Choosing the right reactor

[Mojo Jojo]

With the money given to me for the chiller I decide to get a reactor instead. Spoke with Hans about reactors being a safe heaven when it comes to stocking SPS in the tank. Been doing some research for a week now, and everybody seems to say good things about these systems. If it was up to you what will you go with? All three are good brands, but if anybody has a better one under $500 it be sweet. Of coarse I'll look for one on RC before I buy brand new. Thanks -Joe

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=514

http://www.geosreef.com/ca_618.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KL1502

 

[hansnfrans]

The second and third links aren't workin' .

 

[mbierzyc]

work for me.

 

[Mojo Jojo]

Another link to 2nd: 618 Model
http://www.saltycritter.com/calcium-reactors/geo-calcium-reactors.htm

To 3rd:
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=742

 

[hansnfrans]

The second set of links worked for me, thanks.

It looks like it's between the Geo and the Korallin. Hopefully someone that owns one of these brands of Ca reactor can chime in.

I would try to find out how well the Korallin is constructed and take that into account when making your decision. I can only attest to the high-quality construction of Geo Kalk reactors and skimmers. Unfortunately I've never seen his Ca reactor in person.

 

[Doubledown]

I run a GEO 624 on my reef - been very pleased with it. Same quality construction as his Kalk reactor (I run that as well) and his skimmers (used to have one of those - will probably go to him again for that).

Ca reactor was easy to set up, came with an in-line bubble counter, pH probe holder mounted in the lid and an Eheim re-circ pump. I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[Mojo Jojo]

What is a bubble counter used for? I've been trying to google it lol ... I just keep getting devices

 

[hansnfrans]

It shows how much CO2 you're injecting into the reactor.

 

[Doubledown]

The bubble counter shows you visably how fast you are adding CO2 to the reactor. If you do not use a pH controller, it is almost mandatory (and a really nice feature even if you do use a controller).

 

[Mojo Jojo]

Nice! So would you say a PH monitor is a must to get better idea of how it's working? How do you know when the reactor is working right. I've seen people saying dialing in the reactor and such, but I'm sure its not like a water pump with a ball valve.

 

[clopez]

If you get anything from aquacave you can usually go pick it up. Albert was really great about allowing me to pick up the TEK legs.

 

[Mojo Jojo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9789956#post9789956 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clopez
If you get anything from aquacave you can usually go pick it up. Albert was really great about allowing me to pick up the TEK legs.

They offer free ship so I'll be saving gas . I may go with the Korallin as I found a local selling a unit. If anything falls I'll be going with the GEO for sure.

 

[clopez]

Haha I did not even realize that.

 

[hansnfrans]

I've got a document from Jose Dieck that tells you exactly how to go about setting up the reactor initially. LMK when you order up the reactor and I'll send it to ya.

 

[Mojo Jojo]

That guy is a genius! Well broad statement to make, but sure knows his stuff. I'll have the unit in by the end of this month so I'll let you know when I'm ready.

 

[hansnfrans]

I think "genius" would be a very fitting adjective for Jose

 

[Mojo Jojo]

Hans how bout that article? I got the reactor today ... sweet! Looks very sturdy and well built to me. Ohh yeah and Joe(ghostman) says, "Hi"

 

[Doubledown]

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