Calcium Reactors

[Rich_1833]

I'm still looking into Calcium Reactors. Ive read a lot on them and still do not understand them 100%. So as usual I turn to you guys. As many know I'm on my first Saltwater setup. I want to make this as painless for me as possible. I don't mined regular maintenance as I already have a lot of freshwater but I don't want to worry about all my money going down the drain over night. What are the Pros and Cons of one? Can I use one? Do I need one? If yes what is a good one?

 

[chadfarmer]

how much alk and calicum do you go through in a day?

do you dose everyday to every other day(if not i would not get one)

if you dont have corals that use up alk, calcium and magnesium than i would worry about it till you get more


pros
no dosing manually (havent checked alk, calium or magnesium 6 months)

cons
price
setting up and adjusting
low ph
picking a good reactor (one that you like)(that is the hardest part)

i would try kalk first and if that cant keep up that the reactor

 

[Rich_1833]

Is one reactor better then the other or do they all work the same for the most part.

 

[JxMetal]

one better than the other?

We're only talking about a calcium reactor.......

calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium all fluctuate as one. (I guess that's how you say it)

 

[StupidsReef]

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1074

This is the one that I'm buying Rich. I've choosen it because I have there skimmer and IMO it's biult like a tank. High end Acrylic and the seems are well put together. Not to metion that it about half the price of the GEO I was going to buy but now is on a really long waiting list. And I will buy it through Thereefstop.com Because he's local and I'll save another 10% buying from him. And he deserves my bussiness too.

 

[mpcart]

Rich - you need to be sure you need a reactor. Test your calcium and alk for a while and see if you have heavy enough consumption to either dose or have a reactor. With a small tank like yours, you probably don't need a reactor. Try dripping kalk or put together a small DIY reactor - that's why I did and its meeting the requirements of my 58 just fine.

-Mike

 

[Rich_1833]

I looked at that one Stupid but how did you make a small one MPCART

 

[zt444a]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9762395#post9762395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by StupidsReef
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1074

This is the one that I'm buying Rich. I've choosen it because I have there skimmer and IMO it's biult like a tank. High end Acrylic and the seems are well put together. Not to metion that it about half the price of the GEO I was going to buy but now is on a really long waiting list. And I will buy it through Thereefstop.com Because he's local and I'll save another 10% buying from him. And he deserves my bussiness too.

I have to agree with Stu on this one. I have the CR140 in a box at the moment on my table. It is quite well built and if it is easy enough to set up and tune, then it was well worth the price. I am awaiting my PH controller from Markk and the Reef Stop, and I will be in business.

Howie

 

[mpcart]

Here's the one I built.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=587186

It's under $100 for everything but the regulator, tank, probe/controller.

It's a long thread but you are more than welcome to come over and see mine.

-Mike

 

[Rich_1833]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9764674#post9764674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mpcart
Here's the one I built.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=587186

It's under $100 for everything but the regulator, tank, probe/controller.

It's a long thread but you are more than welcome to come over and see mine.

-Mike

Ive looked at this thread and I think this is the way to go but I dont understand the pump and how its set up.

 

[StupidsReef]

zt444a, You have the CR140D?? You know that it is recomended for tanks up to 800 gallons right?? You could have went with a smaller one and been ok, But I guess at the price why not go big. That should last quite some time before new media is needed. Is it a solid unit?? Can you post some pics of it??

 

[chadfarmer]

howard, pics?

 

[mpcart]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9770499#post9770499 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rich_1833
Ive looked at this thread and I think this is the way to go but I dont understand the pump and how its set up.

The circulation pump is just plumbed between the inlet/outlet. Water is introduced into the reactor using an aqualifter pump.

I'll try and get a picture for you.

-Mike

 

[Rich_1833]

Please do I think this is what I will be doing.

 

[mpcart]

Check this out.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...en=PROD&Product_Code=RIO-29709&Category_Code=

-Mike