[Scheidtman]

I don't think you have to remake this... I think you need to add a reactor bypass so you can reduce the flow through the reactor without limiting the water flow to the tank.

Here's what I would do: put tee barbs on the reactor in and out, then connect them with some tubing and a ball valve.

Like this:
View attachment 1035964

You can then use the ball valve to tune the flow through the reactor.

I've seen that, but wasn't sure if it would work here properly. I suppose I'd need to find some really big tees as to not restrict flow there. Also, don't I need another valve at the base of the reactor in order to create backpressure in the reactor? I thought maybe if I do that with the reduced connector that I have in addition to the bypass that you have suggested would be best? I've read that backpressure significantly increases absorption. Where does one find a ball valve like that, anyway? I didn't see them at Lowes. I have 5/8" ID tubing.

 

[Scheidtman]

Also, what do people do for bleeding the air at setup and future events where air would get trapped? I thought of maybe just drilling a hole and inserting a screw or bolt.

 

[Scheidtman]

Regardless of gph bigger dia is always better due to more dwell time. If you make it over go at least 2", or 3" if it fits

Yes, but doesn't too big diameter compared to flow (diameter to flow ratio) cause CO2 build up due to lack of circulation? I have heard about this problem, but maybe not the case with this type of reactor.

 

[Scheidtman]

if you're injecting 2-3bps you'll get a build-up of co2 (and other gases) towards the end of each day. pretty much no way getting around it. you could use tom barr's recirculating hack.

I'll have to look that up. Today I'm monitoring closely to see exactly what's going on as it's the first day it's operating from ground zero. So far just a few bubbles coming out here and there, so it's better than fizz. I haven't put the loop in yet to decrease the flow to the chamber, because I'm waiting on parts for that. This gives me time to see exactly what happens before making drastic changes. So far ~.5 pH drop in the 3 hours since the CO2 kicked on. I imagine the drop will continue slower now since the light is on full bright now? It's at 6.72 at 2.5ppm KH currently. I need to get to 6.4-6.6 according to Rex's chart.

So how quickly do you guys get to CO2 saturation usually? Should I try to get to that point before the lights are on full power?

 

[Scheidtman]

i get ~1.25pH drop within 3 hours. and yes, it should be there by the time the lights come on.

When you say 1.25, is that from fully gassed, or what you start from I'm the morning? My .5 that I referred to was from starting point, but fully gassed would be .9 I believe. You must be talking about fully gassed, otherwise that's too much CO2, right?