$100 dollars to spend

[Silent]

Going through your build thread and some of the issues you had lately I would put a carbon media reactor on the list.

 

[Hallowhead]

hanna has one for $69.00 that I have heard good things about

ugh a wrench in my plans. I would really like one but also want the flipper & a powerhead I think. I wonder what the calibration is like on that unit.. can anyone attest?

 

[New&no clue]

What about just a gift card to Bulk Reef Supply or Marine Depot both have a ton of stuff to pick from. Or if you are looking to add more corals a gift card to an online store, AquaSD has really nice stuff, some is a little expensive but they do a lot of sales through out the year and you can get some good stuff. Or do you have a LFS that you like to go to?

 

[Hallowhead]

Going through your build thread and some of the issues you had lately I would put a carbon media reactor on the list.

I have considered this heavily... However, wouldn't this hurt my low nitrate issue? Won't it reduce my nitrates further?

 

[Hallowhead]

What about just a gift card to Bulk Reef Supply or Marine Depot both have a ton of stuff to pick from. Or if you are looking to add more corals a gift card to an online store, AquaSD has really nice stuff, some is a little expensive but they do a lot of sales through out the year and you can get some good stuff. Or do you have a LFS that you like to go to?

I do have a local LFS at the bottom of the list. I am just looking for equipment/tools that some may use/have that I just wouldn't think but make the hobby maintenance much easier. Loving all the ideas.

 

[Silent]

Carbon will remove contaminates and clean the water. Wont effect nitrates.

 

[tautog83]

Carbon doesnt lower nitrates....

 

[Hallowhead]

I have read and been told that carbon reactors will reduce nitrates. Maybe not 100% directly but indirectly for sure

 

[jlts21]

I do have a local LFS at the bottom of the list. I am just looking for equipment/tools that some may use/have that I just wouldn't think but make the hobby maintenance much easier. Loving all the ideas.

My vote is for the Hanna Checkers (alk and cal). Regardless of whether you are dosing and/or have alot of corals is irrelevant. You will at some point have that tank packed with corals and will possibly dose (or do water changes) and you will need to know where you are at Alk, Cal, Mg wise. Because sometimes those levels can be off (bad batch of salt) and you can test your fresh saltwater before doing a water change

 

[Silent]

Carbon dosing and granular activated carbon are two different things. Carbon dosing will, GAC wont.

 

[Hallowhead]

My vote is for the Hanna Checkers (alk and cal). Regardless of whether you are dosing and/or have alot of corals is irrelevant. You will at some point have that tank packed with corals and will possibly dose (or do water changes) and you will need to know where you are at Alk, Cal, Mg wise. Because sometimes those levels can be off (bad batch of salt) and you can test your fresh saltwater before doing a water change

I have a alk hanna & was considering a calcium, may just get a salifert one though.

 

[Hallowhead]

Carbon dosing and granular activated carbon are two different things. Carbon dosing will, GAC wont.

Can you suggest a decently cheap GAC reactor for ~ 50 gallons?

 

[Ellis Syke]

A complete set of Hanna checkers perhaps? I’m wanting the calcium and pH probe. I think they’ll make any reefer happy.

I agree. Hannah Phos and Alk all day would be an excellent way to spend that.

 

[Hallowhead]

I agree. Hannah Phos and Alk all day would be an excellent way to spend that.

That's the two hanna checkers I have already!

 

[Silent]

There are so many to choose from but BRS sells an inexpensive one with a pump.

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single

Why does BRS recommend this? All of the BRS reactors come with easy to use push connect tubing, flow control, and a refillable cartridge. We took easy to find components to keep things cheap, while designing an efficient easy to refill reactor for aquarium use. We keep hearing our reactors are...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[jlts21]

I have a alk hanna & was considering a calcium, may just get a salifert one though.

I personally feel that testing cal with the salifert is a PIA. Especially when I have the Hanna checker. They are extremely easy to use IMHO

 

[Hallowhead]

There are so many to choose from but BRS sells an inexpensive one with a pump.

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single

Why does BRS recommend this? All of the BRS reactors come with easy to use push connect tubing, flow control, and a refillable cartridge. We took easy to find components to keep things cheap, while designing an efficient easy to refill reactor for aquarium use. We keep hearing our reactors are...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Does only the 75 dollar one come with the sicce 1.5? Much cheaper than I anticipated.

Does this help or hurt keeping algae to a minimum?

 

[Silent]

Yes that is for the one with the pump. As for algae that can be a tricky question. Maybe it will, maybe it wont. Carbon will help keep water clean and clear but that also makes light transmission better which will help grow algae.

 

[Hallowhead]

Yes that is for the one with the pump. As for algae that can be a tricky question. Maybe it will, maybe it wont. Carbon will help keep water clean and clear but that also makes light transmission better which will help grow algae.

I think I have stepped away from the thought of a reactor. It's just not necessary just yet. A bag of activated carbon is sufficient for now.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

Reef Breeders have their wave makers the RP-M. I use them and love them. There are also other vendors online that have affordable pricing and offer giftcards as well.