Reef Central Online Community

Go Back   Reef Central Online Community > General Interest Forums > Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment
Blogs FAQ Calendar Mark Forums Read

Notices

User Tag List

Reply
Thread Tools
Unread 12/23/2017, 05:11 PM   #1
LeslieS88
Registered Member
 
LeslieS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Oakville, CT
Posts: 165
Calcium reactor recommendations

Looking for recommendations on the best Ca reactor and media and what Ph controllers are the best.

For roughly 500 gallons. Something that’s easy to use.

Thanks and Merry Xmas everyone.


LeslieS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 06:39 PM   #2
Vinny Kreyling
Registered Member
 
Vinny Kreyling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Miller Place, NY
Posts: 7,206
LeslieS88,
I would say a GEO with a 2nd chamber.
I would also say Read This: reefdiesyst.com
Controllers are really not a necessity but a good regulator is.
Many use reborn by 2 Little Fishies.


__________________
250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.
Vinny Kreyling is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 07:42 PM   #3
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
 
solitude127's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling View Post
LeslieS88,
I would say a GEO with a 2nd chamber.
I would also say Read This: reefdiesyst.com
Controllers are really not a necessity but a good regulator is.
Many use reborn by 2 Little Fishies.
I agree. Along with a quality regulator, get a quality needle valve to control your co2 flow

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


__________________
Mike
<*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{

ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012
Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011

Current Tank Info: 60*30*20, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1
solitude127 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 08:23 PM   #4
LeslieS88
Registered Member
 
LeslieS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Oakville, CT
Posts: 165
Vinny, thanks that link didn’t work.

Mike, I was thinking about this regulator

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/carbo...lant-life.html


LeslieS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 09:16 PM   #5
Vinny Kreyling
Registered Member
 
Vinny Kreyling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Miller Place, NY
Posts: 7,206
http://reef.diesyst.com/crarticle/crarticle.htm


__________________
250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.
Vinny Kreyling is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 09:28 PM   #6
ca1ore
Grizzled & Cynical
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Stamford, CT
Posts: 17,319
Best is somewhat subjective; I think there are many contenders. My personal favorite is the MTC ProCal. Hard to find a better built unit ..... been running mine since 1997.


__________________
Simon

Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones!

Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs
ca1ore is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/23/2017, 10:40 PM   #7
Speaker73
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 543
Quote:
Originally Posted by solitude127 View Post
I agree. Along with a quality regulator, get a quality needle valve to control your co2 flow

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Any recommendations on which ones to get?

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk


Speaker73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 12:34 AM   #8
tkeracer619
Registered Member
 
tkeracer619's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 17,289
Any high quality reactor fed with a masterflex continuous duty peristaltic pump and a two stage regujlator w/carbon doser add on box.

105 pages but if you read my first few pumps I explain why it works so well.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2368618


__________________
Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers.
Current Tank:
Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.
tkeracer619 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 01:39 AM   #9
scuzy
Registered Member
 
scuzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 6,499
Love those masterflex makes running a carx so easy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro


scuzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 02:28 PM   #10
jda
Dogmatic Dinosaur
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 6,256
Reverse flow with an Ehiem pump are about my only real requirements anymore.

I run Korallin Reactors, any regulator with a CarbonDoser bubble box, mainline T for feed and medium grade ARM.


jda is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 03:28 PM   #11
outy
Moved On
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: auburn CA
Posts: 4,021
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeslieS88 View Post
Vinny, thanks that link didn’t work.

Mike, I was thinking about this regulator

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/carbo...lant-life.html
Way to much

Not designed for what you will be doing, you will be 1-2 bpm or under.

The ones GEO offers work great I'm a decade in on original equipment and no reason to upgrade.


The key here in context is not finding the best, just stay away from cheap garbage and you will be just fine


outy is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 07:40 PM   #12
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
 
solitude127's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeslieS88 View Post
Vinny, thanks that link didn’t work.

Mike, I was thinking about this regulator

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/carbo...lant-life.html
While many reefers have had great success with that regulator, I went with the DIY route and built one based on this thread
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2461771


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


__________________
Mike
<*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{

ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012
Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011

Current Tank Info: 60*30*20, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1
solitude127 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/24/2017, 08:43 PM   #13
tkeracer619
Registered Member
 
tkeracer619's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 17,289
Quote:
Originally Posted by outy View Post
Way to much

Not designed for what you will be doing, you will be 1-2 bpm or under.

The ones GEO offers work great I'm a decade in on original equipment and no reason to upgrade.


The key here in context is not finding the best, just stay away from cheap garbage and you will be just fine
The ap carbon doser works excellent for calcium reactors.


__________________
Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers.
Current Tank:
Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.
tkeracer619 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/25/2017, 01:06 AM   #14
outy
Moved On
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: auburn CA
Posts: 4,021
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkeracer619 View Post
The ap carbon doser works excellent for calcium reactors.
I'm sure it does, my point was its too much money for a little finer bubble control.

the 99 dollar Milwaukee regulator works just as good IMHO for a calcium reactor. Mine is a decade old, works easy and perfect.

I like the easy method for setting up effluent at just past a steady drip, then using about 40 BPM to start and then keep measuring tank for alk stability. raising bubble count if needed.


outy is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/26/2017, 09:23 PM   #15
ecam
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 57
first things first.... lets talk regulator.....
the planted aquarium regulator is the best in business.... and hasn't failed me yet and is highly recommended...

the reactor should be a dual chamber that will help reduce the CO from getting into your tank and dropping your PH...

i personllly use the CRO 5000D from reef octopus


ecam is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/26/2017, 11:06 PM   #16
scuzy
Registered Member
 
scuzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 6,499
I have a stainless steel dual stage regulator by Alan Le and a aquamaxx carx and I like that I can disconnect the pump for maintenance without needing to purge the whole reactor of liquid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro


scuzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 05:56 AM   #17
LeslieS88
Registered Member
 
LeslieS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Oakville, CT
Posts: 165
Well, I’m definitely going with the AP regulator. Either a geo or octopus reactor.


LeslieS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 11:39 AM   #18
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
 
solitude127's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by LeslieS88 View Post
Well, I’m definitely going with the AP regulator. Either a geo or octopus reactor.
If the choice is between a GEO and Reef Octo, I'd personally go with GEO. They're made in the USA and built solid. Customer service is great if ever needed.


__________________
Mike
<*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{ <*)))>{

ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012
Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011

Current Tank Info: 60*30*20, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1
solitude127 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 12:50 PM   #19
ecam
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 57
In addition to the regulator. What controller are you using to control the regulator ?


ecam is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 01:22 PM   #20
Vinny Kreyling
Registered Member
 
Vinny Kreyling's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Miller Place, NY
Posts: 7,206
Controllers are not needed for the regulator, they are stand alone units.


__________________
250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.
Vinny Kreyling is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 01:53 PM   #21
knx873
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Prince Albert, Canada
Posts: 18
What’s the best model materflex pump to run


knx873 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 02:44 PM   #22
scuzy
Registered Member
 
scuzy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 6,499
Any that does 0.6-600 rpm would work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro


scuzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 03:25 PM   #23
hkgar
Registered Member
 
hkgar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Dewitt MI
Posts: 5,051
Best regulator set up

I really like my Reef Octopus reactor. I have a 180 gallon tank and use up 2+ dKH per day and it keeps up.

And a Cole Parmer pump.

And you thought this was going to be cheap


__________________
Gary


180 gallon, 40 gallon sump, 3 250 W MH + 4 80W ATI T5's, MTC MVX 36 Skimmer, Apex controller Aquamaxx T-3 CaRx

Current Tank Info: A 2 Barred Rabbitfish, Red Head Salon, Yellow/Purple, McMaster Fairy, Possum, 2 Leopard Wrasses, Kole, & Atlantic Blue Tangs, 2 Percula Clown, 3 PJ and 1 Banggai Cardinalfish , Swallowtail, Bellus and Coral Beauty Angels
hkgar is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 03:31 PM   #24
lapin
Registered Member
 
lapin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Austin
Posts: 801
late to the party
I use a DYI set up Smith / Milwaukee / Do not remember the bubble counter manufacturer
Works great with my GEO reactor.
https://store.cyberweld.com/smco2re30sem.html
https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Ins.../dp/B00I47XIX2


lapin is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 12/27/2017, 03:34 PM   #25
tkeracer619
Registered Member
 
tkeracer619's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 17,289
A 6 to 600rpm unit is best. Brush less is preferred and is quiet. A brushed unit is fine if noise isn't a concern. You want a pump head that accepts ls17 size tubing.


__________________
Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers.
Current Tank:
Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.
tkeracer619 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:39 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Use of this web site is subject to the terms and conditions described in the user agreement.
Reef CentralTM Reef Central, LLC. Copyright ©1999-2022
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.