Aquamaxx CTech - T1 Review

[solitude127]

Since there aren't too many review of the Aquamaxx CTech Calcium reactor, I figure I'd put one out there that I recently installed.
My initial thoughts on the reactor is that it's very well built and solid construction. For my tank, I'm using the recommended CTech-T1. The T1 comes with a Sicce 0.5 recirculation pump and after starting it up, it's very quiet. I like the fact that it has its own baffle to try and keep the noise down. I also like that the pinch valve is at the beginning of the reactor and not on the effluent side. It also has a pre-filter to keep detritus out of the reactor. I haven't had it long enough to see how quick it gets dirty and what effect it has on the effluent but I like the fact that AM is trying to keep the gunk out of the reactor.
Here's a picture of it out of the box and the ATB secondary chamber I'm going to use to help dissolve some of the CO2 before going back into the tank.

Here's a pic of the custom regulator I built. I followed Alan Le model and have quickly discovered how important a good needle valve is.

Initial setup is a breeze, it's pretty much just plug and play for the most part. I'm using a Sicce 0.5 to feed the reactor and I really like the fact that the pinch/flow valve is at the beginning of the reactor as opposed to on the effluent line.
It's only been running for a few days but adjusting the reactor has been really easy with the help of a quality needle valve and an easy to tune pinch valve.
I'll try to report back about the reactor and hopefully my opinion doesn't change over the months/years.

 

[boozeman27]

Nice! Anxious to here more. Thanks!

 

[solitude127]

One thing to mention about this reactor is the ability to place the pre-filter canister and bubble counter anywhere on one of the thumb screws. This is one of the main reasons why I chose this reactor because of the ability to make the footprint a little smaller.

 

[Breakthecycle2]

i have the next size up. I love it. It is well built and very quiet.

 

[solitude127]

Just an update.
So I thought that replacing the provided pinch valve with a fancy needle valve would benefit me, right? Nope. After adding the needle valve and did nothing but fuss with the drip rate so after a week and a half, I gave up and put the provided pinch valve back on. Since then, I'm back to stable flow and stable parameters.

Here's a pic of the needle valve I added.

 

[MaddyP]

How is this reactor treating you? I'm looking into purchasing one. Also, I'm not to far from you!

 

[solitude127]

How is this reactor treating you? I'm looking into purchasing one. Also, I'm not to far from you!

Sorry for the late reply. But the reactor has been doing really well. My parameters have been stable and I've noticed a lot of new growth on my SPS.

 

[solitude127]

Just a quick update. The reactor has been up and running for 6 months now and parameters are very stable. I feel like I'm getting better growth with a CaRx than I was with dosing 2part. Thanks @MarineDepot for all your help.

Just a quick question. At what point to you refill your media? When there a 1/4 of the medial left, an 1/8th? Also do you just top off the media or do you replace with new media?

 

[midtnmike41]

How is the CaRX holding up? I am considering one for my tank.
How much media does it hold, and what size tank are you running it on?

 

[jmichaelh7]

can we get an update on how this is going for you ?

 

[MaddyP]

can we get an update on how this is going for you ?

Yes please! I just ordered one of these this week.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Yes please! I just ordered one of these this week.

have you found positive reviews?

I see its on sale at BRS. Did you get yours there for that price?

 

[MaddyP]

have you found positive reviews?

I see its on sale at BRS. Did you get yours there for that price?

I did yes. Not may reviews out there but it’s the smallest reactor I could find. It’ll be going on my 12G long build.

 

[elcapitan1993]

I did yes. Not may reviews out there but it’s the smallest reactor I could find. It’ll be going on my 12G long build.

Well that will last you a very long time then

 

[jmichaelh7]

Well that will last you a very long time then

is that a typo . 120 gallon?

 

[MaddyP]

Well that will last you a very long time then

Thats the idea!

is that a typo . 120 gallon?

Nope, not a typo. Total volume is about 25 gallons including sump.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Thats the idea!



Nope, not a typo. Total volume is about 25 gallons including sump.

Why not dose?

 

[MaddyP]

Why not dose?

Wanted to try something different. This’ll be my first reactor, every other tank I’ve ever had was dosed.

 

[ReeferA]

I'm having a very bad experience with the same one but the next size up cTech T-2.
The reactor leaks from several spots. First, the bottom of the pre-filter chamber. This happens every time the pinch valve is opened more than 50%. and it only stops when leaking when I slightly open it. At this rate, the effluent stops!!! When I open the pinch valve more than 50%, it starts leaking from the top and bottom of the pre-filter AND the union valve connected to the water pump in the white box. But, I get effluent.
I've tried using Teflon tap and other valves on the inlet/feed in the last 2 weeks but no progress.
I'm going to call BRS tomorrow.