Calcium Reactor: Geo vs. Reef Octopus

[Scottiemac]

I'm in the market for a calcium reactor and have been stuck between the Geo 818 or 618SSE and the Reef Octopus CR200.

A lot of people seem to be gaga over the Geo reactors, however I've had some trouble in the past with boutique equipment makers. It's not that they're unwilling to work with me; more that they can be difficult to consistently communicate with and they can be very defensive of their products even when shown video evidence of failures.

For that reason, I tend to lean towards larger suppliers. My previous protein skimmer had to be dialed in seemingly every day. Meanwhile, my Reef Octopus skimmer is more or less fire and forget. A similar thing happened with my kalk reactor, going from a small, boutique brand to a larger one.

So you see my dilemma. Geos look great and get great reviews. Reef Octopus doesn't see as many great reviews, but they tend to just work.

What are some of your experiences with these brands?

 

[shakacuz]

if you have good experience with reef octo products, go that route. i'm sure you can have great success with either, but i'd go with what i am more familiar with.

 

[geo]

All I can say is I love building them and that I am passionate about making the best products possible. I am not sure how many of the "larger suppliers" actually take the time to look at threads like this one but I am here:)
GEO

 

[BeanAnimal]

I don’t own a reactor, but George's friendship and his support of our club prior to the company's move to Florida was long standing. The reactors, support and customer service were unmatched at the time. I assume that to still be true with anything made and sold be Geo.

While I do like my RO skimmer -- I would not hesitate to purchase a Geo product if I were in the market for a reactor. Made in the USA too...

 

[Scottiemac]

All I can say is I love building them and that I am passionate about making the best products possible. I am not sure how many of the "larger suppliers" actually take the time to look at threads like this one but I am here:)
GEO

Other than the size, what is the difference between the 618 and the 818? Are there any additional features on the 818?
My system is about 210g total.

 

[geo]

Other than the size, what is the difference between the 618 and the 818? Are there any additional features on the 818?
My system is about 210g total.

Hello, other then physical size there is only one difference. The material thickness on the clear tube of the CR818 is thicker at 3/16” in comparison the CR618 is 1/8”. All plumbing and the recirculating pump are the same.

 

[Scottiemac]

Hello, other then physical size there is only one difference. The material thickness on the clear tube of the CR818 is thicker at 3/16” in comparison the CR618 is 1/8”. All plumbing and the recirculating pump are the same.

Is there a private chat here where you can walk me through my order? Or maybe Facebook? I'm trying to understand all of the options.

 

[Scottiemac]

Got sorted out after talking with @geo offline.
Thanks for the help!

 

[1ocean]

All I can say is I love building them and that I am passionate about making the best products possible. I am not sure how many of the "larger suppliers" actually take the time to look at threads like this one but I am here:)
GEO

I am about to order the GEO new design one for my 300...but still doing research...

 

[geo]

I am about to order the GEO new design one for my 300...but still doing research...

Let me know happy to help.

 

[IKD]

I’ve had a Geo on my 350g for just over 4 years now and it has been outstanding for me. I have reef octopus return pumps and skimmer and while they are solid, my biggest complaint is the controllers have glitches (stop working, led lights go out so you can’t tell what power level you’re running) and I’ve had to replace two of them.