Calcium Reactor Recommendations
- Thread starter Dan Man
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I've run the small Korallin CA reactor for three years now. I think I may be at the point in uptake where the reactor is struggling to keep up, as my alk has been steadily decreasing.
I've been studying on dosing, and conversely, larger more advanced reactors,or, even a combination of the two, considering kalc and Mg.
I've run the small Korallin CA reactor for three years now. I think I may be at the point in uptake where the reactor is struggling to keep up, as my alk has been steadily decreasing.
I've been studying on dosing, and conversely, larger more advanced reactors,or, even a combination of the two, considering kalc and Mg.
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I recently threw out my old Deltec reactor and replaced it with a DaStaCo Xtrema, and i just love it! Mostly because you dont need a pH probe (i dont trust pH probes that much and i hate to calibrate 
)
And also because its so easy to set up and maintain, and so much more effective than the Deltec.
)And also because its so easy to set up and maintain, and so much more effective than the Deltec.
samparker
Well-Known Member
I currently have a Korallin and a Geo and have an Aquarium Engineering unit coming. I feel like all three are in different categories, the Korallin is a solid bit of kit that has stood the test of time, but the design isn't the best (no PH probe port and those horrible, horrible stainless screws and nuts on the lid.....). The Geo is many years younger, looks amazing and functions quite well - a really nice bit of kit and the after sales support is top notch. Whilst I haven't got my latest acquisition from Bill yet, I am certain it will be in a category of it's own. Not putting on a pedestal or anything, but it is a commercial unit.
At the end of the day, all three will be amazing units and perform the function they were built for. Look for something with strong lids (the ones that are molded always seem to break) and are strong around the bubble counter section (I've always worried about my Korallin here as it looks flimsy, but hasn't broken yet)
At the end of the day, all three will be amazing units and perform the function they were built for. Look for something with strong lids (the ones that are molded always seem to break) and are strong around the bubble counter section (I've always worried about my Korallin here as it looks flimsy, but hasn't broken yet)
BantyRooster97
Valuable Member
Just went through the same decision making process and chose the GEO with a secondary chamber. That AE one looks well built but it is too pricey & like others I looked at the LR but didn't like the ph probe location.
The GEO unit seems to be built very well, but I haven't set it all up yet.
The GEO unit seems to be built very well, but I haven't set it all up yet.
Bruce Burnett
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I had a korallin for years hated it the whole time. Counter sunk screws holding lid, would get air locked always seemed to get clogged. Had an Aqua C but hated that I could not get my hand inside of the chamber and was to small for my tank. I am now running a Vertex and love it. Be sure what you get, it has easy maintenance, and a good pump. I bought mine used, I have all 3 chambers filled with TLF coral bone media. My Skimz sulfur nitrate reactor has thumb screws on the lid but I will only open it maybe once every 2 years. My calcium reactor I top off about every three month and no thumb screws.
Robert Vacchiano
Active Member
I made my own secondary chamber out of 2 inch pvc and filled with calcium Media put a elbow on end and added a air stone to bring up ph it is a open secondary chamber flows down through it by gravity.works great .I have the 6by18 on a three hundred and it keeps calcium in the 475 range
Bruce Burnett
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I use my calcium reactor to maintain alkalinity and may have to make small adjustments with calcium chloride to raise calcium depending on coralline algae growth.
GoVols
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If I went back to a cal. reactor it would be the 2 stage GEO and set it up and run it like @hybridazn does.
Using the constant drip method.
Using the constant drip method.
Bruce Burnett
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We all know from using them long term that unless you have a CO2 leak it is all about media volume, water and co2 through put. But I think there are some better at recycling the co2. I would go with a taller calcium reactor if there is room before going larger diameter. Keeping them topped offed as often as possible keeps the output from needing adjusted as much.
Capitanpingaloca
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+1 geo I bought a geo CR 624 with the carbondoser regulator, I'm happy so far, you can't go wrong with them.
Daniel@R2R
Living the Reef Life
Very good discussion.
I ended up pulling the trigger on a GEO CR618 with a GEO SMC415 a secondary chamber. I wanted to get the GEO CR624 however its footprint is slightly outside of what room is available to fit it in my sump and I do not want to have it outside. I am going to guess if it was outside the tank that our one year old would mess with it.
I think this will be sufficient and will last me for a good number of years. I think the DaStaCo are the best equipment available however I just couldn't bring myself to part with that kind of cash when I could instead use the different on a homewrecker frag . Maybe on my next build down the line.
Again thanks to everyone for providing their experiences. It is difficult to shop for some of these items as we don't have them all available to see in person. Happy 4th everyone!
