Calcium Reactor Up and Running
- Thread starter ReefArtist
- Start date
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
It is my dream tank which will be in about 2 - 3 years. 36inch depth is a must - I want to give depth in the rock works and have a flow that goes in and out of the rocks. I have a lot to learn before then.
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
that's what I'm counting on 
. You already have things under control - BTW how are the connectors.
. You already have things under control - BTW how are the connectors.
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
Can we say reorder?
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
That's to bad - we all have learned from that one.
Gimplar
New member
lol, so this is what you guys have been up to? i saw the acrylic tube post a while ago and i was pretty busy that week so i wasnt really paying attention to the boards.
If you guys ever do another project for it, let me know and ill definetly attend and lend a hand.
100 bucks for a calcium reactor, thats freaking nuts. Arnt Co2 tanks expensive though? cant i just mod my paintball Co2 tank? lol, holy crap, i think i can cause i have PSI regulators and macoline hosing...as well as a on off valve to adjust the proper pressure.
If you guys ever do another project for it, let me know and ill definetly attend and lend a hand.
100 bucks for a calcium reactor, thats freaking nuts. Arnt Co2 tanks expensive though? cant i just mod my paintball Co2 tank? lol, holy crap, i think i can cause i have PSI regulators and macoline hosing...as well as a on off valve to adjust the proper pressure.
mlivvy
em-lee-vee
I wanted to participate but time didn't allow. I PM'ed checkinhawk and he said theirs no plans for another cr project. 
But he did offer the templates. Maybe we can get a few people.
On another note, What do you guys think of this reactor-
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=177
But he did offer the templates. Maybe we can get a few people. On another note, What do you guys think of this reactor-
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=177
ReefArtist
In Memoriam
Looking at it and going by the size tank you have it might do the job. We based our design off the Geo 612 and 618 which are for tanks up to 350g. I haven't used Coralife Calcium Reactor 500 and for your small tank it would most likely work "OK". I find it interesting that they site doesn't mention the size tank the reactor will work the best on. If you're not a very heavy SPS reefer and will not be upgrading soon - IMO it would most likely do the job but you will really have to watch your parameters.
mlivvy
em-lee-vee
thanks for the input!
it's actually a 37 gallon now, not that it makes much of a difference. I don't have any sps but i've seen the difference with non-cr tanks to tanks with a reactor. You can see the coral and coraline growth.
Now my concern now is the fact that I don't have a sump. I'm thinking of building one but space would be limited. Meaning that the reactor would have to be free-standing with a external pump. I have to think that over also.
it's actually a 37 gallon now, not that it makes much of a difference. I don't have any sps but i've seen the difference with non-cr tanks to tanks with a reactor. You can see the coral and coraline growth.
Now my concern now is the fact that I don't have a sump. I'm thinking of building one but space would be limited. Meaning that the reactor would have to be free-standing with a external pump. I have to think that over also.
CMcNeil
New member
the reactors we made are freestanding external sump designs.if you dont have any sps i wouldnt waste the money on a reactor.you can dose with 2 part and get the same results in the end.if you want more coraline growth try to keep you calcium high(400-450ppm).i have new coraline growth showing in one month on my 90 using 2 part.
mlivvy
em-lee-vee
checkin- I got bad luck with 2 part dosing. It never works out for me. I'm using the 2 part they sell here locally, forgot the name.. reef something. I'm adding 5ml a day of each part, everyday for about 2-3 months. Nothing. My calcium stays under 400. Usually 350. Now i thought about adding more than 5ml but the label doesn't say a recommended dosage per gallon if added manually. Before I moved here, in RI, I used B-Ionic with little results too.
Warnberg
New member
MLIVVY, I wouldn't recommend using two part to try to raise calcium levels, use Kent's turbo calcium to get your calcium levels where you want them then use your two part to maintain it.
Here is a calculator to help you figure out how much you need to get your calcium levels where you want them.
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html
You could always use Kalkwasser (aka limewater) for top-off, it adds calcium, boosts alk and raises pH.
Here is a calculator to help you figure out how much you need to get your calcium levels where you want them.
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html
You could always use Kalkwasser (aka limewater) for top-off, it adds calcium, boosts alk and raises pH.
