Calcium Reactor - Decisions Decisions!!!

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

Hello all...

I’d like to try out a calcium reactor and having trouble deciding as there are so many options. Current tank is 200 gallons of water running SPS dominant but have plans to expand later when we buy a new house in a few years.

Right now I’m currently torn between a new Vertex or a used PM CR622 Calcium Reactor
PM EF1 Effluent Chamber with Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump.

I’d love some folks opinions!

crusso1993 · Mar 10, 2019

BfishLpond78 said:
Hello all...

I’d like to try out a calcium reactor and having trouble deciding as there are so many options. Current tank is 200 gallons of water running SPS dominant but have plans to expand later when we buy a new house in a few years.

Right now I’m currently torn between a new Vertex or a used PM CR622 Calcium Reactor
PM EF1 Effluent Chamber with Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump.

I’d love some folks opinions!

I'm partial to the PMCR622 but have no experience with the Vertex.

I believe Simon @ca1ore has some experience with different models and might chime in here.

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

crusso1993 said:
I'm partial to the PMCR622 but have no experience with the Vertex.

I believe Simon @ca1ore has some experience with different models and might chime in here.

Thanks Crusso!

I’m leaning towards that as well since it has much more capacity for future upgrades

YES · Mar 10, 2019

I’m upgrading right now and not sure if I should dose or get a calcium reactor?

Bpb · Mar 10, 2019

I’ve not used either. But based on design simplicity I’d go with the PM.

ca1ore · Mar 10, 2019

crusso1993 said:
I believe Simon @ca1ore has some experience with different models and might chime in here.

I’m a 20 year CaRx user, but always the same unit, a MTC ProCal, so cannot speak to either unit under consideration, sorry. There’s a chap selling one on ManhattanReefs if you want to broaden your options. Hard for me to not recommend the ProCal since it’s lasted me two decades (though I have modified it over time). At the end of the day, they’re not all that complicated so I’d judge build quality to be a top selection criterion.

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

Question for the group following already...is it not wise to start using a CalRx until you have a heavy demand for elements?

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

What is a quality dual stage regulator?

Breadman03 · Mar 10, 2019

You can fire up a calcium reactor at a very slow rate. I was running mine when I had 0.3 dkh daily demand. You just run slow effluent and bubble rates. I'm running a Carbon Doser regulator, but my next regulator will be by Alan Le. He's got some threads about building your own, and also sells complete units with all top shelf components.

Mark Gray · Mar 10, 2019

As soon as I run out of Triton I am going to go with this on made by Bill Wann garneted for life

https://www.aquariumeng.com/products/calcium-reactors/automated-calcium-reactor

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

Breadman03 said:
You can fire up a calcium reactor at a very slow rate. I was running mine when I had 0.3 dkh daily demand. You just run slow effluent and bubble rates. I'm running a Carbon Doser regulator, but my next regulator will be by Alan Le. He's got some threads about building your own, and also sells complete units with all top shelf components.

Where does he sell the units? I’m currently working on securing a good regulator.

jporter17 · Mar 10, 2019

I have no experience with either you listed. I run a Geo unit on my tank and have been very happy with it and the customer service. Just another choice if you're open to others. Good luck and enjoy whichever one you choose. I can vouch for a good dual stage regulator from Alan Le. I use one as well. JP

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

jporter17 said:
I have no experience with either you listed. I run a Geo unit on my tank and have been very happy with it and the customer service. Just another choice if you're open to others. Good luck and enjoy whichever one you choose. I can vouch for a good dual stage regulator from Alan Le. I use one as well. JP

I was looking at GEO’s today and went for a Geo 624!

Where can I get one of these Alan Le regulators?

Thanks!

Usctom · Mar 10, 2019

I believe Alan le posts on here or you can contact him on Facebook. Iv heard nothing but good things about his regulators

Water Dog · Mar 10, 2019

Alanle’s comtact information can be found in post #1348 on the big regulator build thread on RC. He is extremely helpful and very respomsive to the questions I had with my 2 regulator builds.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771&page=54

Bpb · Mar 10, 2019

Another plus one for Alan. Awesome resource for regulators and as was said, top shelf quality, and fast response

BfishLpond78 · Mar 10, 2019

I sent Alan a text as instructed in his thread.

Besides an Apex, what Ph Controllers are folks using on the regulator?

Water Dog · Mar 10, 2019

Though I will be using my Apex, I believe both Pinpoint and Milwaukee make standalone pH controllers that can be used for calcium reactors.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pinp...MI6KXFrIH54AIVLrCzCh0OwQyvEAQYASABEgIH7_D_BwE

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/milw...MIueiUwIH54AIVgYjICh3TGQFzEAQYASABEgIo1_D_BwE

ca1ore · Mar 10, 2019

I’m using the Milwaukee for my CaRx. The switching outlet can be plugged into an apex outlet to cycle the solenoid without turning off the display. Can also have a second level of pH control.

Rick.45cal · Mar 10, 2019

Ive been very pleased with my GEO 818 and 618 secondary chamber. Definitely get a dual stage regulator if you can swing it. You’ll love your GEO 624 congrats!