Calcium Reactors - Recommendations and Advice Needed

[coralcrazy]

I am starting to explore the idea of replacing my dosing pump and chemicals with a Calcium Reactor for my 160 total gallon mixed reef. I am getting tired of buying chemicals and dosing.

I know very little about calcium reactors except how they work in principal.

Can anyone break down what I need to purchase and recommendation on Brands and parts?

Anyone have any used ones for sale?

 

[CastAway]

Tagging along....

 

[BODI]

Aside from the reactor Itself you will also need a pump to run the reactor, a gas cylinder, a good quality regulator & gauge assembly, reactor media, and a ph probe (or a controller) to monitor effluent.


I've never owned one, but I've considered purchasing a setup myself so I have done a bit of research... GEO seems like the most popular brand for the CaRx (CR612 or maybe CR618 for your size system), and the electronic regulator assembly from aquariumplants.com seems like the most often recommended quality regulator.

 

[CastAway]

I would not recommend a Korallin reactor, or their regulator. In hindsight, I wish I'd done more research on brands and features.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

bump for the late afternoon crowd!

 

[coralcrazy]

From my research today it looks like people are liking GEO, Reef Octopus, and Life Reef.

That's about is far as I got.

Anyone have a recommendation on all parts needed?

I'm kinda losing my mind on this one.

 

[Dtech07]

AquaMaxx S1,2, or 3 depending on your tank size.

 

[coralcrazy]

So this is the list I came up with.

1. GEO CR618 Link
2. Neptune PM1 and Ph Probe Link
3. Milwaukee MA957 CO2 Regulator Link
4. 4.4 lbs CO2 Tank Link

 

[Dtech07]

There's better regulators (Aquaticlife or a full digital) out there and a 10lb CO2 tank will last longer. I have a 20lb and haven't needed to refill yet in two years.

 

[coralcrazy]

There's better regulators out there and a 10lb CO2 tank will last longer. I have a 20lb and haven't needed to refill yet in two years.

What regulator are you using?

 

[Dtech07]

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticL..._Aquariums-AquaticLife-AK01217-FICORE-vi.html

 

[Dtech07]

This cost a lot more but the control is well worth it. I'll be picking one up soon.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/mobile/Product.aspx?id=2171

http://www.reefkeeping.com/joomla/i...hing-in-between-part-1#ariyuimenu_ariyui62_53

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index...ctors-in-out-and-everything-in-between-part-2



Also here are some great reads for CO2 Reactors

 

[Dtech07]

Here's my tank. Been using a CO2 for 2 1/2yrs one of the best investments yet.

 

[BODI]

Of all the component's required to run CaRx, I honestly believe the regulator assembly is the single most crucial part to a well running setup, do yourself a favor and do not skimp on this part.

 

[minhvu]

Geo 612 and aquariumplant regulator. Hard to beat that combo

 

[Dtech07]

Of all the component's required to run CaRx, I honestly believe the regulator assembly is the single most crucial part to a well running setup, do yourself a favor and do not skimp on this part.

+1x100 on this statement.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Geo hands down. I have used Milwaukee regulators for years and the only issue I found quickly was to raise the pressure higher than their suggestion or the bubble counter/needle valve did not stay in adjustment for long. Once I bumped the pressure up the first regulator worked perfectly for about 6 years before I replaced it, mostly because it was starting to look ugly compared to my nice shiny aluminum CO2 bottle. I also started with a Milwaukee pH controller that never gave me a lick of trouble but eventually move the control over to me RKL and sold the other stuff.

 

[TheReefMasta]

I have a MTC on my 120 and a MRC on my frag system, both are dual chamber which I would recommend. The MRC is the best reactor I have used. It is very high quality and once it is set you don't have to mess with it like some of the other brands.

 

[coralcrazy]

I have a MTC on my 120 and a MRC on my frag system, both are dual chamber which I would recommend. The MRC is the best reactor I have used. It is very high quality and once it is set you don't have to mess with it like some of the other brands.

Why do you recommend a dial chamber?

 

[CastAway]

I think the dual chamber helps to eliminate residual CO2 from the effluent, and thereby reduces direct affect on pH.