H & S Calcium Reactors? Looking for some opinions…

[rocknut]

I am just about ready to order a Deltec PF501 Calcium Reactor, but would really like some more opinions about the H&S reactors before I do. Honestly, I have looked around quite a bit, but can’t seem to get too much info on these units. I know that a lot of people will say that H&S products are very comparable to the similarly sized Deltec units (and maybe even a little better quality-wise.) I would love to hear some opinions on these, especially since a lot of people I have talked with in the past have had experience with both Deltec and H&S units.

[kenettson1]

I have owned the small H&S Reactor and currently run a Deltec 601. The H&S was my first calcium reactor and was very easy to use and setup. I use a Ph controller and that made it easier. Deltec claims to be able to output seriously high dkh readings and that's what they say is the difference. The recommended Deltec media is also quite pricey. If you don't use the fluidized media you might as well buy a different brand reactor. Also feeding the deltec can be a little tricky while the H&S you just frop in the sump and it self feeds.

The only reason I switched is because I upgraded tanks and found a good deal on a used unit. The Deltec is nice but the H&S is overall much simpler and very adequate. If your looking for a reliable, easy to use, easily maintainable reactor go with H&S. If you want the ability to seriously maintain calcium and push the reactor to high limits, buy the Deltec.

[klam114]

I was looking into buy a calcium reactor and my local dealer only carried H&S and Deltec. He told me that his customers that purchase the H&S unit, it was the easiest to setup and use. Easier to run it in sump, but can be modified to run externally. He also told me that the Deltec customers claim that they get the highest output for demanding corals, but like kenettson1 says, you have to buy the fluidized Rowa media and cannot use anything else. I found the best price for the Rowa media is Marine Depot, at least this was true a couple of months ago. I still haven't made my purchase yet and I'm in the middle of downsizing from 3 to 1 tank because of a move.

The research that I found on Deltec forum is the Deltec Aquabee pumps are experiencing problems with the fluidized material. Unless you keep on top of cleaning the Aquabee pump monthly, it freeze up on you. I believe if your pump breaks down, you might be able to substitute a different one that is less expensive as Deltec parts are an arm and a leg. kenettson1 can correct anything that I may have posted incorrectly since I have not owned either model yet.