Lifereef Calcium Reactor. Anyone???

Pepcrylic

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Looking for input on this reactor. Likes? Dislikes?
How is effluent out controlled?
Would you recommend a larger circulation pump? Stock pump BL10.
Looking at the LCR2 rated for 600gal. (I have a 450 gal system)
 
I don't have any experience with this brand, from what I have read they claim to not need a ph controller. IMHO, reactors are a little tricky to set up and the controller just gives me a piece of mind that I don't let the ph in the reactor get too low. With that said, I am sure others have had sucess using a ph monitor too.
I bought a Reef Octo and so far it has been smooth sailing. One thing I did get to really be precise with tweaking my reactor was a Hanna Alkalinity checker, forget counting drops forever & get spot on results...
 
I have the LCR1 and the BL10 pump is just the circulator pump. I use a needle valve connected to a manifold to control effluent. I have tried to use the reactor a number of times without a ph controller. But I had no luck it fluctuated more than I liked. So I have mine connected to apex. And I agree with the above statement of the hanna alkalinity tester a must have with any calcium reactor. Hope this helps.
 
I had it on my previous tank. It was "ok". I wasn't as fond of it as I am his skimmers.
First, the Regulator you can get with it is bottom of the barrel and the needle valve that comes with it is junk. Much too sensitive.
I replaced this with a AP Carbon Doser and it made a world of difference. Later I built my own high end dual stage reg with a Hoke needle valve which was fantastic.
But back to the reactor itself... I'd get a Geo instead. It has the opposite flow of the LR, which most say is better.
And LR says that they put place their pH problem down low so it takes up less space and won't get broken like a Geo where it sticks out the top, but if you ever want to calibrate the probe you have to drain the whole reactor.
Major pain in the hoo-ha.
I can say I never had any issues running it. No trapped gas, a good media like Two Little Fishies Reborn dissolved well, and even the cheap feed pump that comes with it worked fine for me. Except I did have to remove the quick disconnect where the tank water entered the pump because the screen would clog.
With a good reg and a good feed pump like a Cole-Parmer Masterflex it was rock solid and real easy to use. No ph controller or apex needed. It ran 24/7. I just kept an eye on the pH levels with a monitor.
It was mainly the location of the pH probe I didn't like.
 
I use a LR1. I like it. It works for me. Get the AP Carbon doser like D2mini says. I am feeding it with a MJ1200 but as money comes along I want to upgrade to a masterflex but for now its ok. I check the effluent weekly because I am using a mj. I also don't like where the pH probe is because you have to drain to calibrate. I use mine with the apex.
 
Thanks guys.
I am running an MRC dual at the moment, with the electronic regulator/doser. (love that thing)
I have a 310 DT with an addtional 150 in the sump. The reactor works great.... but.. I find I have to replace media every 8 weeks +or-.
I am looking for a reactor of good quality that will hold more media.
I also love my Lifereef 60'', so I have considering his Ca Rx.
Regulating the effluent out is a big issue on my want list.
 

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