Recommendations on a Calcium Reactor setup

[Sikryd]

I'm looking for some suggestions on a calcium reactor setup for my 200g build that is in progress.

I might just pick it up new, so I figure I'd see what you guys recommend and what to buy it.
Thanks -

 

[reefdan]

i love my geo 618. that's what i would recommend for your 200g if you're doing sps. 618 would be the smallest i would go.

i like the geos because they're simple, rock solid, and don't require much maintenance (although some people seem to have issues with clogging i never have had a clog using large/extra large media).

you'll want a good quality check valve. i use that brass one that marine depot carries. much more expensive than the rest but supposedly the best quality.

i like using the aquariumplants.com "world's best" regulator. takes out all of the guesswork and the variations due to an emptying co2 bottle. no need to count bubbles -just count the light flicker. it also allows you to change the size of the bubble for a slower release. a big more expensive than a traditional needlevalve regulator but easier to use and comes w/ a 3 year warranty. also made in US.

 

[macawmagic]

I'd have to say the geo 618 also. I've had no problems with mine other than stupid errors that were my fault!

 

[twinspots_goby]

Reef Octopus Reverse Flow Dual Chamber should work well for you.

 

[Sikryd]

I just sent an email to Tom@Socal to get some pricing on the 618 and some lighting stuff.
Thanks -

Any other suggestions on places to check on pricing lmk

For lighting I am looking at -

2x 400w Radiums
Lumatek, Coralvue, or Blueline ballasts
Lumanmax elite reflectors
2x 48" VHO with 22k Super actinic bulbs

 

[ricwilli]

What about the ATB Reactor. Those things ROCK. They recycle the CO2. I currently have the Schuran Jetstream 1 which also recycles the CO2, but would prefer the ATB. Take a look at this link. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/f260/atb-calcium-reactors-34841.html

 

[Sikryd]

What about the ATB Reactor. Those things ROCK. They recycle the CO2. I currently have the Schuran Jetstream 1 which also recycles the CO2, but would prefer the ATB. Take a look at this link. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/f260/atb-calcium-reactors-34841.html

I thought about that, but I'm not sure if it is in my price range. I sent a pm off to them though.

My buddy has the Schuran right now and it is pretty neat to watch. Although I don't know where they sell them online, so I haven't checked on them yet.

I'd like to be in the $700 range for a full setup - reactor, regulator, tank, ph probe - That is stretching it though, but we'll see. If not, I guess I'll have to sell some frags

 

[Acrokeeper3729]

I have the Vertex Rx6 Duo. Its a sick reactor, I have not set it up yet because I am doing a growout and dont want to chance an alkalinity swing while setting it up but its awesome. My friend has the same 1 on his 360 gallon and its just sick. Well made with screw on tops, multiple chambers, even a chamber on the end for gfo, highest build quality I've seen. I had a geo 618 before this and this is better in my opinion. You should google it if you havent seen it.

 

[TonyB]

Chad you know I love my Geo 624.

 

[Acrokeeper3729]

Its not cheap Chad but its a serious reactor and it comes with a precision needle valve for the efluent. You would love this thing. You definatly get what you pay for with it. Heres mine.

 

[Sikryd]

Its not cheap Chad but its a serious reactor and it comes with a precision needle valve for the efluent. You would love this thing. You definatly get what you pay for with it. Heres mine.

Tony - Yeah I'm kind of leaning towards the geo.

I'm sure I would, but what was the package price on it?

 

[reefdan]

it's post looks like a monster! no co2 wasted there!

socaltrop is a great place to get this stuff. that's where i got mine. for co2 your local airgas is good but you can also buy the container online and have it filled at a soda dispensary filling station.

the schurans work very well but my buddies tell me that replacing anything on them is expensive and near impossible. that aside, his smaller size one (not the nano) doesn't keep up with his 140g sps reef.

 

[Acrokeeper3729]

Its $469 just for the reactor but I got 20% off when Marine Depot did a 20% off sale on all Vertex reactors and then Salty supply gave me the price match plus 5% off for there price match gaurantee so I got a great deal to say the least. Its still worth the $469 if you can swing it. It recircs the co2 and has a second chamber for media and a third chamber for GFO and a large bubble counter etc.

 

[Sikryd]

Its $469 just for the reactor but I got 20% off when Marine Depot did a 20% off sale on all Vertex reactors and then Salty supply gave me the price match plus 5% off for there price match gaurantee so I got a great deal to say the least. Its still worth the $469 if you can swing it. It recircs the co2 and has a second chamber for media and a third chamber for GFO and a large bubble counter etc.

Cool - thanks for the info Craig. I hit up 4-5 vendors with a list of stuff. So I'll what it looks like when it comes back.

 

[SaraB]

I've got a Deltec PF501 that I need to clean and sell off ...

 

[Nemeziz_ZA]

You wouldn

Its not cheap Chad but its a serious reactor and it comes with a precision needle valve for the efluent. You would love this thing. You definatly get what you pay for with it. Heres mine.

t happen to have an instruction manual or setup guide for this reactor? I recently got one, but it has no manual...

 

[aabjones888]

I'd recommend a geo reactor and the aquariumplants.com regulator. I chose the geo because I wanted to stick with a company that's been in ca reactors for awhile. I also chose the aquariumants regulator because of all the great reviews it had and how everyone said it was easy to use.
I use the smallest geo reactor and have had zero issues with it and I use the aquariumplants regulator and it's super easy to set. Ive got a few good friends that went cheap on there regulator and it seemed
Like they were messing around with there settings all the time. I almost never have to do anything to mine. I just make sure my effluent drip into my sumps the same and not clogged or slowing down.