What brand to go with for a calcium reactor?

[Lt.Shineysides]

Hi, I am looking to put a calcium reactor on my current tank. I have had a reef tank for 5 years now and recently downsized from a 300 gallon mixed reef to a 120 gallon reef. I am most certainly not an expert but I have some common knowledge of the hobby. I however do not know very much about calcium reactors and I was hoping that I could get some help from u guys on what one would be the best to go with and how to set I up. I have a 600$ price range on the full set up for the reactor. Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

-Andrew

[Rwinfrey]

ATB or Geo seem to be what everyone uses with no complaints

[tkeracer619]

Get the aquariumplants.com electronic regulator. The regulator will make or break your experience with a reactor. The AP regulator is incredible.

[nivenethan]

Get the aquariumplants.com electronic regulator. The regulator will make or break your experience with a reactor. The AP regulator is incredible.

Absolutely!! GEO 624 for me with AP Regulator and Apex controller.

[Lt.Shineysides]

Okay. Thank u guys for all the info. I appreciate it. Is it easy to use?

[Michaelf63]

I use a skimz and it has not missed a beat and kept my levels perfect with out a controler just a solanoid to cut the co2 during power failures.

[James77]

Okay. Thank u guys for all the info. I appreciate it. Is it easy to use?

The AP.com reg and Geo reactor were the easiest calcium reactor setup I have dialed in yet. The Geo is solid once you set your flow rate. The AP.com is a simple dial to increase bubble rate- you can also increase the size of the bubble as well. Both of these are rock solid once set as well.

To set it up, go by the istructions and estimate your demand on the low side. Correct all your parameters to where you want them. After a few days, test again, and adjust either the CO2 or reactor flow, or a little of each. Do it again after a week or so, and within a few testings, it should be dialed in.

[James77]

Just to add, the AP.com can be controlled/turned off by any controller, and it has a built in check valve.

[Lt.Shineysides]

Do u guys recomend a website or place to learn how a calcium reactor works and what parts u need? (basically, is there an idiots guide to calcium reactors?)

[RokleM]

GEO, no doubt.

For reading, some awesome info that's pretty easy to read:
http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/component/zine/article/44
http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/component/zine/article/54

[solitude127]

Another vote for GEO here.

[Lt.Shineysides]

Thank u guys so much. i really appreciate all the help and info from u guys.

[chumm]

Deltec but not sure if that is in your price range...

[HaroldT]

I use a GEO and like it quite a bit.

[Lt.Shineysides]

I don't mind spending the extra money, as long as it's worth it. I also need one that is simple and easy to run.