ReefTek and ASD calcium reactors?

T

TwistedTiger

In Memoriam
Anyone using either of these and are they good reactors? I'm adding more ALK/Calc additives that top off water to my 75gal SPS and it's time to make the move to a reactor. Both havr a good price but I'd rather have no reactor than one that doesn't work right. Any feedback positive or not on either of these two?

Aquatic Systems Design reactor
ReefTek Reactor
 
I have the Aquatic Systems Design's dual AND single chamber reactors.

I was amazed first at how well these things were built compared to other previous reactors I had owned. Definately extreme quality in craftsmanship and for what you get, you can't beat the price.

As far as dialing it in, took about a day which was more or less getting my CO2 regulator's bubble counter working. Its a great value, my single chamber has been running flawlessly for over 2 years and the dual chamber is running on my new big tank for 6 months now. I love it, I wouldn't ever get any other reactor.
 
Yup I did. Well you can adjust how high it sticks out of the top of the reactor. Max it'll add is an inch above the recirc plumbing at the top of the reactor.
 
Glad to hear that ASD does good work...I'm ordering a reactor, denitrator (modified reactor), and kalk reactor from them.

As far as the ReefTek reactor, I can only comment on construction. We got one for our church but haven't hooked it up yet. It is well built. FYI, the picture on ReefTek's store isn't current. The reactors are now all hard pipe. If you go to the reactor page and click on "View the reactor in operation" it has a current picture.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6992491#post6992491 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BLockamon
FYI, the picture on ReefTek's store isn't current. The reactors are now all hard pipe. If you go to the reactor page and click on "View the reactor in operation" it has a current picture.
Click to expand...

Saw that and it does look much better. Looks like either would be nice, just wondering how many out there had experience with them and if one may be deficient in some way that I may have over looked. It will be a few weeks before I order so hopefully I can get even more quality feedback before I decide which way to go. Thanks for the responses so far.
 
TwistedTiger,

Looks like you and I are in the same boat. I am also looking for a calcium reactor right now. From people's comments here on ReefCentral, I had it narrowed down to GEO, My Reef Creations, ReefTek and Aquatic Systems Design for what people seem to be happy with for the price. Looking at these I think the best bang for the buck is either the ReefTek or the Aquatic Systems Design. They both look like great products. One thing I am not sure if you noticed, but if you buy the package deal through ReefTek for $290(Reef Fanatic regulator, Reef Fanaitc controller, maxijet 1200, 3ft of tubing) you get 10% off on the calcium reactor and the CO2 tank. This gives the price edge to ReefTek - if you need all of those items that is. If you are just after the calcium reactor unit only, then I would probably give the edge to Aquatic System Design being that their 6" x 18" is $239 and ReefTek is $229 for a 6" x 12" and +$20 to go up to the 18".

Hope this helps.
Rueg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7032823#post7032823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rueg
TwistedTiger,

One thing I am not sure if you noticed, but if you buy the package deal through ReefTek for $290(Reef Fanatic regulator, Reef Fanaitc controller, maxijet 1200, 3ft of tubing) you get 10% off on the calcium reactor and the CO2 tank. If you are just after the calcium reactor unit only, then I would probably give the edge to Aquatic System Design being that their 6" x 18" is $239 and ReefTek is $229 for a 6" x 12" and +$20 to go up to the 18".
Click to expand...

I saw the package deal but I'm not willing to pay $164 for the PH controller when I can get a Milwaukee for $84. If it were an ORP probe I might get the better of the two but the Milwaukee PH probe is more than adequate. I also have a short stand so the 12" would be a much better fit and it would be plenty more than enough for my 75 gal since it's rated for a 350 gal and a pump upgrade would take it even higher. Still I haven't decided between the two because both seem like a great product, I'd just like to get much more imput from those that have used them becuase right now I'm really having a hard time deciding between the two. The good thing is either way it seems I will be getting a quality reactor.
 
The shortest height the Aquatic Reef System reactors come in is 18", unless you have one custom made. You get what you pay for with controllers and meters. I am uncertain to the quality of the Milwaukee products. Perhaps they have improved.
 
Hey, one other thing. If you are worried about getting it in the stand then I think the Aquatic Systems Design is the way to go since it has the plumbing running through the side of the reactor instead of the top. Both the GEO and ReefTek have the plumbing going through the top of their reactors.
 
Since the plumbing is on the side, at the top, it is A LOT easier to replace the media within the reactor...just a thought.

William
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7034533#post7034533 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bamann345
Since the plumbing is on the side, at the top, it is A LOT easier to replace the media within the reactor...just a thought.

William
Click to expand...

That's something I hadn't thought of and why I started this thread, thanks for the info.
 
But with the plumbing on the side, you reduce the media capacity of the reactor since you have to fill it lower. And the CO2 recirculation is much less effective since unused gas will raise all the way to the top; the GEO/ReefTek will do a better job of capturing it. You are not going to be refilling the reactor every other day, so the little extra trouble of removing the plumbing from the lid is well worth it IMO.

Kole
 
If you get the PH probe option then that is sticking above the top 1" to 2" taking away some of the benefit of having the plumbing running through the side. Still much shorter then the plumbing coming out of the top, but something to consider if fitting it in the cabinet is an issue.
 
I emailed both companies to get the total height of their reactors.

ReefTek:
12" - total of 17" high
18" - total of 23" high

Auqaitc System Design:
18" - 21.5" high
 
The ASD has a vent valve on the top that looks like it recautures unused CO2? Dose anyone know if this is true?

William
 
The vent valve is for filling the reactor up with water, basically pressure relief.

The ASD reactor has a 90 degree elbow coming up through the side pointed up to capture any and all unused Co2 that may happen to be sitting up at the top of the chamber, it works very well. I NEVER have bubbles at the top of my chamber.
 
reeftek.jpg


What is the green hose coming off the top for, is it to recirculate CO2 and if so where do you tie it back in?
 
Well thats interesting... A very cheap looking reactor IMO with all the plastic hosting. You already have your feed line (blue) and your effluent going out (green ontop of the pump)... Not real sure what that would be used for.
 
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