Thinking about a calcium reactor

D

devonjevon

New member
OK Im tired of dosing and it seems like my tank has to many sps to effectivly use kalk top off buy itself

So I am thinking about a calcium reactor

Any advice on buying one?

150g total volume

And advantages and disadvantages

any particular brand



Are the DIY I see on the net good?
 
c_stowers runs one and would be a good person to get info from.

In addition to the co2 bottle you need a needle valve (a good one), a reactor chamber + media, and I think a bubble counter. Additionally, I'd seriously consider adding a pH probe and probably an aquarium controller that can monitor and control based on pH.
 
Devon, I use a Korallin reactor and you are welcome to come by the house and see the setup anytime. Jack pretty much covered it with accessories you will need. Call me sometime if you want to drop by here in Murfreesboro

Norman
 
I was considering a Korallin reactor but was told they are not quality built. I went with an Aqua C Rx-1 and so far have been happy with it. It had a defective pump when I got it and Aqua C (Jason) stepped right up and got me a replacement. The other ones reccomended to me were the PM and the Geo.
As far as the additional items I would suggest getting the "package" with a controller, controller being important. That will get you the needed needle valve, solenoid valve and regulater. You will have to find a local source of CO2. I found that leasing their tank was better then owning one and getting it refilled. When my tank goes empty I take a ride and exchange it. Owning one I would drop it off and get it back a day or two later.
 
what is th "package"
thanks fallin apart I will definatley take a look when I get one.
I have been reading alot and the setup is confusing
 
Yea, it was confusing to me to, and Chris Stowers showed me his set-up and that helped me get mine set-up. I think the package means just get everything you need to set it up at one time from one place and usually you will get a package price.

Norman
 
I would definately recommend a pH controller and a dual stage reactor to minimize the pH drop in the tank. Your welcome to come by and look at mine sometime. I'm out of town for a while, but shoot me a PM if your interested an we can set something up within the next week or 2.
 
Re: DIY Acrylic Meeting

Re: DIY Acrylic Meeting

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12659324#post12659324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DawgDiggity
I ran across this DIY calcium reactor on a thread.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=962136&perpage=25&pagenumber=9

Check out page 11 and 23.

Melev's own verson: http://melevsreef.com/dj88.html

Is there any interest for a DIY acrylic meeting??
Click to expand...

Good idea -- lets see if others are interested. Maybe someone could compile a list of projects (like a kalk reactor, calcium reactor, fluidized bed reactor, fish trap, etc.). We'd need to do it at someones house who has a lot of tools.

Jack
 
Sounds like an excuse to buy one to me. A reactor and a table saw for just the price of a reactor... at least thats how I'd pitch it to my wife. :lol:

Brandon
 
You wouldn't absolutely <b>need</b> a table saw, but an inexpensive one wouldn't hurt. I haven't tried it on acrylic, but you can actually cut pvc with just string.

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=141&
is the cheapest clear tubing prices I've found.

Nashville should be large enough to find Weld On locally.
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=131&
Normally people recommend #4, but tap doesn't carry it. #3 may work but be thinner. I don't have the acrylic experience to say.

And just a heads up, the melev reactor is <b>not</b> a dual chamber design. It's 1 U shaped chamber. I agree with Chris, the benefits of a dual chamber reactor outweigh the increase in cost and/or time for a DIY build. Also, I'd recommend installing a pH probe to monitor the first chamber. A 1/2" uniseal will hold one I believe. Less risk of melting the media. The tank should still be monitored as well of course, but with a dual chamber design the CO2 is so effectively used that it should not be an issue. Remember, you can still top off with kalk if you're having low pH issues.

I obviously lean toward DIY, because I've yet to find a "perfect" reactor by any company. But since you asked about brands, here's the one Chris has (the CR-2 Dual) and the 1 thing I don't like about it is the lack of an internal pH probe. It's a very nice model.
http://www.myreefcreations.com/castandard.htm
 
I have a woodworking shop below my place and would love to host a meeting here!
I have contacted 4-5 plastic supply houses and have a line on the best Acrylic prices. Could even work a deal if we buy several sheets. Everyone one could PM me there possible projects and I could help figure square inches of acrylic necessary and have all the material there for the meeting. Haven't researched any prices on circular tubes.
The only tool I don't have is a jig to cutt the teeth for in something like an overflow box. I am sure I could make a jig if we do need one.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12673137#post12673137 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DawgDiggity
I have a woodworking shop below my place and would love to host a meeting here!
I have contacted 4-5 plastic supply houses and have a line on the best Acrylic prices. Could even work a deal if we buy several sheets. Everyone one could PM me there possible projects and I could help figure square inches of acrylic necessary and have all the material there for the meeting. Haven't researched any prices on circular tubes.
The only tool I don't have is a jig to cutt the teeth for in something like an overflow box. I am sure I could make a jig if we do need one.
Click to expand...

this sounds like something we need to get on the schedule soon! Thanks for your willingness to help, host and be a big part of this club. I for one sure need to learn more about working with acrylic.

Norman
 
Thanks Norman. I am really excited to be a part of this club, especially after meeting everyone at last month's meeting at Chris's.
Devon, You made any decision on your Calcium Reactor? Look forward to seeing everyone tommorow night at the AC!!
 
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