Calcium Reactor

billyr98 · 07-24-2006, 12:09 AM

Well its time.. I am full of SPS now and would like to make this tank easier to keep my calcium levels at 420ish... So I want to get a calcium reactor..
Which brand do I want to shop for?

I am thinking Geo..

Also Which one? I have 210g tank with 100g sump, 100g fuge, 40g prop tank..

So my total water is about 400g...

Also what else do i need? PH controller? Solinoid? CO2 tank?

Ok lets see....

I have also heard I could run a kalk reactor or continue to drip kalk to keep my pH levels in tack! Let me know on this also!!

Thanks everyone..

Woodstock · 07-24-2006, 12:34 AM

Not sure about the best but do get a dual reactor.

JFK_Jr · 07-24-2006, 01:55 AM

I just posted this to the poll on supplements...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFK_Jr

I have... I use A.R.M. arogonite media in conjunction with CO2 to maintain calcium levels and supplement strontium. It keeps my calcium level at 450 and has not affected my PH one bit. I have not needed to drip Kalkwasser with my reactor... which I must add is awesome... like the Ron Popiel commercials "Just set it... and forget it!"

It's made by Jeff at Lifereef.

http://www.lifereef.com/calcium.html

billyr98 · 07-24-2006, 04:50 PM

iluvzigz · 08-10-2006, 12:24 AM

id like to see if anyone has anymore input on this

prow · 08-10-2006, 02:48 AM

i think its just like any other reactor. no reactor needs a ph controller. but it would be a good idea to use one. i looked for what the media is made of did not find anything. either way you should always test for whatever your putting in. CO2 in this case=testing ph. there is always a chance for something to wrong and you lose everything.(Murphy's law)everyone i know with reactors, after some adjusting, never have to do anything and the ph stays stable with Ca+ in the 400's. there alk stays pretty steady although most do add something for that, kalk washing soda or something else. but all of them use a controller.

geo i hear are pretty good. any reactor will do the samething. its the media used thats the big deal. for the reactor its a matter of room, setup, and what is best for you. some are easy to clean but hard to adjust others well you get it, stuff like that. each i think has it limitations but i dont think there is any superior brand over the next. do get a dual one as suggested before.

geo is actually a guy that did a DIY and now he makes them for sale over the net.

Warnberg · 08-10-2006, 10:16 AM

I suggest a shuran reactor.... definitely use a pH controller (Milwaukee SMS122 pH Controller) is what I would recommend. You will also need a solenoid with a good needle valve, if you get the shuran reactor you will not need a bubble counter. A tank is up to you, you can rent or buy..... good luck.

reefrelief · 08-10-2006, 10:18 AM

The K2R reactors have proven to be the best being as though the people who have used them have recorded the best reading in clacium and alk. A close second if not a tie is the MRC reactors. They come in multiple stages and are as easy to maintenance as the K2R's. I have used a K2R on my personal tanks with great success, Billy you have seen that succes. For the system at the store, I have a commercial MRC which I am very impressed with.

boozeman · 08-10-2006, 10:30 AM

I have only heard good things about the GEO billy...it is relatively inexpensive compared to the other top choices and the pump it comes with is a good one...for any reactor you will need the CO2 tank and valves...one of our sponsors(finsdepot) has them in stock...and you know how great their customer service is

other choices are deltec..but only the 500 series and up(the smaller ones use the aquabee pump which I hear has problems siezing up with calcium deposits)..btw they also make a nice kalk stirrer.
schuran is a very nice design..comes assembled on its own board and is very innovative in its co2 recirculating capability, BUT..I hear the customer support from them is a nightmare!
ps. you will still need to dose kalk as the reactor is used mostly to maintain the levels and decrease the usual ph imbalances that come with dozing.

Boomer · 08-10-2006, 01:48 PM

If you want the best dual chamber get one from Leo at MTC.

http://www.marinetechnical.com/

boozeman · 08-10-2006, 02:27 PM

looks very nice...why do you think it is the best boomer?

Woodstock · 08-10-2006, 02:46 PM

I've bookmarked that site Boomer. I like the minical reactor... where are their prices?

Boomer · 08-10-2006, 03:53 PM

Best ?

It is a large dual chamber. It is the one most try to duplicate and copy. I have yet seen one that is better or as good, par the Lumar Technology, which is no longer in busniess.

Price Woody?

Very expensive, reason many do not have one

The Porcal is close to $750.00. The mini maybe $350.00 ?

Leo is also famous for his skimmers, the HSA series

edit
Let me add something on calcium reactors so one knows what they are getting into. Pretend the Calcium is at 380 and the Alk is 2.5meq / l and you want to raise the Ca++ to 420 ppm Ca++ and have a Alk of 3.5. Don't forget that if you raise the Ca++ up 40 ppm the Alk is going to go up 2.00 meq l, so your Alk will be 4.5 meq/ l. So, if you want a Alk of 3.5 you will have to live or sup to get a Calcium of 420, being it will be 400 ppm @ 3.5 meq/ l. So even the best Calcium reactors that are dual chamber my not have a pH issue there can still be an issue for Ca++ and Alk depending on tank needs. The reason many still need to sup buffers or kalk. Many with reactors do just fine and get the levels they want but that is not everybody. Calcium reactors are not controlled by Ca++ but by Alk measurements and pH. So, you get what you get. Media also make a difference

billyr98 · 08-10-2006, 06:56 PM

Ok.. some great info there Boomer, as usual..

JFK_Jr · 08-10-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomer

Media also make a difference

Boomer... which media would you recommend?

I'm using A.R.M. but would change if there's something better out there?

07-24-2006, 12:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
billyr98 Reefing Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 5,400 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Calcium Reactor Well its time.. I am full of SPS now and would like to make this tank easier to keep my calcium levels at 420ish... So I want to get a calcium reactor.. Which brand do I want to shop for? I am thinking Geo.. Also Which one? I have 210g tank with 100g sump, 100g fuge, 40g prop tank.. So my total water is about 400g... Also what else do i need? PH controller? Solinoid? CO2 tank? Ok lets see.... I have also heard I could run a kalk reactor or continue to drip kalk to keep my pH levels in tack! Let me know on this also!! Thanks everyone.. __________________ Billyr98 -=NJRC Treasurer=- My 450g Reef Tank ~~~ Its HERE!!!

07-24-2006, 12:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 24,157 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor Not sure about the best but do get a dual reactor. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

07-24-2006, 04:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
billyr98 Reefing Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 5,400 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor __________________ Billyr98 -=NJRC Treasurer=- My 450g Reef Tank ~~~ Its HERE!!!

08-10-2006, 12:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
iluvzigz Elegance coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: palm beach FL Posts: 1,026 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor id like to see if anyone has anymore input on this __________________ Ben *Member "Crabs Are Evil and Delicious" Society* http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...250#post172250

08-10-2006, 02:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
prow Tridacna maxima Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 4,374 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor i think its just like any other reactor. no reactor needs a ph controller. but it would be a good idea to use one. i looked for what the media is made of did not find anything. either way you should always test for whatever your putting in. CO2 in this case=testing ph. there is always a chance for something to wrong and you lose everything.(Murphy's law)everyone i know with reactors, after some adjusting, never have to do anything and the ph stays stable with Ca+ in the 400's. there alk stays pretty steady although most do add something for that, kalk washing soda or something else. but all of them use a controller. geo i hear are pretty good. any reactor will do the samething. its the media used thats the big deal. for the reactor its a matter of room, setup, and what is best for you. some are easy to clean but hard to adjust others well you get it, stuff like that. each i think has it limitations but i dont think there is any superior brand over the next. do get a dual one as suggested before. geo is actually a guy that did a DIY and now he makes them for sale over the net.

08-10-2006, 10:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
Warnberg Acropora Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,911 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor I suggest a shuran reactor.... definitely use a pH controller (Milwaukee SMS122 pH Controller) is what I would recommend. You will also need a solenoid with a good needle valve, if you get the shuran reactor you will not need a bubble counter. A tank is up to you, you can rent or buy..... good luck. __________________ Dave 240 Gallon Tall Tencor (96"L x 30"T x 18"W) 4 250 Watt MH XM10K bulbs 2-54 Watt T5 Actinic Euro-Reef CS8-2-RC Jetstream 1 Calcium Reactor 4 Tunze Turbelle stream 6000 power heads 7095 Tunze controller

08-10-2006, 10:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
reefrelief RS Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 57 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Calcium Reactor The K2R reactors have proven to be the best being as though the people who have used them have recorded the best reading in clacium and alk. A close second if not a tie is the MRC reactors. They come in multiple stages and are as easy to maintenance as the K2R's. I have used a K2R on my personal tanks with great success, Billy you have seen that succes. For the system at the store, I have a commercial MRC which I am very impressed with. __________________ http://www.reefsanctuary.com/Sponsor...vingcolor2.gif

08-10-2006, 10:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor I have only heard good things about the GEO billy...it is relatively inexpensive compared to the other top choices and the pump it comes with is a good one...for any reactor you will need the CO2 tank and valves...one of our sponsors(finsdepot) has them in stock...and you know how great their customer service is other choices are deltec..but only the 500 series and up(the smaller ones use the aquabee pump which I hear has problems siezing up with calcium deposits)..btw they also make a nice kalk stirrer. schuran is a very nice design..comes assembled on its own board and is very innovative in its co2 recirculating capability, BUT..I hear the customer support from them is a nightmare! ps. you will still need to dose kalk as the reactor is used mostly to maintain the levels and decrease the usual ph imbalances that come with dozing. __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine Last edited by boozeman : 08-10-2006 at 12:37 PM.

08-10-2006, 01:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,275 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Calcium Reactor If you want the best dual chamber get one from Leo at MTC. http://www.marinetechnical.com/ __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

08-10-2006, 02:27 PM	#11 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor looks very nice...why do you think it is the best boomer? __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

08-10-2006, 02:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 24,157 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor I've bookmarked that site Boomer. I like the minical reactor... where are their prices? __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

08-10-2006, 03:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,275 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Calcium Reactor Best ? It is a large dual chamber. It is the one most try to duplicate and copy. I have yet seen one that is better or as good, par the Lumar Technology, which is no longer in busniess. Price Woody? Very expensive, reason many do not have one The Porcal is close to $750.00. The mini maybe $350.00 ? Leo is also famous for his skimmers, the HSA series edit Let me add something on calcium reactors so one knows what they are getting into. Pretend the Calcium is at 380 and the Alk is 2.5meq / l and you want to raise the Ca++ to 420 ppm Ca++ and have a Alk of 3.5. Don't forget that if you raise the Ca++ up 40 ppm the Alk is going to go up 2.00 meq l, so your Alk will be 4.5 meq/ l. So, if you want a Alk of 3.5 you will have to live or sup to get a Calcium of 420, being it will be 400 ppm @ 3.5 meq/ l. So even the best Calcium reactors that are dual chamber my not have a pH issue there can still be an issue for Ca++ and Alk depending on tank needs. The reason many still need to sup buffers or kalk. Many with reactors do just fine and get the levels they want but that is not everybody. Calcium reactors are not controlled by Ca++ but by Alk measurements and pH. So, you get what you get. Media also make a difference __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

08-10-2006, 06:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
billyr98 Reefing Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 5,400 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calcium Reactor Ok.. some great info there Boomer, as usual.. __________________ Billyr98 -=NJRC Treasurer=- My 450g Reef Tank ~~~ Its HERE!!!

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