KNOP-C Calcium Reactor Issues

About 5 years a go I had a 65 gallon tank, had the calcium reactor working real well. But had to move and got rid of the tank. I had a slow drip rate, 6.8 effluent, 8.2 tank, 12 alk, 450 Cal. So I know how to set it up and how it works.

Now I have a new tank, same size, but just setup a new KNOP-C calcium reactor.

...and for the life of me I can't get it tweaked right! Grrr...

The issue is that I can't get the PH in the reactor no lower than 7.5.
If I slow the effluent too slow, and the CO2 too high, bubbles appear in the reactor to the point it'll run dry.

Over 2 weeks now, and I've managed to get just the right balance to CO2 and effluent to achieve a solid 7.5 in the reactor, and 8.5 in the tank, 10 alk, and 350 cal. However, the effluent is running fast 60ml/min, and the bubble rate is about 3-4 per/sec. I'm going to use up all my CO2 fast!!! This time I have a PH controller running with it, set to 6.5, but it has yet to shut off. heh.

So my questions...
How do I get this effluent ph lower, because I want my calcium higher?
Does the calcium in the reactor even dissolve at 7.5?
As long as my parameters are ok in the tank, is 7.5 ok?

I don't know why this system is so different than my previous system, and why it's SO difficult this time...

Any help appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Figured out what the problem was... Must have incorrectly calibrated the ph monitor! Running at 6.7 now

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