Calcium reactor any suggestions

[chrisaggie]

I used to use ARM and recently switched to schuran media. I was having a problem getting the effluent out of the reactor over 30 meq/L with ARM without turning the media to mush. The schuran media gives me the ability to lower the pH in the reactor to get a higher effluent alkalinity without turning the media into mush. I have an old school K2R unit which uses an eheim pump.

 

[DC321]

I use the ReefKeeper 2 to control the PH in the reactor to 6.5 and shutoff any lower. It works really well and keeps the reactor usually at 6.53-6.6.

 

[gasman059]

norrowed down to three

norrowed down to three

Frommy research this r the 3 top of the line reactors, granted i played with a knopp in the past and was not a good exp. maybe 8 years back. Is there any other reactors to your knowledge that meet these three standards in terms of built and customer service. I will like to know the second tier $ wise. Any recs welcome

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[chrisaggie]

I think the deltec and schuran are the best you can buy.

 

[gasman059]

schuran- 71791
Calcium Media for Schuran Reactors -$6.82
Pressure Regulator w/Solenoid--- ----$55.53
CYL5 CO2 Bottle, 5 lb (empty) $84.71
SC2453 Jetstream 1 ----------------$560.00
Grand Total : $791.77

DELTEC FOR 280 =$620.00 + REG AND SOL + BOTTLE
BTW I'LL BE NEEDING AN PH PROBE CORRECT.
Looks like this xmas is getting expensive

 

[gasman059]

how about GEO

 

[gasman059]

geo is well spoken for by many reefers any exp

geo is well spoken for by many reefers any exp

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[DC321]

I have had a GEO kalk reactor. Top notch. Ask Chris.

 

[Rogger Castells]

Gasman, I think most major brand reactors are going to give you very similar results, with little variations mostly in their maintenance, however, after much research I choose the Deltec reactor over any other because it is the only reactors with a true different technology that set it apart from all others, this reactor is fluidize, it needs a special media to work (Rowalith c+) this media although more expensive than the average media it is also different, it provides Calcium, Magnesium and other trace elements in the right ratio.
This reactor is also amazingly easy to maintain and refill using a quick release twist top as suppose to all the little nylon screws (which I personally hate).
Fluidize reactor works in a reverse flow and it when you see them working, you will see the media tumbling around like if it was boiling this does a few things, primarily, mixing of the co2 gases thoroughly, evenly consumption of the media, eliminate channeling, and eliminate “mushing” of the media.
Finally when you analize the price difference the deltec is a little more expensive but IMO well worthy.

 

[Rogger Castells]

BTW, feel free to stop by my house if you want to see my reactor working.

 

[thesaent14]

i have a DIY for sale if you still looking pm me for pics

 

[gasman059]

hey roger thanks/how much was your total setup/reactor/co2 /ph etc
if u don't mind me asking

 

[Rogger Castells]

not at all, I payd $500 for the reactor (used -reefcentral) the co2 tank and valve/solenoide was $100 (used -eBay), media was $28 (marine depot) pinpoint Controller was $100 (used-reefcentral)
As you can see I like to buy cheap

 

[chrisaggie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8687020#post8687020 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rogger Castells

Fluidize reactor works in a reverse flow and it when you see them working, you will see the media tumbling around like if it was boiling this does a few things, primarily, mixing of the co2 gases thoroughly, evenly consumption of the media, eliminate channeling, and eliminate “mushing” of the media.

Rogger, I agree with you that your deltec calcium reactor is top notch equipment! But I don't think channeling or mushing of the media are problems caused by media turnover. I have never heard of channeling being a problem in a calcium reactor, am I wrong? Also, mushing of media is due to running a reactor at a lower pH than the media can handle. It varies from media to media, but doesn't really have anything to do with fluidized media.

 

[Rogger Castells]

Btw this is the site were you can read more about it http://deltecusa.us/calciumreactors/pf601.php , I also forgot to mention that you need a small pump to run the water into the reactor I use a aqualifter ($17 reeflife)
The reactor comes fitted with a water pre-filter, bubble counter, check valve and most importantely a ph probe holder, this is really handy when you are running the reactor with a ph controller.

 

[Rogger Castells]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8687409#post8687409 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisaggie
Rogger, I agree with you that your deltec calcium reactor is top notch equipment! But I don't think channeling or mushing of the media are problems caused by media turnover. I have never heard of channeling being a problem in a calcium reactor, am I wrong? Also, mushing of media is due to running a reactor at a lower pH than the media can handle. It varies from media to media, but doesn't really have anything to do with fluidized media.

I never said that channeling or mushing of the media are caused my any particular thing, what I said was that a fluidize reactor eliminates mushing and channeling it is just not possible for this to occur due to the way it works.
In regards of channeling and "mushing" IME it is very common when you run water through coarse media like the one in calcium reactors that the water is going to prefer to travel were it is or were it finds less restriction, over time this usually originates channeling when this happens it is likely that this channel walls are going to get the most of the co2 and therefore dissolve more rapidly than the other thus starting the “mushing” problem.
I think you changed your media because you were getting “mushing” the new media you got allows you to run your ph lower and get more calcium and better alkalinity out of your effluent. This is exactly what the fluidized reactor do.
The rowalith c+ manufacturer recommendation are for the efluent ph to be kept between 6.1 to 6.5 and alk about 40 to a whoping 60 dkh, try to run ARM media below 6.5 and you will have a slurry in a few weeks.
I guess all I am saying is that this technology is just more efficient.

 

[gasman059]

That sounds like a bargain to me, anyways. In reality I'm looking to spend so much. And I'm a freak for new equipment I guess. ANyways really looking long and hard at the geo/schuran. Would love to get the deltec maybe i can get this thru some of my buddies thru wholesaler pricing if at all possible. Iwas considering this project for the holydays but 1k for me 1k for the wife and then I'm looking at 2k investment LOL will see.

 

[gasman059]

Hey Mr. Castells I belive in terms of output there's no product like the deltec, that much i know. As far as "set and forget" maybe a korallin or geo? Schuran.
So many choices so little time LOLOLOLOLOLOL

 

[Rogger Castells]

lol

 

[gasman059]

BTW Mr. Castells take a look at the TOM on dec is this setup form greece and this gentleman has no Ca reactor. Its possible just more time consuming. There's many ways to skin a cat! LOL
But will be considering a reactor this xmax. Most likely a Korallin proven technology and as per many user friendly, Still after all this years need as much user freindly as possible.