Reactors- must have and nice to haves

[Jcm412]

I bought a 300 gallon tank that I plan to use as my first reef tank. I am doing all my research up front before I even begin to fill it.

The more I read the more options I see out there. Cheato reactors, Calcium reactors, biopellet reactors, sulfer reactors, carbon reactors, etc. I know there a reasons for all of them. However, are there any that are must haves or really nice to haves?

 

[Starwar]

Well, the only other option besides a reactor is to use a media bag right? I just don't find media bags acceptable. i run carbon and GFO in two separate reactors. I turn the carbon on only occasionally to clarify the water. The GFO runs constantly, slowly tumbling so it doesn't clump...I'm not sure if u can run gfo in a bag. Anyways, for the low cost of the reactors, why not?

 

[Water Dog]

As you graduate from beginner corals like softies and LPS to more demanding SPS corals like Acropora and Millepora, you may find a calcium reactor quite beneficial for a tank of your size. As calcium and alkalinity demands increase with the more challenging stony corals, 2 part dosing may become become quite expensive. While initial costs for a quality calcium reactor setup are pricey, long term operation will provide better stability, additional trace elements and lower costs over time. I will be runnning a GEO calcium reactor with my own DIY custom CO2 regulator when I get my 57 gallon box o' sticks build up and running.