Calcium Reactor Media

bknapp · Jun 18, 2015

I'm about to switch from two part dosing to a calcium reactor. I got a used reactor that came with some ARM media but I've recently read some bad reviews of SPS and ARM. What are your thoughts on ARM if you've used it and if you're not what are you using?

Thanks guys.

Oscaror · Jun 18, 2015

[HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG]

Diesel · Jun 18, 2015

I've always used Reborn and my # are spot on.
Same as you I've heard that ARM is slow on the calcium release but I can't back that up.
Just wait and see who else will jump on this.

Bigmatt · Jun 19, 2015

Reborn, I had serious issues with arm, multiple batches, Adam at battle coral can chime in as well

Quinn123 · Jun 19, 2015

Reborn would be your best bet!!! love my calcium reactor, set it and forget, just have to check to see if it's dripping

bknapp · Jun 19, 2015

Bigmatt said:
Reborn, I had serious issues with arm, multiple batches, Adam at battle coral can chime in as well

Matt, what kind of issues did you have? What sized media did you use?

Thanks.

Where is @Battlecorals

bknapp · Jun 19, 2015

I'm honestly considering just throwing out this ARM that I've got. But the problem is, just like with everything else, one person despises the product and the next loves it. Which is why I'm looking for examples of specific issues.

ronnie · Jun 21, 2015

Is this recent? When I ran a reactor a few years ago, I used the large ARM and never had issues.

I'm getting ready to set it up again on my new tank, and have some ARM ready to drop in when I get around to it.

d2mini · Jun 21, 2015

TLF Reborn.

Tried ARM Coarse and it needed more C02 to get it to dissolve.

Willy · Jun 21, 2015

I have always used ARM coarse for several years. The last batch I switched to extra coarse. I was having issues with fluctuating alkalinity and the media not dissolving unless I cranked the CO2 way up.
I switched to Reborn on a suggestion from a fellow reefer. No more alkalinity issues and the corals are much happier.

MattL22 · Jun 21, 2015

Isn't it all coral skeleton ?
I use tlf because that's what Lfs stocks and it's cheap

d2mini · Jun 21, 2015

MattL22 said:
Isn't it all coral skeleton ?
I use tlf because that's what Lfs stocks and it's cheap

Yes, Reborn is dead coral. Recycling!

But ARM is made of coral, shells, etc too.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/4/short

therman · Jun 21, 2015

Reborn or Tropic Eden (very similar, indopacific SPS based) from Premium Aquatics.

Eckolancer · Jun 21, 2015

So could you use dead coral skeletons from sps and LPS? Just crush it up a little and add it to the reactor with some regular media as well?

Tek · Jul 15, 2015

Eckolancer said:
So could you use dead coral skeletons from sps and LPS? Just crush it up a little and add it to the reactor with some regular media as well?

That is what my friend does.