Calcium reactors

[prfishgirl]

To me, they are all the same... they just recirculate water. The regulator is more important, IMO.

Most people just recommend what they have (not all), but I have used about 8-10 different kinds and each of them has some strong points and some weak ones. Ehiem pumps are nice because they don't get loud or break down when small pieces of media get into them - they also last a decade or more. I like reverse flow, but this is not as big of a deal with larger media now available.

Just get a brand that you have heard of and can trust. Used is a good way to go. I have used and like MR2, MRC, Knopp, Korallin, Geo, Octopus (not my favorite), AquaMaxx, LifeReef and a few others that I cannot remember.

thank u for the info

 

[prfishgirl]

Lot's of good reactors out there for the job, but agree with jda, a well built regulator is worth every penny and it's probably the most important piece in a reactor setup. I bought a custom regulator from Alan Le and couldn't be happier. It's not cheap, but if you're going to spend money on a reactor, this is where you don't want to go cheap.

I completely agree with the regulator being majorly important

 

[ca1ore]

Lot's of good reactors out there for the job, but agree with jda, a well built regulator is worth every penny and it's probably the most important piece in a reactor setup. I bought a custom regulator from Alan Le and couldn't be happier. It's not cheap, but if you're going to spend money on a reactor, this is where you don't want to go cheap.

I’m looking to finally replace my old Milwaukee regulator. Do you have a thread on this regulator?

 

[KStatefan]

I’m looking to finally replace my old Milwaukee regulator. Do you have a thread on this regulator?

It was in the other forum How to build a CO2 regulator

 

[minus9]

I’m looking to finally replace my old Milwaukee regulator. Do you have a thread on this regulator?

Just sent you a pm.

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

When you compare that price to others make sure to take into account additional items that will be needed with the DaStaco XtremA Model A-2 all you need in addition is a CO2 tank and media.

Most carx reactors only need a co2 tank( just buy a used one on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace for 30-50, a regulator 150-200 and a simple mj1200 pimp works at 25$ add that to a price of a decent reactor 4-600$ you’re still below the 2k price tag by almost 11-1200$

 

[prfishgirl]

Most carx reactors only need a co2 tank( just buy a used one on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace for 30-50, a regulator 150-200 and a simple mj1200 pimp works at 25$ add that to a price of a decent reactor 4-600$ you’re still below the 2k price tag by almost 11-1200$

Yeah that’s exactly what I want to do even though I want to get the kamoer pump eventually

 

[RyanSweet]

Check out Aquarium Engineering auto calcium reactors. Best built products, only lifetime warranty in the hobby, and Bill is a great person to work with

 

[prfishgirl]

Check out Aquarium Engineering auto calcium reactors. Best built products, only lifetime warranty in the hobby, and Bill is a great person to work with

Thanks I’ll definitely check it out

 

[leroy_jenkinz]

Yeah that’s exactly what I want to do even though I want to get the kamoer pump eventually

Yea exactly even if you want to upgrade the pump you’d still be in a reasonable price range if you know what to for and buy used.

 

[Water Dog]

I’m looking to finally replace my old Milwaukee regulator. Do you have a thread on this regulator?

Simon, I you’d like to build your own, shoot me a PM. I’ve walked a bunch of people though the process both on here and on RC.

 

[PigFarmer]

Yep reactors aren’t all that different. It’s the regulator that really matters, and to a certain extent the feed pump, though some people manage to get by on an ac pump a lot of people have issues doing that.

One issue I see with the dastaco is they recommend the synthetic calcium carbonate media. Does anyone use standard reborn with them? I’d hate to miss out on the other minor elements in reborn by using a synthetic media

I have been running the dastaco media on a 300gallon system and sending in a ICP test every 30 days... I'm 6 months in and have done very minimal water changes... I have not had 1 element show up low on ICP yet. I've dosed zero trace elements besides iodine.

 

[jda]

What is the assay of the DaStaCo media? The German stuff from AquaMedic and Korallin eventually lowers the Mag, Strontieum, Mylob and several others and only has carbonate and calcium - it is also harder to melt and requires more co2. I do have a packed tank with super high demand, but I will only use natural media because of this. It is possible that the DaStaCo stuff was engineered to have other traces, but I would not know without an assay sheet.

 

[biecacka]

Water dog can I pm you about possibly building a regulator as well?
Ryansweet are you sing the Bill Wann reactor? I spoke to him briefly about it but never pulled the trigger. How do you like it, does it work along the same concept as the PacSun and Dastaco?

Corey

 

[Bpb]

I’m curious as to how the flow is regulated on Bill Wann’s reactors. I know it doesn’t use a peri pump and he states the controller box has something inside it that regulates the effluent rate. Curious if someone could explain what mechanism is used for that purpose. If I got a wild hair and sold my Geo, or were starting over, I’d absolutely go with one of his automatic reactors

 

[biecacka]

Bpb, I am with you. I’m intrigued very much so but don’t know how they work either.

Corey

 

[Water Dog]

@biecacka, no problem. Shoot me a PM whenever you’re ready. :)

 

[tgrick]

My vote is Tunze 3171. Running one with a Red Rea 625XXL and it rocks! Seriously easy. Extremely effective. Simple to run.

 

[jda]

When you are building a regulator, the only piece of equipment that I can tell a serious difference is a high quality precision needle valve. In most cases, you can just add this to your existing regulator and be plenty happy. I am not saying that the other stuff does not matter, only that I cannot tell... I know that a dual stage Victor is probably better than a Tunze or AquaTek, but I just cannot tell the difference. If you are on a budget, then needle valve first, IMO.

 

[KStatefan]

I’m curious as to how the flow is regulated on Bill Wann’s reactors. I know it doesn’t use a peri pump and he states the controller box has something inside it that regulates the effluent rate. Curious if someone could explain what mechanism is used for that purpose. If I got a wild hair and sold my Geo, or were starting over, I’d absolutely go with one of his automatic reactors

It uses a solenoid valve.