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paja 55gl
09/30/2008, 07:22 AM
Hi guys I have one big question what is calcium reactors? how to setup one? what else I need to run one? do I need CO2 with calcium reactor? And most important question do I need one?

Ok my tank is only solana 34gl, I wanna have probably like 7 or 8 SPS corals and sum soft corals and sum mushrooms.

Thank you for your help

Ehaze
09/30/2008, 08:06 AM
you gonna end up spending around 500-1000$, just to get one started

You are gonna need...
Calc reactor 250+~~~
CO2 Regulatler 100+ (cheaper for a cheap low quality chinese made one) you will have to Loctite almost everything because the cheap ones leak...
CO2 tank 40-100$
PH controller 100$ +
Media 20$
airlike tub, cehck valves etc... 30$
I know I am missing something here...

but yea, it costs. if you wanna know how it works, just check out melevsreef.com

mott768
09/30/2008, 08:47 AM
For a 55 gallon you don't need to spend that much, you could always get some second hand stuff

coralife 250 calcium reactor new around $140 used $around $100 or less

new co2 5lb bottle $80 used you can find them for 20-$40

Milwaukee CO2 Regulator new 80- $90 used 40- $50

media $20

Milwaukee SMS122 pH Controller new $110 used $50- 60

co2 gas you can get 5lb tanks filled for around $14

a feed pump if needed $15

miwoodar
09/30/2008, 08:56 AM
I wouldn't bother with a calcium reactor for a small tank. If it were me, I would dose a two part solution (store-bought or DIY) or kalkwasser. I would go with the latter if you have a sump. Otherwise, the former.

Check out this article comparing your options and the cost thereof...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

jdieck
09/30/2008, 09:01 AM
For that size tank you do not need a calcium reactor. The calcium and alkalinity requirements can easily be achieved by dripping limewater and supplementing with two part DIY supplements.

reefrick.M
09/30/2008, 05:04 PM
Corallife Reactor 250(LFS)= 50.00
Regulator= 60.00
Tom Aquatics aqua lifter= 15.00
CO2 Tank= 80.00
Milwaukee Controller= 105.00
CaribSea A.R.M. Aragonite Reactor Media= 15.00

No messing around...priceless!