Which Calcium Reactor for 180g?

[reef_doug]

Need help in choosing my first Calcium Reactor for a 180g.
Don't want to spend a ton of money on this, the tank will be mixed reef and using ZEOvit.

I do like Tunze equipment, and I'm planning to use their Osmolator topoff; but haven't heard to much about the Automat.

Any experience with the options below, any others to consider or clear cut winners? (the reactor will be used internally inside of the sump).

Octopus CR-140
Knop C
Korallin C-1502
Tunze Automat 3170.000
PM CR422 (a little bit pricey though)

Also which would be the best regulator & solenoid?

I will be using an ACIII controller, with a 2nd pH probe.
The Octopus has a pH probe holder built in, is this a plus?

How long would a typical 5lb CO2 bottle last?
Should I consider 10lb?

Thank you,
Doug

 

[Doubledown]

I know it's not on your list, but I run a GEO on mine. I have the 624 (270 gallon total system), but you could get way with the 618 or the 612 on a mixed reef. Well made, very easy to set up and great customer service are the highlights of the GEO line. Plus it has a built in pH probe holder which is nice.

I have the Milwaukee regulator/solenoid/needle valve, but will be replacing it with the Reef Fanatic combo in the near future. The RF kit comes with a higher quality needle valve for true set-it-and-forget-it bubble count.

If you have space, get the bigger CO2 tank - fewer trips to the refill station are best. I have a 10# now that has been in use for a year (come to think of it, I should go get this filled).

 

[Waxxiemann]

I agree w/ the GEO.

 

[reef_doug]

Thank you, the GEO 618 looks good, and the built in probe holder is a plus.

ReefFanatic, or I've also heard the GenX CO2 regulator is worthy to check out, any other suggestions?

Thanks
Doug

 

[gasman059]

Thank you, the GEO 618 looks good, and the built in probe holder is a plus.

Thats what i run excellent np great product.
COnsider this two IMO just the top two the rest do work but not as well and not easily serviced and customer service is soso.
1-geo
2-procal-marinetechnical
just MO

 

[swedish steel]

Check out this link for a good aquarium controller
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARIUMPLANTS_com_s_Co2_Regulator_The_BEST_p/co2-1.htm

 

[Waxxiemann]

The MTC Ozone reactor is built like a tank, I bet their calcium reactor is a good choice.

Where do you find the prices for them?

Waxx

 

[five.five-six]

I had a knop on my 100 for years, it was very conservative with Co2. the biggest problem with using the small knop on a 180 is that you will have to open it up every 2 months to add media. it also uses a very efficient little ehime pump. do not try to save money on the needle valve... cheep needle valves are miserable

 

[reef_doug]

Check out this link for a good aquarium controller
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUAR...EST_p/co2-1.htm


do not try to save money on the needle valve... cheep needle valves are miserable

Thanks for all the helpful replies. That regulator looks very good (80 threads p/inch adj).

Are the needle valves part of the solenoid/regulator or within the Calcium reactor itself?

Also are check valves required to prevent water backing up into CO2 tank?

Thanks for your assistance, this Calc Reactor shopping is all new for me.

Best
Doug

 

[swedish steel]

I'm sorry that I used the word controller instead of the proper name - calcium reactor regulator in my earlier response. The needle valves are part of the regulator equipment, which also includes the solenoid and other items described in the link I sent. I think Doubledown was right about going for a 10# tank.

 

[mcurl98]

you need a check valve. The Geo comes with a small plastic one but I would upgrade. Geo recommends the metal ones but I use the Denerle