View Full Version : Calcium Reactor and Protein Skimmer Recommendation for a 450 gallon?
oxx155
07/17/2007, 12:03 AM
I am getting a 450 Gallon (120"X36"X24") acrylic reef tank for my next "adventure" and was wondering everyone's recommendations on
1. Calcium Reactor
2. Protein Skimmer
I don't have a whole lot of money and am interested in DIY if it is not too complicated and has full instructions on how to build.
But, please give me your honest suggestion even if costs a pretty penny.
Or is there anyone out there that does DIY at a reasonable price?
One last question - I have never handled or even seen someone handle a Calcium Reactor before - are there basic instructions on how to run one properly?
Thanks Everyone
Wryknow
07/17/2007, 10:28 AM
I would give the ATI BM 250 skimmer a look if you are price conscious and still need some powerful skimming.
Waxxiemann
07/17/2007, 01:38 PM
I'd probably shoot for a big dual beckett.
Waxxiemann
07/17/2007, 03:32 PM
Check these out:
http://www.marinetechnical.com/page2.html
The max 5200 is nice by Barr/Austin as well:
http://www.austinoceans.com/products-skimmers.html#Bookmark-SupersizeSkimmer
anthworks
07/17/2007, 04:19 PM
The only problem with Becketts is the cost of running them which you have to take into account. Might want to go with a needle wheel design like a big ASM. Less pump = less electricity.
Waxxiemann
07/17/2007, 04:36 PM
Quite right.
The way I figured it was; if you can afford to fill a 450 gallon aquarium with livestock, you can afford to run a big pump skimmer =)
Waxxiemann
07/17/2007, 04:38 PM
Based on what he says about money restraints, maybe a BM250 would be a better choice. Would a BM250 be enough skimmer for a tank this big?
xinumaster
07/17/2007, 05:04 PM
For that size of tank I would go with the ORCA skimmer. I'm getting one of it as soon as I could figure out the right placement in my cabinet.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1096170
ruby1sam
07/17/2007, 05:12 PM
A 450? To set it up properly you will need a lot of money. I just hope you do it right. Good Luck though I wish you the best. If you're wanting a calcium reactor I assume you're going to fill it up with corals that suck it out. They cost alot of money to fill a 450 gallon. Again good luck
Waxxiemann
07/17/2007, 05:49 PM
The Reeflo is a beast seems perfect for a 450.
oxx155
07/17/2007, 06:19 PM
I have actually already seen most of those. And I am well aware that I am going to need a lot of skimming. I have just seen most of the good ones over $1000 which seems a lot for one device for the tank.
The way I figured it was; if you can afford to fill a 450 gallon aquarium with livestock, you can afford to run a big pump skimmer =)
Well, yeah, but I am not one to just throw money around, I do research first and find the best deal for what I need, that is why I am asking the questions.
Would a BM250 be enough skimmer for a tank this big?
From what I have read it could be big enough.
A 450? To set it up properly you will need a lot of money. I just hope you do it right. Good Luck though I wish you the best. If you're wanting a calcium reactor I assume you're going to fill it up with corals that suck it out. They cost alot of money to fill a 450 gallon. Again good luck
I purchased the tank for $2375. 4X 250 watt 14k HQI halides and 4X 110 VHO Super Actinics for $705. 170 Gallon sump for $120. 65 Gallon Refugium I already have. 2X Tunze 6000's to add to the 2 I already have for $400. Iwaki 100RLT and Sequence Dart to add to the 2 Iwaki 55RLT's I already have for $400. Pentair Lifegard Fluidized Reactor for $70. 120" of moonlight for $50.
So, I already have $4,120 invested (not including the stuff I already have at about $2,000), I just want to not go crazy with the money I have left, I want to spend it wisely and make this tank the best it can be.
http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tank1fe6.jpg
This is my current 125 gallon reef, only the rio's were changed for Tunze's.
I also have a 240 Fish Only, no pics yet.
oxx155
07/17/2007, 06:34 PM
you're going to fill it up with corals that suck it out. They cost alot of money to fill a 450 gallon
I have a connection and get all of my fish and corals wholesale. Won't cost me much at all to fill the tank.
The money is going towards the devices to run the tank!
Thank god I have an understanding wife and extra bedroom to do all of this.
anthworks
07/17/2007, 08:37 PM
This is true :)
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10359601#post10359601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Waxxiemann
Quite right.
The way I figured it was; if you can afford to fill a 450 gallon aquarium with livestock, you can afford to run a big pump skimmer =)
oxx155
07/17/2007, 10:18 PM
This is true Quite right. The way I figured it was; if you can afford to fill a 450 gallon aquarium with livestock, you can afford to run a big pump skimmer =)
Do I sense some jealousy?
LOL, I understand where you guys are coming from, but if you have the money should you really just spend as much as possible to have the latest greatest biggest thing in the world?
Why not do some investigation, find out what works best for you, your tank, and your wallet, and then purchase that.
I know there a lot of opinions out there, that is why I ask, but getting on me for wanting to save money should be the last thing in this thread.
I do want to get many things and spend money to make this a great tank, but there is always a limit to that amount of money.
I didn't win the lottery, I work very hard for my money, I am only 25 and I am very lucky that I have a family business that I consider my career for life.
Thanks for everyone's opinions and I would love to hear more.
By the way, so far I really like the Octopus DDNW-250.
And what about a good calcium reactor?
Waxxiemann
07/18/2007, 12:05 PM
I'd probably check this out:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PA-GEO818-PK&Category_Code=creactor
EDIT: also, I'm not trying to "Get on you", I just want to show you what some really good options are. I know what it's like to buy a peice of equipment and then curse and swear every day cause it's a peice of junk and you could have spent 2 or 3 hundred dollars more and got somthing really great. I just hate buying somthing twice you know?
I just want to help you out man.
I have a 450 display total of about 800 gallons I run a H/S A250 that cost around 1700$ but all in all it is the best $ I have ever spent on my tank.
I did run a GEO duel Beckett and a ASM G6 but the H/S out perfomed them by far.
As for a reactor I run a custom GEO.
Here are some pics.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d193/fade32/Picture4838.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d193/fade32/Picture273.jpg
Waxxiemann
07/18/2007, 04:51 PM
nice skimmer and tank man. Got any FTS? Is that an Ocean Reef Ro/DI back there from the Filter guys? I got one about a year ago and I just love it.
oxx155
07/18/2007, 05:21 PM
Update -
I am now purchasing a ASM G-6 that has been modified with 3 Sedra 9000's to be a recirculating protein skimmer. 4 ft. tall rated for up to 1200 gallons stocked, 1600 gallons otherwise. $450
Now I just need to work on the Calcium Reactor.
EDIT: also, I'm not trying to "Get on you", I just want to show you what some really good options are. I know what it's like to buy a peice of equipment and then curse and swear every day cause it's a peice of junk and you could have spent 2 or 3 hundred dollars more and got somthing really great. I just hate buying somthing twice you know?
I understand and appreciate the help.
oxx155
07/18/2007, 05:23 PM
Quick question - I have seen single chamber and dual chamber calcium reactors and they usually aren't too different in price.
Should I go with dual chamber? I have heard it helps in the long run.
Waxxiemann
07/18/2007, 05:24 PM
That skimmer sounds like it will fit the bill. Did you check out the GEO calcium reactor I linked a few posts back?
oxx155
07/18/2007, 08:14 PM
Did you check out the GEO calcium reactor I linked a few posts back?
I did, but check out this deal
Geo Calcium Reactor 618 Reactor Package
Includes:
Geo 618 Reactor
Milwaukee MA957 CO2 Regulator
Milwaukee SMS122 PH Controller
10lb CO2 Tank
1 - 10lb container of GenX CRM
MaxiJet 1200 feed pump
Reg Price - 673.50
Package Price - 638.90
Do you think this would be good and it is a good deal?
Waxxiemann
07/19/2007, 11:20 AM
Yeah, I think that IS a good deal. If you load that tank with SPS you'll be filling it with calcium more often but big deal. I'd probably jump on it. What does everyone else think? Another nice thing is that the 618 runs on an ehiem so it will draw very little.
pwhitby
07/19/2007, 03:31 PM
i would recommend the new ORCA needlewheel skimmer from premium aquatics:
here is a discussion on mine:
http://www.mycomas.com/content/view/101/87/
There is more information in the premium aquatics sponsors forum.
Cost is $1299 for limited time then 1499.
This skimmer is the best I have had experience with.
Paul.
oxx155
07/19/2007, 06:36 PM
Yeah, I think that IS a good deal. If you load that tank with SPS you'll be filling it with calcium more often but big deal. I'd probably jump on it.
Like you said earlier in the thread though, if you can spend a little more to get a better deal then you should. So, I may actually get the Geo 624 which is better suited for my size tank and lots of corals. and its only another $70.
i would recommend the new ORCA needlewheel skimmer from premium aquatics:
Thanks, but I am already purchasing an ASM G-6 rated for 1200 gallons for $450.
pwhitby
07/20/2007, 02:27 PM
FWIW:
The ASM g6 is what i took off.
oxx155
07/20/2007, 04:37 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10380497#post10380497 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
FWIW:
The ASM g6 is what i took off.
Mine is modified with 3 Sedra 9000's which should provide better skimmage.
I just don't get the $1,000+ price tags for these Protein Skimmers these days. Is there really that much material and labor involved?
Waxxiemann
07/20/2007, 04:58 PM
Especially when your girlfriend brings you back down to earth and says "you spent WHAT on a plastic tube and pump!?!?!:mad2: :mad2: "
It becomes hard to justify sometimes.
pwhitby
07/20/2007, 05:25 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10381359#post10381359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oxx155
Mine is modified with 3 Sedra 9000's which should provide better skimmage.
I just don't get the $1,000+ price tags for these Protein Skimmers these days. Is there really that much material and labor involved?
Mine was a modified ASM G6 as well. In addition I had one of the pumps refitted as a recirculating skimmer. The issue I had was heat from the three sedras, it would also intermitantly overflow. Each time the head was removed to clean it you need to turn it off. When you restore power the surge of bubbles and air blow through the neck and half fill the cup.
Since I have used both I will say this, yes there is a huge difference in the cost of the materials. The ASM is made of a very thin walled acrylic that is kind of opaque. It does the job, but can crack very easily. I think thats why they sell spare collection cups. I mention this only if you are thinking of doing any recirc modifications, and to be careful pusing those pipes through uniseals.
The ORCA is leaps and bounds over the ASM. The foam it produces is very stable, once its dialed in it consistantly produces foam. On the ASM I had to repeatedly clean the venturis. I havent had to do this yet on the ORCA Needlewheel unit.
Heat was an issue for me....I ran the skimmer (ASM) in a separate sump that I could control water height in. Unless you havea gate valve mod and run it fully recirculating the water height it sits in will have a major effect on the height of the water/air interface in the barrel due to pressure and resistance of the venturi to suck air. The easy option is to site it in an area that has a constant water height.
The ASM will work most probably on a 450g, but is it as good as the ORCA Needlewheel....no where near.
Paul.
pwhitby
07/20/2007, 05:32 PM
FWIW:
This is my tank,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/paul-w/aaa.jpg
Paul.
Waxxiemann
07/20/2007, 05:54 PM
Of it's worth man, that is AWESOME!
oxx155
07/20/2007, 07:11 PM
That is a very nice tank pwhitby. Hopefully in a couple of years my tank will look as good.
The ASM I am purchasing has a 1.5" Gate Valve Mod, is fully recirculating with 3 sedra 9000's, and will sit in a sump that will have a pretty constant water height.
I also have plenty of air flow throughout the room (with 3 20" fans), a dehumidifier, and air conditioner. This should keep the entire system (including equipment) at a controllable temperature.
Money unfortunately is a little tight at this time (I wish it were different then I would buy the best), but I am getting married next year and taking a 2 week honeymoon in italy, so being allowed to do what I am doing now is a god-send from the future wife.
So, I agreed that I would bargain shop and get what I "needed" instead of what I "wanted". Maybe in the future I will be able to upgrade.
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY APPRECIATE the advice I am getting, the pics I am seeing, and the equipment information.
Thanks to everyone
oxx155
07/20/2007, 07:12 PM
Oops, forgot to ask, what Calcium Reactor do you have running on your system pwhitby?
Thanks
pwhitby
07/20/2007, 07:31 PM
The one I have is knop HD I believe. I really nice workhorse of a unit.
Like I said, the ASM G6 is fine. I chose it for the same reasons you did. Just be careful getting the pipes into the uniseals, they are extremely tight (which is good), but you can easily crack the unit.
What are you feeding the skimmer with (as in water flow and pump). If you are on a full recirc modification it was not a large bore pipe that was used as a feed if I remember correctly.
paul.
Doc's69
07/20/2007, 07:39 PM
I have a link on used eq. for a Schuran jetstream 2 for 450, should take care of your needs http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1165970
sammie
07/20/2007, 08:12 PM
You cannot go wrong with any GEO product. You cannot get the skimmers anymore but the Ca reactors are top quality and customer service is excellent.
oxx155
07/21/2007, 12:56 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10382239#post10382239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
What are you feeding the skimmer with (as in water flow and pump). If you are on a full recirc modification it was not a large bore pipe that was used as a feed if I remember correctly.
paul.
I have attached a pic of the skimmer that the seller sent me. I am having it shipped on Monday and should have it by the next week.
I am going to run either a Iwaki 55RLT or Iwaki 100RLT on it. Although he recommended up to 500 gph so probably just the 55RLT or maybe even a 35RLT I have. Don't know yet. He even recommended that I could connect one of my overflows to the skimmer as the input, what does everyone think about that?
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/35706931e_1.jpg
I have a link on used eq. for a Schuran jetstream 2 for 450, should take care of your needs
Thanks, but I think I have decided I am going to go with a Geo 624. I just need to get the $707 together for the package.
You cannot go wrong with any GEO product. You cannot get the skimmers anymore but the Ca reactors are top quality and customer service is excellent.
This is what I have heard from many people and I am 99% going with a Geo.
Thanks
oxx155
07/21/2007, 01:02 AM
One more "stupid" thing.
My father is involved in this project, he is helping "fund" the tank and its partially his.
He believes the Sea-Lab No. 28 and 14 supplements are enough to keep the tank fine with calcium and other supplements.
I keep telling him that he will have to have 27 blocks of No. 28 and god knows how much No. 14 in the tank at all times. He thinks that could last months before having to get refilled, problem is I don't know how long they last and can't fight him on the fact.
He thinks getting the Geo Calcium Reactor is a waste of money and a safety hazard with the CO2 tank.
Does anyone have any information about those supplements that I can pass on to him to make him realize he is wrong?
Thanks
sammie
07/21/2007, 11:06 AM
What documentation does he have to justify his claim that the supplements will work apart from the manufactures claims.
The GEO calcium reactor has a proven track record with hundreds of users and there is no safety hazard with the CO2 tank if it's secured to the wall. Also once you get it set up you can forget about it as the CO2 should last almost a year and the media probably longer.
oxx155
07/22/2007, 11:15 AM
Also once you get it set up you can forget about it as the CO2 should last almost a year and the media probably longer.
Is this really true? I thought it would have to get replaced monthly or bi-monthly.
pwhitby
07/22/2007, 11:41 AM
i use a 20lb tank and it lasts about 12-14mo.
NYCREEF69
07/22/2007, 03:29 PM
great looking fish dude
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