H&S 200CR-F3000 Calcium Reactor

[TheMoneyPit]

Is anyone using one of the H&S 200CR-F3000 reactors? How does it perform and would you resommend it? I'm thinking about replacing my reactor and skimmer with H&S. Any comments about the reactor and the A200-2x1260 as well?

[TheMoneyPit]

Are H&S reactors any good?

[FinsReef]

TheMoneyPit,
I was trying to let some owners give some feedback, I will try to direct some of them to you so you can get some answers from users besides me.

On the reactors, I find the to be one of the easiest on the market when used in-sump. They are very effecient. I use the 110 on my fully stocked 125g SPS reef, and have to refill about every 1.5 to 2 months. I can drive the PH to 6.2 with no mushing up of the media. I will try to post a picture of the 200 in action later tonight.
LMk if you have any specific techinical questions on the units.

The Rx's can me used in sump without any other plumbing needed. Just plug in, adjust CO2, and then adjust the drip rate.

hth

[TheMoneyPit]

My plan was to use it out of sump and feed it through a 1/2" bulkhead. I've never seen an H&S in person and haven't heard much about the reactors. I have already decided on the external H&S skimmer but still a little unsure about the reactor, any advice or recommendations you can give me would be appreciated. I will be upgrading my current tank to a 350 gallon reef.

[FinsReef]

As long as the RX is sitting beside the bulkhead, the RX should not need another feed source. One customer has his set-up like this with great success.

Custom 200cr installed in sump at the H&S booth at Interzoo
Also notice the NEW model skimmer the 200-F5000 it uses a single Aquabee 5000 pump instead of 2 Eheims.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00342.jpg

External set-up of a 200CR on a local customers tank.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/HSReactor200CR5.jpg

[Fliger]

Er ... ok ... that skimmer looks amazing. The 2x1260 is one of the best skimmers I ever owned - can you give more specs of that one? Are you gonna sell it here? Cost? Looks amazing. What is the LPH and power draw. Internal and external models available. Damn I'm gonna have to get a bigger tank so I can play with the new toys. ;-)

[FinsReef]

I will not have all the airflow and power specs until I get one in my hands. Hopefully within the next month. Yes both Internal and External Models are available, plus a new 250 series that goes up 2 " in diam over the 200 series.
And Yes they are going to be offered in the US soon.

[TheMoneyPit]

What can you tell me about your biggest skimmer? Would it be over kill on a 350 gallon reef? Also I noticed on the picture of the reactor the top is different then the pictures on your web site, is this a newer model?

[FinsReef]

The pictures I posted are the newer design tops. That is the most current version. The 2x1260 will work great on your size system. The A300 will give you more room to grow, but not needed at all on your size tank. You would probably not see any improvement by going up in size. If you wish, you can go with the A250 which is rated for 700g for the skimmer.

[TheMoneyPit]

Is there a MSRP on the A250 yet? If I read correctly the A250 will have a diameter of around 10 inches? How tall will it be? Thanks for your help.

[TheMoneyPit]

Last couple questions before I start spending some cash...
Will the A250 be a RC type skimmer? I was hoping to use both the calcium reactor and skimmer externally. The media in the reactor, is that the H&S brand?
Thanks again,
Jim

[FinsReef]

There will be a 250-2x1260, 250-f5000 internal and an A250-2x1260 and A250-f5000 RC/External skimmer. The Media is what I get from H&S.

The A250 is a standard 32" tall, but can be custom ordered at other heights. The MSRP for the A250-2x1260 is $1699.99. It is 10 diam.

[TheMoneyPit]

Thanks Brian, I'm going to contact you next week to order the calcium reactor. I have a tall sump and would need the riser outlet to be about 30" high to spill into my sump, how high would that make the skimmer and what does that do to the price. Do you need a deposit for a custom skimmer and how long will it take to build....?

[FinsReef]

Custom skimmers usually take 3 to 4 weeks depending on scheduled ship dates from Germany, and when the order is placed. I will contact Germany and see what we are looking at to get the 30" return. What overall height do you have to playwith?

[TheMoneyPit]

Cool. Overall height isn't an issue for me because the sump, reactor and skimmer will be in a small room in the garage or basement (depends on what house I buy). There is no real hurry as I'm getting ready for a long move. Thanks for all your help.

[FinsReef]

I'll talk to Germany to see what will work best for your size then. It will take a couple of days to let them take a look at it.

[TheMoneyPit]

Hey Brian,
Thanks for all your help, I ordered the reactor last night. Let me know what you find out about the skimmer.
Thanks,
Jim

[clownnrnd]

the 200-F5000 looks sweat Brian, can't wait to hear the power/ air intake specs on that one. Do you know what the foot print is on the A250 2x1260 body style?
YGPM
Thanks,
Chad

[clownnrnd]

On the 200CR-F3000 is there a place to use a PH probe to monitor/control internal PH of reactor?
TIA,
Chad

[TheMoneyPit]

I'm pretty sure that there is, I hope so anyway..

[thedigitalimager]

According to Brian, there is a port for a pH probe on the top of the reactor. Read his response on this thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=798319

[jsmith0193]

There is a port for a ph probe on the top of the reactor - you can see it in the picture posted above.

[MattG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7446869#post7446869 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FinsReef

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/finsreef/DSC00342.jpg

Off topic but does anyone have any idea where i can get the black flex tubing in this picture?

[thedigitalimager]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_pvc_flexible_pipes.asp

[MattG]

Hmm i have flex pvc. The stuff in the pic looked different to me but maybe its not. It looked more flexible then the stuff i have used. It reminded me of the non-kink hose that people use for ponds but with a way to connect it to pvc.

[FinsReef]

Yes there is a port on top of all the H&S RX's for ph probes, even the 90 has a pH probe port.

The Money Pit,
It is no problem making a taller skimmer for your application. One option you have that if you have plenty of height is to just make a stand to sit the skimmer on to raise it up. The higher you go with the chambers, the less air the pumps draw, so at your height we would prob have to add an extra pump on the skimmer body to make up for the height.

MattG,
The piping in the picture is the not the typical flex pvc as here in the. I have seen white in the US, just not black. The tubing in the picture is metric.

[TheMoneyPit]

Got my reactor today and it is huge. I noticed there was no instructions in the box, only a one page "flyer", also there was no sponge, was there suppose to be one? The two ports on top are they both for effluent? Thanks
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/murrayjim/DSC02372.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/murrayjim/DSC02373.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/murrayjim/DSC02374.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/murrayjim/DSC02375.jpg

[TheMoneyPit]

What media are people using with this reactor? Is ARM OK.

[jsmith0193]

Sponge for what? I use the H&S media in mine - large pieces like the Schuran media.

[TheMoneyPit]

The picture on the paper that came with the reactor shows it with a sponge. I would assume the sponge would keep smaller pieces from falling into the bottom of the reactor.

[FinsReef]

The Rx's have not come with sponges for since they are not needed with the H&S media. ARM will work fine in the RX, but I personally prefer the H&S or Schuran media. It has better flow-thru, and will allow a lower ph with out turning to mush.
The second valve is generally used for air evacuation. But if you need that high of an effulent flow rate, then it can be used for that also.
If you do use ARM do use a sponge in the bottom to prevent media from getting below the diffuser plate. An Eheim 2217 sponge should fit.
If you need more detailed instructions, lmk and I can guide you in set-up.

[TheMoneyPit]

The picture on the paper that came with the reactor shows it with a sponge. I would assume the sponge would keep smaller pieces from falling into the bottom of the reactor.

[TheMoneyPit]

Sorry for the double post my phone sent the reply twice.

Thanks Brian, I'll stick with the H&S media. I won't be hooking this up for some time so I'll post questions when I'm ready. Any word on the 250 skimmer, I'm getting all the new pieces together for my new tank? BTW there seems to be a lot of imperfection (bubbles, ripples, etc..) in the acrylic piece between the lid and body, is this normal for H&S or did I luck out? If I were to count I would say over 200 bubbles and half as many ripples and a few dark dots of some sort, not to mention a 2 or 3 inch scratch on the inside. The rest of the reactor is flawless.

[TheMoneyPit]

How much H&S media will I need to fill this reactor and how high do I fill it?

[FinsReef]

The 200cr takes 10kg of H&S media. Fill level is to ~1" below the pump input.
On the small bubbles in the neck, that is common for the way the acrylic is formed. It in no way effects the strength or perfomance of the RX. H&S could start polishing the risers, but the price would be way higher if that much labor is taken just for looks. H&S is about strength, quality, and their products working properly.
If anyway the Rx does not live up to your standards, feel free to ship it back to me unused, and I will refund your purchase price.

[Fliger]

I agree on the bubbles - you only see them where the neck meets the body. I've seen them on just about every skimmer. NAGA commented on it also - its a tricky weld and leaves room for aesthetic errors. The other option is a black ABS flange, or to pay for a Bubble King. This link kind of shows the welds on 3 popular German brands.

http://homepage.mac.com/dfliger/PhotoAlbum11.html

BTW I just ordered the 200CR. Probably WAY oversized, but I doubt I'll ever need another. I really like that twist lock lid.

[TheMoneyPit]

I appreciate the offer, but it's not necessary. I just didn't want to have the one that slipped through quality control, but if that's how they're made then so be it. As long as it's able to maintain alk/cal levels in my tank I'll be happy. I'm still interested in the A250 and would like to make it a little taller then 32inches. If I ordered it 40" inches tall, would that require a third pump? Does H&S have a web page? Would you mind posting a link?

Thanks again for all your help,
Jim

[TheMoneyPit]

I've seen them on just about every skimmer.
You won't see them on Euroreef, Elos, Lifereef, MTC or ETSS. That being said I'm sure H&S has it's reasons for the necks they use and I'm sure the reactor and skimmer will work fine, if I didn't I would return the reactor today and consider a different skimmer.

[Fliger]

Sorry, I mean all "H&S" skimmers. I always figured its the difficulty of the "cap" since its not just a regular weld - plus all the other welds are good. I'm just glad that its acrylic and transparent, you will find that a big benefit in dialing in an external NW skimmer. Some other brands you need to take the collection cup off and look down inside your skimmer everytime you want to check the level (with the Eheims off). Its a real PITA. Man I've run every skimmer in your list except MTC. There were some imperfections on my larger ER, the 12-2RC model - but the smaller ones were flawless.

[TheMoneyPit]

You and I are in the same boat, I also have owned quite a few skimmers, reactors and controllers over the years. I also had a CS12-2 and it was flawless and of course the Elos which is probably the best construction quality you can get. The problem I'm seeing with this H&S isn't in the weld but the acrylic neck itself, it's not good quality. I've heard great things about the brand from you and others so I'm willing to live with it.
On a unrelated subject, the Elos controller really is turning out to be a nice addition to my reef. I'll have the conductivity module probe and drip box next week, I'll post some pictures.

[TheMoneyPit]

BTW is there somewhere on this side of the country to get the H&S media? The shipping on 22lbs of media will cost a pretty penny.

[clownnrnd]

I think you can get the Schuran media from Custom Aquatic. From what I hear they are very similar media's.
Chad

[TheMoneyPit]

Thanks, I'll check it out.