Any Good Calcium Reactors?

[Bigfish93]

D2mini,
Why is it a bad idea to run it off the manifold? I was planning on setting my system that way.

"For flow, most reactors come with a cheap Rio hobby pump or similar. Some people feed off their manifold but that's not a good idea at all for a CaRx."

 

[Roberto CRC]

Hello friends, I tell them that these days I've been finding out about this issue but I still have some doubts and maybe you can help me.

For example, several recommend GEO 618, I found this on the internet and want to use it as an example.

This http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEO-618-Calcium-Reactor-/151792709663?hash=item23578cf01f

What brings in the package is everything you need to put it to work? clear regardless CO2 tank. But outside the tank it would be complete or have to buy something apart?

 

[Diesel]

You still need a Co2 bottle and a regulator for your Co2 dosing, on top of that Reactor media like Newborn from Two Littlefishies.

 

[swk]

Hello friends, I tell them that these days I've been finding out about this issue but I still have some doubts and maybe you can help me.

For example, several recommend GEO 618, I found this on the internet and want to use it as an example.

This http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEO-618-Calcium-Reactor-/151792709663?hash=item23578cf01f

What brings in the package is everything you need to put it to work? clear regardless CO2 tank. But outside the tank it would be complete or have to buy something apart?

Personally, I would order direct from GEOrge at the geo website. A great guy to work with and is a true gem when it comes to questions and service.

 

[Tank2379]

Ok Guys this is what I ended up doing.

Calcium Reactor from Geo's Reef CR512- 6"diameter cylinder Geo didn't have the 5" so he was going to add the 6"diameter for no extra charge. I think was a plus.
5lb C02 bottle
Aquarium Plants Regulator
Aqua Lifter Pump
8.8lbs of Reborn Media

Let me know if I missed anything else.

 

[Diesel]

Ok Guys this is what I ended up doing.

Calcium Reactor from Geo's Reef CR512- 6"diameter cylinder Geo didn't have the 5" so he was going to add the 6"diameter for no extra charge. I think was a plus.
5lb C02 bottle
Aquarium Plants Regulator
Aqua Lifter Pump
8.8lbs of Reborn Media

Let me know if I missed anything else.

Why the Aqua Lifter Pump?
I have the smallest Eheim pump, imo the Aqua Lifter Pump don't last if you run them 24/7
Make sure on top of the Reborn add the KZ Magnesium in that case you dose all three in one reactor.
Btw, what size tank do you have?

 

[Tank2379]

90G

 

[Diesel]

90G

OK great, you have plenty of CaRx with that 512

 

[Tank2379]

OK great, you have plenty of CaRx with that 512

But was told aqua lifter works better?? Or this model

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I've been running calcium reactors for about 5 years. I'm in no way a pro, but after 5 years I got mine running pretty good.

Reactor brand:
I've ran Korallin, Aquamaxx, and now I have a Geo 624. I have to say, the Geo is by far the best reactor out of the three I've used. Very simple, and hasn't missed a beat since I've set it up.
The key to getting a reactor running smoothly is having the right equipment. I wouldn't run a reactor with out one of these PVC needle valves



Here's an idea for a second stage to help scrub any excess co2 out.


You can get these from any place that sells RO/DI equipment. They are cheap and work great



I ran that Korallin for years, and I only upgraded because I was having to refill the media every few months. Kind of a pain. The Aquamaxx I only ran for a few weeks, and I wasn't a big fan. Ended up breaking, and luckily I got my money back and bought the Geo.


Regulator:
I've had the same JBJ regulator for 5 years, and once its dialed in, its worked great. I did just order all the parts to build a DIY two stage regulator. I was just worried that the solenoid on my JBJ was gunna go out. so instead of buying a new solenoid, I just said F it and got a whole new rig. Should be pretty sweet when it's all setup.

Here's my new two stage reg


Feed pump:
IMO the guys using dosing pumps as feed pumps are super overkill. I'm sure they work great, but I've had my reactor running off a manifold for years and never had 1 problem. If people are having problems with feed pumps, I'm gunna guess they are doing something wrong.

This is my current manifold. Just need a simple gate valve to adjust flow to reactor. A ball valve is no good IMO.

 

[gettaReef]

I've been running calcium reactors for about 5 years. I'm in no way a pro, but after 5 years I got mine running pretty good.

Reactor brand:
I've ran Korallin, Aquamaxx, and now I have a Geo 624. I have to say, the Geo is by far the best reactor out of the three I've used. Very simple, and hasn't missed a beat since I've set it up.
The key to getting a reactor running smoothly is having the right equipment. I wouldn't run a reactor with out one of these PVC needle valves



Here's an idea for a second stage to help scrub any excess co2 out.


You can get these from any place that sells RO/DI equipment. They are cheap and work great



I ran that Korallin for years, and I only upgraded because I was having to refill the media every few months. Kind of a pain. The Aquamaxx I only ran for a few weeks, and I wasn't a big fan. Ended up breaking, and luckily I got my money back and bought the Geo.


Regulator:
I've had the same JBJ regulator for 5 years, and once its dialed in, its worked great. I did just order all the parts to build a DIY two stage regulator. I was just worried that the solenoid on my JBJ was gunna go out. so instead of buying a new solenoid, I just said F it and got a whole new rig. Should be pretty sweet when it's all setup.

Here's my new two stage reg


Feed pump:
IMO the guys using dosing pumps as feed pumps are super overkill. I'm sure they work great, but I've had my reactor running off a manifold for years and never had 1 problem. If people are having problems with feed pumps, I'm gunna guess they are doing something wrong.

This is my current manifold. Just need a simple gate valve to adjust flow to reactor. A ball valve is no good IMO.

Great info. I'm very close to buying a used Korallin 1502 cal rx for a great deal (and includes nearly everything). I also plan to run it off a manifold using gate valve, use the same needle valve, and also build a high quality regulator. I see most suggesting GEO but this is such a good deal from a member of my local reef club. You stated you used your Korallin successfully, would you suggest I go ahead and try out the Korallin or should I look elsewhere for a GEO? Thanks for the advice!

 

[Roberto CRC]

Personally, I would order direct from GEOrge at the geo website. A great guy to work with and is a true gem when it comes to questions and service.

Thanks for the advice, because I really do not know what exactly needs to be installed and connected only. Co2 bottle I would buy it here in my country, as I would be very costly bring the weight.
What is the right page to contact the customer service GEO

 

[d2mini]

D2mini,
Why is it a bad idea to run it off the manifold? I was planning on setting my system that way.

"For flow, most reactors come with a cheap Rio hobby pump or similar. Some people feed off their manifold but that's not a good idea at all for a CaRx."

Because flow through a manifold can vary up and down. You want ultra consistent flow through a CaRx.

btw, its good practice to use the quote button so the person you are quoting gets a notification. Just putting my quote between quote marks doesn't notify me that my post was quoted.
I just happened to check in on this thread and saw your question. ;)

 

[greg 45]

After owning a MTC cal reactor for years on end. It wasn't my choice , at the time after reading on line why you need a second chamber to raise ph. Was never a set it and forget it reactor. Wasn't going to spend my hard earned money on another toy reactor. I got in touch with Bill Wann at Aquarium Engineering and I purchase one of his complete unit. He is located here in the USA and stands behind his product 100 %. After dialing this unit in I haven't touched it in over a year now only adding reactor media. Look at the sight.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Great info. I'm very close to buying a used Korallin 1502 cal rx for a great deal (and includes nearly everything). I also plan to run it off a manifold using gate valve, use the same needle valve, and also build a high quality regulator. I see most suggesting GEO but this is such a good deal from a member of my local reef club. You stated you used your Korallin successfully, would you suggest I go ahead and try out the Korallin or should I look elsewhere for a GEO? Thanks for the advice!

I would never have sold my Korallin if it wasn't for my tank upgrade. I had a 180 mixed reef, and now I have a 250 SPS dominant tank. My new tank started consuming a lot more alk and calcium, that was the only reason I started looking for a bigger reactor.

Korallin is a good reactor, but it needs to be setup correctly. The needle valve on the effluent is a must. Also the reactor design is a little weird. The pump takes water from the top of the reactor, but the pipe is submerged a couple inches down. So they have a valve on top to bleed off excess co2. I usually opened it up every couple weeks, and it was good.

 

[JMMJ13902]

I build my own rig as well...just love how precise the bubbles going thru the calcium reactor....not to mention they are super pretty. Holding a custom build rig versus the Milwaukee rig...I'm like its comparing a piece of sand to a diamond :)

Reefcentral has a really good link on how to build your own rig by AlanLe. He's awesome and I was able to find all my parts less than couple of hours and the time to put all parts together took less than 30 mins. The life on these rigs will last for decades.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I build my own rig as well...just love how precise the bubbles going thru the calcium reactor....not to mention they are super pretty. Holding a custom build rig versus the Milwaukee rig...I'm like its comparing a piece of sand to a diamond :)

Reefcentral has a really good link on how to build your own rig by AlanLe. He's awesome and I was able to find all my parts less than couple of hours and the time to put all parts together took less than 30 mins. The life on these rigs will last for decades.

Yep. That was the thread I read. Great info. I know it's unnecessary, but it just looks cool and fun to build

 

[JMMJ13902]

Yep. That was the thread I read. Great info. I know it's unnecessary, but it just looks cool and fun to build

Your Matheson will be a nice rig...I've been hunting for one but couldn't find one with a good price. I ended up with a decent airgas and concoa but both are stainless steel.

If you have problems on finding parts let me know.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Your Matheson will be a nice rig...I've been hunting for one but couldn't find one with a good price. I ended up with a decent airgas and concoa but both are stainless steel.

If you have problems on finding parts let me know.

I got it brand new for $115. Not too bad. A little more then I wanted to spend, but it's a $500 regulator that will last me 2 lifetimes.
I'm running ideal 52-1-12 metering valve, Burkert 6011 solenoid, and all Swagelok stainless fittings. The darn fittings cost me $116 alone. :0 apparently I love wasting money. Hahaha

Thinking I might butt some Wika gauges too. They just look so nice. Well see

 

[JMMJ13902]

I got it brand new for $115. Not too bad. A little more then I wanted to spend, but it's a $500 regulator that will last me 2 lifetimes.
I'm running ideal 52-1-12 metering valve, Burkert 6011 solenoid, and all Swagelok stainless fittings. The darn fittings cost me $116 alone. :0 apparently I love wasting money. Hahaha

Thinking I might *** some Wika gauges too. They just look so nice. Well see

Not a bad price price for a nice two stage Matheson. Ideal is a nice meter valve...I used both swagelok on mine (make sure it's a low flow or medium flow valve). But yeah I hear ya...all swagelok stuff are pretty darn expensive but once the rig is completed....it's just stunning to feel all stainless steel...

FYI, the Burkert runs pretty hot but I read they were made to be like that so don't be surprised.