Calcium Reactor

[MalHavoc]

Roger,

Is the guy in this thread:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=167008

Talking about the same reactor listed on Tunze's website? In particular, any idea if he's talking about the same one that I linked to in my question to him?

The Tunze Ca reactor will probably be the next piece of equipment I purchase for my new tank.

 

[rvitko]

Yes, that is the 3174/3 Calcium Reactor. You do really need a CO2 controller to properly use this unit. As he stated,the CO2 controller was revised this year to achieve a longer electrode life and a better usability. The first units arrived this week, I got Kingsley an early release model. I have heard good things about this unit from customers in France and Germany. It is new, a revision of the older 3174/2 which generally had a dissappointing performance because it lacked any real adjustment feature. I am using the 1674/3 on my aquarium but it is smaller and holds half the media. It seems to barely keep up with my 120. I still like it though and by using it with the Calcium Dispenser and a little Reef Complete it seems to be just fine.

 

[MalHavoc]

Thanks, Roger,

so, the controller (which isn't in the package from J&L Aquatics) is something that would open/close the solenoid (which IS in the package from J&L Aquatics) to regulate the flow of CO2?

There's no price information for the controller on the Tunze website. Any idea what the cost is?

Thanks again.

 

[rvitko]

The CO2 controller is a pH controller equipped with a lab grade glass electrode and a low voltage solenoid. The solenoid uses 9V and is teflon coated stainles steel. The price in US$ is $328.35. The new model 7074/2 has a soft touch panel- similar to the buttons on your microwave oven. It has some new circuitry designs that reduce internal reisiatnce to extend the electrode life to possibly 2 years. An electrode is essentially like a weak battery- imagine a potato clock- you know the clocks that ran off two potatoes. Over time the battery runs down. If you can make the controller capable of detecting current from a weaker battery you can make that expensive battery last a lot longer.

 

[MalHavoc]

Ack, that's what the whole kit costs, including the reactor, once I convert it to CDN. Back to my drawing board.