Calcium reactor for 80gal?

[d_adler]

To keep short and sweet...

The intention of my tank is to be packed with Sps.

What would be a reliable, quality, cost effective full calcium reactor setup for under $500 for this size tank?

 

[d_adler]

No help!?

 

[Twins Dragonz]

Bump and following

 

[MaddyP]

I am considering this option for my 75g.

https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...cium_Reactors-AquaMaxx-UJ94571-FICRRA-vi.html


@mdbannister purchased one for his tank, although, he hasn't updated his thread in a while. I'm not sure how it worked out for him, maybe he will chime in?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/help-me-with-my-calcium-reactor-setup-please.304545/

 

[Grey Guy]

Your best bet is to go used. Don't get fancy tanks, you will just swap them for regular steel ones unless you have a place to get them filled. Figure out where you're going to exchange or fill your CO2, and get your cylinders from them, so you don't have to pay shipping. Almost everyone has a used CO2 reactor that they are not using. They need a small circulation pump, and some media, a bubble counter and a check valve. I'm not sure how to get a good used regulator. A controllable solenoid valve, and some tubing and a needle valve and you're good to go. Used, I think 500 will get you a nice setup, worth at least 800. That's if you already have an Apex or something to control it. I wouldn't try one without a controller. Make sure your parameters are where you want them before you start your reactor. Used it to keep things good and not make things good and you will be O.K.

 

[Grey Guy]

Your best bet is to go used. Don't get fancy tanks, you will just swap them for regular steel ones unless you have a place to get them filled. Figure out where you're going to exchange or fill your CO2, and get your cylinders from them, so you don't have to pay shipping. Almost everyone has a used CO2 reactor that they are not using. They need a small circulation pump, and some media, a bubble counter and a check valve. I'm not sure how to get a good used regulator. A controllable solenoid valve, and some tubing and a needle valve and you're good to go. Used, I think 500 will get you a nice setup, worth at least 800. That's if you already have an Apex or something to control it. I wouldn't try one without a controller. Make sure your parameters are where you want them before you start your reactor. Used it to keep things good and not make things good and you will be O.K.

Also, you will need a metering pump for the effluent. Most people, like me who tried the calcium reactor route, have given up. Spend your money on a good dosing setup and you will be better off. Wish I had listened.

 

[d_adler]

Your best bet is to go used. Don't get fancy tanks, you will just swap them for regular steel ones unless you have a place to get them filled. Figure out where you're going to exchange or fill your CO2, and get your cylinders from them, so you don't have to pay shipping. Almost everyone has a used CO2 reactor that they are not using. They need a small circulation pump, and some media, a bubble counter and a check valve. I'm not sure how to get a good used regulator. A controllable solenoid valve, and some tubing and a needle valve and you're good to go. Used, I think 500 will get you a nice setup, worth at least 800. That's if you already have an Apex or something to control it. I wouldn't try one without a controller. Make sure your parameters are where you want them before you start your reactor. Used it to keep things good and not make things good and you will be O.K.

Well I'm all in! I picked up a used setup last week with the only thing missing behind a CO2 tank. I agree it's a little daunting and complex at first but I can't turn back at this point. I have a welding shop so getting my hands on a CO2 tank is no big deal. You were about spot on... $800 set up for just shy of $500

 

[d_adler]

I am considering this option for my 75g.

https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...cium_Reactors-AquaMaxx-UJ94571-FICRRA-vi.html


@mdbannister purchased one for his tank, although, he hasn't updated his thread in a while. I'm not sure how it worked out for him, maybe he will chime in?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/help-me-with-my-calcium-reactor-setup-please.304545/

I hope so. This post was also to see how many smaller setups run reactors. I've been looking all over REEF2REEF for good examples with only a few to look at. Some of the best Sps tanks I've personally seen down here in south Florida run reactor systems and that's what lead me this route

 

[Grey Guy]

Well I'm all in! I picked up a used setup last week with the only thing missing behind a CO2 tank. I agree it's a little daunting and complex at first but I can't turn back at this point. I have a welding shop so getting my hands on a CO2 tank is no big deal. You were about spot on... $800 set up for just shy of $500

Really, a working calcium reactor system still seems like the best way to go to me. It's like an all in one deal when you add Magnesium and whatever else you need into the reactor, and Calcium and Alk are being managed without any other supplements. Best of luck to you.

 

[d_adler]

Really, a working calcium reactor system still seems like the best way to go to me. It's like an all in one deal when you add Magnesium and whatever else you need into the reactor, and Calcium and Alk are being managed without any other supplements. Best of luck to you.

Those are my exact thoughts and the reason I jumped ship