Calcium Reactors Recommendations

[el Deutche]

I am thinking that I am going to be in the need for a calcium reactor soon. Does anyone have any recommendations on any? Good experiences, bad experiences. I would prefer to stay around $500-700.

thanks

 

[SpSFreakFix]

im not sure of the price. But im almost positive u cant go wrong with a deltec.

 

[hllywd]

Build one yourself and save the cash for something else. The are great designs that are simple to mimic. I'm in the process of building a 6x18 acrylic version right now that's about a $400 or $500 design. It will replace my Coralife unit. If you don't have to see in you could use PVC and end up well under $100. The more expensive stuff you can't DIY is the CO2 tank, regulator, and controller, another $300 or so...

Tim

 

[SpSFreakFix]

Mr. Tim.. How often do you have to replenish your CO2 supply? and what size bottle do you run?

 

[hllywd]

Dunno...

Mine's been running since last October or November, it was full when I got it and still going strong (the bottle still feels like it has quite a bit in it).
I will need to refill my media sometime in the next couple of months. I'll probably swap in my DIY unit then and have the Coralife unit for sale.

Tim

 

[el Deutche]

Tim

What plans did you follow for your DIY Ca Reactor? Do you have any links?

thanks

 

[SpSFreakFix]

Joe i found a diy that might help you. It by melev who is a respected acrylicsman. If thats even a word. check it out...

http://www.melevsreef.com/dj88.html

 

[hllywd]

http://geosreef.com/ca_618.html

 

[el Deutche]

I'll check them out.

thanks

 

[hllywd]

I'll post a pic of what I've got when I have some time, still need the pump and to assemble the PVC but I'll have essentially the same unit although without as much polish on my first attempt...
I intend to build another to use as a sulfur denitrater. I learned a couple tricks on the first one I'll incorporate on the second.

Tim

 

[hllywd]

See how you like this... ~$150 - $200 if you have to buy a pump....

 

[SpSFreakFix]

Now thats looking pretty impressive..

 

[el Deutche]

looking good. Let us know how well it works.

 

[hllywd]

The only thing I'm concerned about is the flange seal, I made it too small to use an o ring for the seal so I made a silicone gasket. I did put more bolts in the flange to equalize and increase the pressure on the sealing surface. I fully expect to add media, a MJ feed pump, my controller, some tubing and a couple JG valves and have it PnP. The only operational variable I anticipate is the effluent pH since I'll be using a different media than I do currently.

Tim

 

[SpSFreakFix]

Im not sure but it sounded like you were just talking a different language there.

 

[hllywd]

LOL:lol: