Choosing a reactor

[reef_dude76]

I want to setup a calcium reactor and was wondering what is a good model to start with? I have been looking at both precision marine and life reef, any pitfalls with either brand that a beginner might not be aware of? Also, customer support at marine depot has suggested korallin reactors as being "involved" for initial setup but a very good reactor none the less.

help please, anyone out there with any experience using any of these reactors?

 

[eddie c]

check out http://www.myreefcreations.com/caabout.htm, thats where i'm getting mine from, a few people i know have them and love them.

 

[elephen]

You might look into the Aquatic Systems Design single or dual chamber depending on your budget. For the money you get the best bang for your buck.

www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com

I have had a few of his running on various systems along with MANY people from around here in the midwest. His attention to detail is next to none and the quality/craftsmanship is really superb.

 

[reef_dude76]

Thanks for the links. I have never heard of either of these retailers, and the reactor prices on myreefcreations site are the cheapest I've seen so far.

Any other opinions?

 

[Ryan454]

As far as I am conserned myreefcreations are the best and their prices are very reasonable!

 

[reef_dude76]

What kind of pump to you guys use to feed your reactors? Customer support at marine depot is "strongly recommending" I go with the korallin reactor and feed it with a diaphragmatic pump at a slow rate to allow the effluent to drip back into the system slowly. I am also told that korallin is the most efficent and fail safe option.

Comments? Please, as I really don't have the first clue how to tell which reactor is better than another. One difference between the korallin and all other models I have looked at is that the reactor pump is located on top of the reactor, instead of at the base of the reactor. Does this make a difference?

 

[xtrstangx]

I've used products from http://aquaticsystemdesign.com before. His work is top quality and second to none.

 

[Anemia]

I'm using a dual chamber MRC after trying for 2 months to build my own. It was quite the learning process. There were many design changes, many leaks, one explosion, several impeller housings broken... Kind of fun, but in the end I'm glad I just bought the MRC. Construction is top notch and I was able to pick it up for $120 thanks to a small chip in the corner of the base plate.

I'm running mine on a mag 2 and feel that's perfectly suited to the job. It's a pretty durable little pump. I feed mine by teeing off of my return line with a 1/4" fitting. I recommend using a ball valve or needle valve prior to the reactor to control effluent rather than allowing pressure to build inside the reactor by controlling the effluent on the out side of the reactor.

As for whether the pump is on the top or bottom, I really don't think it matters. The only thing I can thing of is that there will be slightly less spillage when removing the pump for cleaning.

 

[KDodds]

Running my MRC for about a year now, couldn't be more pleased.

 

[zanemoseley]

Look at Geo's also. I have had one for a year and its done a good job and it built extremely well.