looking for suggestions-calcium reactors

[wet reefer]

Sorry to post a question that I'm sure has been asked many times but for some reason I can NEVER search this site. What's up with that? Is this a common problem? Seems to me that if the search function worked, guys like me would not have to ask questions that have been asked over and over. It would make life much easier for guys like Grim and some of the other mods or more knowledgeable people than myself. My hats off to them for taking the time and having the patience to repeat themselves over and over and over and over..............

I'm taking the plunge and going from 2 part to a calcium reactor. I have a few in mind but I would like some suggestions as to what to go with. Cost isn't much of a concern but ease of use and performance is.

System is 480 gallons total with lots of sps.
I also use kalk with my make up water.

I have some pics of reactors that are filled with what looks like dead Acro frags. Is this a good idea? My Acros are growing so fast having a supply of them is not a problem.

Thank you

 

[ErikS]

Re: looking for suggestions-calcium reactors

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11974573#post11974573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
Sorry to post a question that I'm sure has been asked many times but for some reason I can NEVER search this site. What's up with that?

Well, as they say - you get what you pay for :lol: (it's a joke people)

I like the GEO design. Solid design & easy to use - there's very little to go wrong with it.............my kind of unit, simple & effective. This comes from someone who's built a few, I've tried other designs but the GEO style is just the easiest to work with.

Really, IMHO they should be called alk reactors but I digress.

The chunky media works better in my experience as it allows a higher flow through the media with a given pump. It's also almost impossible to compact, I run it until it's almost empty & flow is still good. Nothing but positive experiences with the chunky style.

Might add these units to your shopping list. Solid design & construction - good customer support = a winner.

Disclaimer - no affiliation or experience with above link, just know who makes them and I've seen them in person (I know the build, I've made my own).

 

[wet reefer]

So it costs $25.00 bucks a year to use the search function? Wow, I don't have a problem with that but why don't they just say that then instead of the BS in the first paragraph? I don't want to pay if it is still "temporarily disabled due to high server load." If it works, I'll pay.
Thanks for the info EricS. Are you saying you still have to dose CA?

 

[ErikS]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11975015#post11975015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wet reefer
So it costs $25.00 bucks a year to use the search function? Wow, I don't have a problem with that but why don't they just say that then instead of the BS in the first paragraph?

I can't say, apparently my joke wasn't clear - I meant RC is a free website, don't have to pay to access it..................if the search doesn't work then we've gotten what we paid for (much like my tag line, what my opinion's worth)

I have no idea about the premium stuff, sorry my mistake.

CA Reactor -

Generally it more easily raises ALK than CA, and it much easier to track the performance based on ALK than CA.

Example -

1) measure the current tank alk/ca
2) balance if needed
3) startup unit
4) measure ALK
5) tune device to add more or less

6) repeat steps 4 & 5 until desired stability is achieved

That's why I use the term alk reactor, though it adds both it's easier to measure with ALK. My apologies for the confusion.

There's no need to add CA with a reactor, once it's in balance it will stay that way given the reactor adds both (though I do check once & awhile to make certain).

 

[wet reefer]

No apologies needed at all.
Thanks

Free or not, where would we be in reef keeping without RC? I'd say back 15 years at least.