down causing Co2 build up. I suspect that the drip valve is some how faulty as I have seen water drip from the bottom of the swivel point if that makes any sense. i just think that somehow the drip valve isn't air tight and the air leak maybe weakens the siphon suction power causing it to drip slower. OTOH maybe I need the power head and my suspicion was wrong. Sorry if I was confusing any info would be appreciated.

 

[somethings fishy]

^ anybody using koralin out there

 

[Jan-Dman]

Geo's reactors rule!

 

[iReef1]

I have a Korallin reactor also and have the same trouble you are having. The stupid valves leak.
I had a valve leak the day I got it and they sent me a replacement valve that had a solid back. Now some of my other valves are leaking. It is agrravating especially since the reactor wasn't cheap. My drip rate also slows down resulting in a build up of Co2 .
I'm also perplexed by this.

iReef

 

[simonh]

I use a continuous operation peristaltic dosing pump to run my Korallin reactor. It keeps a nice constant drip and is easier to tune.

 

[iReef1]

simonh,
Where can one find these dosing pumps and how do you hook it up to the reactor?
Also, how much do they cost? Thanks
iReef

 

[Lockart]

Ever thought of building your own reactor? I did and mine works great. If you think you would be interested here is a link with instructions as well as approximate prices. Also here is a picture of mine
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1998/mar/features/2/default.asp

IMG]http://home.att.net/~lockarts/4Reactor.JPG[/IMG]

 

[Lockart]

oops missed a bracket.

 

[somethings fishy]

I knew it was the valve!Koralin sucks IMO. When I first got the thing it leaked out of the top of the lid and I had to send that back now the valve. BS IMO!

 

[iReef1]

Leldon,
Good looking Reactor. How much Co2 does it use. What is your bubble count and drip rate?

 

[ADS]

I have the Korallin 3002. I bought the micro pump from M3(monolith marine monsters ~$12) I haven't had any flow problems since and no leaks so far.

 

[Lockart]

Actually I have stopped counting bubbles and drips I concentrate on maintaining the alkalinity in my tank. I find it much easier to adjust the reactor based on the alkalinity output rather than the counting drips bubbles or pH measurement. I would recommend first setting up an effluent flow rate so it flows in a continuous steady drip, and then making adjustments to the CO2 flow rate to increase or decrease the alkalinity of the output. A certain amount of fine-tuning is required to adjust the reactor for your particular system. I have been using this reactor for 6 months and I am still on the original CO2 cylinder. It has just started to show a decrease in pressure on the regulator so I will probably be refilling soon. I maitain a constant calcium level of 400 and the corals are looking great. Here is a pic of my 125 Gl reef.

 

[voyto]

I recently placed a tee and use both outlets from my 3000 series korallin. This keeps pump pressure on the outlet and also allows excess CO2 to bleed off. The supply water for the reactor comes from my main tank and the reactor is at sump level. I tried forever to get the thing to pick up water from the sump, but no dice. Four feet of head made all the difference. I drip the effluent into the sump via a small container where I can measure pH etc. I shoot for a pH of 6.5 and this seems to deliver sufficient calcium and alk. I haven't measured either in months, but my corals are building significant mass. The korlalin has been in service nearly two years.

voyto