Calcium reactor regulator help

ravedood · 11/11/2019, 03:49 PM

I just purchased a used Life Reef calcium reactor which came with a 10lb CO2 bottle, regulator, Milwaukee PH monitor, and Mag 7 recirculating pump for $120. This is pretty much all I know about it. It seemed like a good deal. The guy did not know much about it and it looks like it has seen better days. I do not know too much about calcium reactors myself. I have not tested it yet.

I see on the regulator, a plastic tube is cracked. Is this a bubble counter? Can it be bypassed since the reactor has one too? What goes inside the bubble counter? Can I just glue it back together? Also, how do I get rid of the brown/yellowish color on the tubes? Can anyone give me any more info on it other than what I described? I am attaching pictures.

ravedood · 11/11/2019, 03:52 PM

What should be my next steps to get this reactor running since it looks like it was sitting for a couple of months.

oreo57 · 11/11/2019, 05:08 PM

Bubble counters shot. Best to just replace it.
Built in check valve comes in handy.
Most use just plain water in it.
Replacement is more for convenience in fittings..
https://www.amazon.com/ISTA-Metal-Bu.../dp/B00TA87QK0

Why is the one gauge not at zero?

Is your tank still able to be filled?
CO2 tanks need to be tested and re-certified every 5 years.
nobody will fill it w/out a current cert.
Date of certification will be engraved on the tank.. somewhere.

ravedood · 11/11/2019, 05:23 PM

Good observation,I didn't even realize it was not at zero. What would that mean? So this bubble counter in the link should be an easy swap? Attached are the markings on the tank.

ravedood · 11/12/2019, 06:21 AM

So after comparing pictures online it seems like I have a Milwaukee MA957 regulator. It seems like the low pressure gauge does seem to get damaged on these regs if not used properly. I guess I have to replace that as well.

11/12/2019, 06:21 AM	#5
ravedood Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL Posts: 1,540	So after comparing pictures online it seems like I have a Milwaukee MA957 regulator. It seems like the low pressure gauge does seem to get damaged on these regs if not used properly. I guess I have to replace that as well. __________________ Florida Marine Aquarium Society Member --Ben

11/11/2019, 05:08 PM	#3
oreo57 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 1,793	Bubble counters shot. Best to just replace it. Built in check valve comes in handy. Most use just plain water in it. Replacement is more for convenience in fittings.. https://www.amazon.com/ISTA-Metal-Bu.../dp/B00TA87QK0 Why is the one gauge not at zero? Is your tank still able to be filled? CO2 tanks need to be tested and re-certified every 5 years. nobody will fill it w/out a current cert. Date of certification will be engraved on the tank.. somewhere.