Schuran JS1 Setup - pH Controller Question

[tanglovers]

Hi All,

Well I am finally getting ready to set up the Schuran JS1. Ordered and received it a while back now tank is ready for it and starting to add SPS so we now have a calcium demand.

I have read the whole thread on RC and have basically one question about hooking up the pH Controller.

This is what I have:

JS1 with Hanna pH probe to Monitor effluent pH
Media and ZEOmag Additive
Cole Parmer Peri Pump and tubing needed
Tank/Solenoid/regulator
Reef Fanatic pH Controller

My question is when hooking up the pH controller, do I want to control the tank pH or the effluent pH? The controller will then inturn turn on and off the CO2 as needed. I originally was under the impression I monitored the tank pH but after reading the Schuran booklet now think it is the effluent. The instructions however do not tell you about setup with a peri pump.

If anybody can shed some light on this it would be great. This is my first calcium reactor and want to set it up right the first time. Also our tank pH runs at 8.2-8.3, if I control the tank pH do I just set it to like 8.25?

We only have about 6-8 SPS frags in the tank. Our Ca is about 385 and Mg about 1065 so these are low. Should I dose these additives or let the reactor bring them up to where they should be? Also our alkalinity is 6.3 is this too low?

Any ideas/suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

[Orion76]

Scott, you stick the PH probe directly into the Ca reactor. Open the big blue valve on the pipe that comes out of the top of the Eheim pump and stick it in there.

[Orion76]

Try to maintain Calcium at around 400, mag around 1300 and alk around 7 - 8. Your calcium and alk are not that far off, I don't think you need to use additives to bring them up if you are about to plug in the JS1.

You'll need to raise your Mg but try not to do it all at once. I would try to raise it by about 25ppm per day using an additive like Kent Tech M.

[Chad W]

I'd raise Mg. like Orion76 has recommended but I would look into adding a Mg. granulate to the reactor as well. From what I have seen and heard most CaRx media is lacking in Mg. I think I am using Grotech's Mg. granulate now.
HTH,
Chad

[Orion76]

hey pssst chad, zeomag is a mg granulate too :p

[tanglovers]

So the controller is used to control the effluent pH. What controls the tank pH or will it stay constant by controlling the effluent pH?

Also what pH are you guys running your Schuran effluet at? They recommend a range of 6.2-6.5 which should I go with, in the middle?

Thanks,
Scott

[skippyreef]

Scott,

I also have teh JS1 and am in Michingan

Where did you get the tubing for the Cole PArmer because It sounds like we have identicle set ups!! I am geting ready to start plumbing the tank after the tile is done around the tank and would love to see yours in action!

I am newar Ann Arbor

[tanglovers]

Hi,

We are in Holland - about a 1/2 hour South of Grand Rapids.

I got a sample piece of tubing from Cole Parmer - called and requested it. I went with the #96400 - 25, got about 2.5 feet of it to try. We will need to order more once I know if this is the size we want long term or not.

JS1 is not running yet all plumbed/mounted just have to hook up pH controller and start it.....just wanted to make sure I hooked this up properly.

Do you know how you control tank pH if I use my controller to control the effluent? Is this something I should not be worried about controlling and as long as my JS1 is dialed in the tank pH will be stable?

Thanks!

[Ewan]

Hi,

We are in Holland - about a 1/2 hour South of Grand Rapids.

I got a sample piece of tubing from Cole Parmer - called and requested it. I went with the #96400 - 25, got about 2.5 feet of it to try. We will need to order more once I know if this is the size we want long term or not.

JS1 is not running yet all plumbed/mounted just have to hook up pH controller and start it.....just wanted to make sure I hooked this up properly.

Do you know how you control tank pH if I use my controller to control the effluent? Is this something I should not be worried about controlling and as long as my JS1 is dialed in the tank pH will be stable?

Thanks!

Don't worry about your tank pH. It will remain stable once your reactor is settled in.

-E.

[tanglovers]

Just hooked up my Schuran and have a question. When using the peristaltic pump, how do you make the feed line pressurized?

I have the reactor hooked to the wall behind my tank about 2 feet above the sump. I have the line going from the sump to the feed intake in the reactor then the water exit line hooked to the cole parmer peri pump then leading back down into the sump. How do I make the feed line pressurized? We want the peri pump to pull through the reactor right? Is my plumbing incorrect? Do I have to fill my feed and exit lines with water then start the reactor and peri pump to prime it?

Any ideas/suggestions are appreciated. I am sure this is something simple I am overlooking.

Thanks,
Scott

[G.Alexander]

Scott, attach the peristaltic pump in front of the water inlet line of the reactor. The line should be installed in the following row:

Sump or tank – peristaltic pump – reactor – sump or tank

Please make sure you remove the valve at the water outlet of the reactor so no pressure will be build up as it is a system with one opened side (water outlet).

G.Alexander

[Orion76]

Scott, you pump the water IN to the reactor, it exits automatically by siphon.