Melted CA RX medium

[sgwill122]

I have a reverse low flow calcium reactor and use ARM media, small 1/8 inch. My reactor PH dropped below 6 and all the media turned into the consistency of sand. The water and co2 are still bubbling through it although not as distributed as before it melted. Is there any reason to dump the media and start with fresh?

 

[vinny2261]

Sounds like maybe to much CO2. It is my understanding that the CO2 helps in breaking down the Media so it can be used in the tank. ??? vINCE

 

[james734]

Yep.. If I'm not mistaken the C02 is there to lower the PH, which in turn dissolves the media. At least that's the way I understand it. How much below 6 did it go?

 

[sgwill122]

I am not asking about how the media was melted, PH went too low for too long. What I want to know is if there is any downside to continuing to use the media in the reactor even though it has become aragonite sand. I am assuming the only downside is reduced flow which equals reduced production. Also would like to know why folks use the larger media, is it to avoid media melt down?

 

[vinny2261]

I believe you need to regulate your CO2 to keep it from breaking down the Media to quickly. I am not an expert but I believe this has something to do with your low PH. Vince

 

[trido]

I beleive the smaller stuff has more surface area and doesnt require as much CO2 to melt it, or higher PH (6.8). IMO the smaller stuff, since its more densely packed in the chamber is harder on the long term life of the pump.
The larger stuff requires a lower PH to melt (6.6 or lower) and is likely far more forgiving on such events like you just had.
From my understanding, once the media reaches the point that its basicly melted it doesnt last long. It will probably disolve rather quickly in a manner that will only cloud the tank and not be beneficial to the corals. I'd keep a close eye on it over the next week and as much as I wouldnt want to, Id replace when is was convenient, just to be safe. I'd hate to come home from work to a cloudy tank, PO'ed corals and have to do a bunch of work when I wasnt in the mood..

hope that helps..

 

[sgwill122]

Thanks Duane, I will watch it, I am sure it is putting more strain on the pump.