Best Calcium Reactor on medium large system

Jeffdstafford · Dec 7, 2016

I've been using a Skimz CM 202 for about a year, and really like it, and feel the pump is properly sized for the reactor. I also used to run a Skimz sulphur nitrate reactor, the Skimz NM 152, and also really liked it. For the price, I feel like Skimz products are a great value.

Bruce Burnett · Dec 7, 2016

Jeffdstafford said:
I've been using a Skimz CM 202 for about a year, and really like it, and feel the pump is properly sized for the reactor. I also used to run a Skimz sulphur nitrate reactor, the Skimz NM 152, and also really liked it. For the price, I feel like Skimz products are a great value.

Off subject but why did you stop the sulfur denitrator?

Jeffdstafford · Dec 7, 2016

I actually still use one, just had to upgrade size, so that NM 152 is currently gathering dust unfortunately. I've got a 500 gallon display tank that is packed full of tangs and tons of other fish, so I converted my old large Reef Octopus Ca reactor into a sulphur reactor and it handles the nitrate load much better. I wasn't happy with the performance of the Reef Octopus as a Ca Reactor, so that's what spurred the Skimz purchase and the conversion to a sulphur reactor.

I'm a huge fan of sulphur reactors for anyone who battles nitrates; I used to maintain nitrates around 20-30ppm, now they stay at 2-3ppm, and the reactor requires practically no maintenance once you get it dialed in.

Bruce Burnett · Dec 7, 2016

Jeffdstafford said:
I actually still use one, just had to upgrade size, so that NM 152 is currently gathering dust unfortunately. I've got a 500 gallon display tank that is packed full of tangs and tons of other fish, so I converted my old large Reef Octopus Ca reactor into a sulphur reactor and it handles the nitrate load much better. I wasn't happy with the performance of the Reef Octopus as a Ca Reactor, so that's what spurred the Skimz purchase and the conversion to a sulphur reactor.

I'm a huge fan of sulphur reactors for anyone who battles nitrates; I used to maintain nitrates around 20-30ppm, now they stay at 2-3ppm, and the reactor requires practically no maintenance once you get it dialed in.

Which Reef Octopus calcium reactor were you using and what did you not like about it as a calcium reactor.

Sangheili · Dec 7, 2016

I will eventually be going with Destaco on at least one of my systems. From my research they seem to be the best solution, especially the media that lasts ages.

Bruce Burnett · Dec 7, 2016

Sangheili said:
I will eventually be going with Destaco on at least one of my systems. From my research they seem to be the best solution, especially the media that lasts ages.

I would expect the media life to be based on what the needs of the tank inhabitants are. When you buy one let us know your thoughts on it, the more input the better people can make decisions only once.

Jeffdstafford · Dec 7, 2016

Bruce Burnett said:
Which Reef Octopus calcium reactor were you using and what did you not like about it as a calcium reactor.

I had the CR5000D, the dual 8" reactor. I was battling CO2 buildup really bad, and it was making some weird, loud noises due to the gas building in the piping, and couldn't take it anymore.

Bruce Burnett · Dec 7, 2016

Jeffdstafford said:
I had the CR5000D, the dual 8" reactor. I was battling CO2 buildup really bad, and it was making some weird, loud noises due to the gas building in the piping, and couldn't take it anymore.

That is good to know as the handling of the co2 sure makes you want to give up on them. I had a Korallin before all the better ones were available and it would let the co2 build up until the pump became air locked. People just don't know how good the selection is today.

Bruce Burnett · Dec 13, 2016

So I purchased a used Vertex RX6Duo. It is well constructed and I paid about the same price as a basic Reef Octopus 6" reactor. to save between $200-$400 I will go used on something as simple as a calcium reactor. First thing I did was remove the sponges and put a plastic mesh down over bottom plates. No sponges with extra coarse media, Vertex redesigned the bottom plates on the newer RX-C-6D to use without sponges.