Good better best Calcium reactors?

[AZMSGT]

I’m shopping for a Calcium reactor for my RS 625 to be honest I have ran into analysis paralysis. I like the idea of a dual canister unit. I’m not worried about budget. Just looking to see what others are using what they like and don’t like.

I want a piece of equipment that I can count on and will last. Ideally my GHL controller will control it but it’s not needed.

I’ve looked at the DaStaCo which is an all in one solution. The Vertex RX-C 6d looks nice but ever since BRS did a video in it, there are none to be had.

Then of course there are a bunch of single can units that are out there.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Geo and vertex Very Good

 

[vangvace]

I just recieved my Geo 612 with secondary chamber that I will ph control with my p4 and a CD pump for the effluent. I looked at the Vertex, but the reviews on its pump connection and some minor leaking issues steered me away from it. DaStaCo has a great following but I haven't used them.

As I understand it, the housing themselves is less consequential as long as it gives bottom to top flow but the regulator and effluent control is where you make or break control. I am leaning towards a nice 2 stage regulator from GLA or ebay.

 

[biecacka]

GEO and add a second stage to it. I do like the Dastaco but budget is a concern of mine. But I love my GEO

Corey

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just recieved my Geo 612 with secondary chamber that I will ph control with my p4 and a CD pump for the effluent. I looked at the Vertex, but the reviews on its pump connection and some minor leaking issues steered me away from it. DaStaCo has a great following but I haven't used them.

As I understand it, the housing themselves is less consequential as long as it gives bottom to top flow but the regulator and effluent control is where you make or break control. I am leaning towards a nice 2 stage regulator from GLA or ebay.

I just got a Geo unit and have NO clue how to connect. . what to what to make it complete.
ANY PICS FOR CONNECTION, TIPS, INSIGHT??

 

[KStatefan]

If budget was not a concern I would purchase an Aquarium Engineering Automated Calcium Reactor.

 

[vangvace]

I just got a Geo unit and have NO clue how to connect. . what to what to make it complete.
ANY PICS FOR CONNECTION, TIPS, INSIGHT??

I can post a video or pics tonight after work of how I will have it connected. I am going to pull tank water through the system with a CD pump vice pushing water and using a needle valve to control the flow.

Edit for insights and tips:
use a tube cutter for your connections to avoid leakage.
control pH/CO2 in the reactor or flow through it but not both at the same time.
small tweak followed by 2 days of testing Alk to verify the tweak's effect.
run the system without co2 in the beginning to get the air bubbles fully out of the reactor. It might take a week or so.
if you dose 2 -part, don't cut it off cold turkey.

 

[ca1ore]

Best - aquarium engineering, dastaco, MTC (out of business though)
Better - Geo, vertex, lifereef
Good - everything else

 

[AZMSGT]

If budget was not a concern I would purchase an Aquarium Engineering Automated Calcium Reactor.

Do you have any experience with these?

 

[melanotaenia]

saw a video from Reefbuilders on a new Deltec reactor, if it is anything like their skimmers I am sure it will be amazing, the review on it was very positive.

 

[AZMSGT]

I just got a Geo unit and have NO clue how to connect. . what to what to make it complete.
ANY PICS FOR CONNECTION, TIPS, INSIGHT??

There are instructions and hook up guides on this page.

Instructions | Documentation | Geo's Reef

Learn how your Geo's Reef product works with our step-by-step instructions.

www.geosreef.com

Also I searched Google for videos and found several.

 

[AZMSGT]

saw a video from Reefbuilders on a new Deltec reactor, if it is anything like their skimmers I am sure it will be amazing, the review on it was very positive.

Yea, I saw that too.. unfortunately no US products are available.

 

[vangvace]

Yea, I saw that too.. unfortunately no US products are available.

reach out to Battlecorals if you decide to go that route or are interested in when they might be coming to the US.

 

[Montiman]

I have heard nothing but good things about the LifeReef Reactors. Especially when it comes to longevity. It might be worth giving Jeff a call. He makes them by hand and he may be able to tweak the design if you have a specific preference.

 

[KStatefan]

Do you have any experience with these?

No. I do not.