calcium reactor vs kalk reactor

[izzie]

Im thinking of getting one or the other. What would be best. Pros and Cons please. I was looking at the coralife calcium reactor cause its in my price range. I have a cylinder already i was using for home made beer as well as a regulator. What else do i need for this. Thanks.
Izzie
Edit: also im not using RO so my kalk reactor would have to be gravity fed about 2 feet above the reactor its self in a 1g jug. Losing less then a gallon a day to evaporation.

[reefshadow]

I couldn't compare because I have only a reactor, but that being said, it has been the best investment of optional equipment I've ever made.

If the regulator is a dual you can use it, but you REALLY need to have a solenoid, check valve and bubble counter, not sure if you can add these on. I wouldn't run a reactor without these, as the BC is indispensable for tuning, the check valve will prevent backflow into the regulator, and the solenoid will cut off co2 in the event of a power loss. You don't want co2 going into a tank without power!

You will also need media (I like ARM), and some way of measuring the effluent or internal PH. A PH controller is optional, it will cut off co2 once the PH gets below the set point, possible preventing a media meltdown or some other similar disaster. You'll need a feed pump and probably a mixing pump though I'm not sure if this is common to all reactors (the mixing pump).

I'm not sure if the Coralife is good or not, but I love my MRC, it's also on the somewhat lower price range but is beautifully designed and very well built. You could also keep your eye on the selling forum, you can get some great deals there.

[rstark33]

If you already have the tank and regulator definitley get the CA reactor.
You need a needle valve to slow the fow way down and a bubble counter if the reactor you choose does not have one.
It is definitely easier to run it with a controller, but many people run them without one. Once you get it dialed in you should be set.
I'm dyng to get mine runnning (have a Knop C) but I am saving my pennies for the tank and regulator at the moment. I am tiredof dosing calc daily.