Reef Octopus CR-140 vs GEO 618 Calcium Reactor

aleonn · 11/08/2010, 07:14 PM

I'm deciding between the Reef Octopus CR-140 ($240) and the GEO 618 Calcium Reactor ($416) for my 180 gallon mix-reef tank (in sig). The Reef Octopus is rated for tanks between 200-300 gallons depending on which online vendor I read (I'm awaiting Coralvue's confirmation via email). I'm sure ratings are somewhat arbitrary and depending on corals' needs, but BRS says 200 gallons, while Aquacave says 300. If I want a more SPS-dominated tank in the future, the 200 gallon rating would probably be inadequate, and I'd go with the GEO (rated up to 350 gallons).

I was originally going to go with GEO because of its reputation and approval from other RC members, but the price difference is pretty significant. If possible, I'd rather put those savings towards the Neptune Apex controller and the Aquarium Plants electronic CO2 regulator. I'm guessing the price difference is at least partly due to the pumps (Eheim 1048 vs the OTP, which I know nothing about). I'm also curious about differences in build quality, leak-proof construction, and user-friendly design.

Reef Octopus Calcium Reactor owners, are you satisfied with your reactor's performance? Has anyone used both calcium reactors? Any input is appreciated!

Waterobert · 11/08/2010, 10:07 PM

I have no experience with Reef Octopus CR-140 , however I do have some with Coralife Calcium reactor rated for 250 gallons. Both reactors have twist off top cover which is very difficult to open on my Coralife reactor. I have to use so much force to untwist the cover that I just absolutely hate servicing the reactor.
I do like your choice of regulator, I used to have millwake and it was very hard to make adjustments. Aquarium plants electronic regulator is so easy to adjust and it is very stable. I am operating my calcium reactor at 2.2 PSI pressure and it stays constantly at 2.2-2.3. I love it.

Waterobert · 11/08/2010, 10:08 PM

Sorry, double post

sbeason · 11/09/2010, 06:21 AM

IMHO, go with the GEO. Myself and many others have had nothing but great experiences with GEO. Top quality product, great customer service. Set it and forget it.
-Steve

aleonn · 11/09/2010, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the comments

Waterobert, did you get the AP Electronic regulator with the optional LCD counter?

vetdog · 11/28/2010, 04:41 PM

I have the GEO 618 and absolutely love it. I am currently using it to keep my 300g DD in check.

led stony · 10/07/2012, 09:57 PM

go geo support usa

karsseboom · 10/07/2012, 10:45 PM

I have the cr140 sitting in my tank room. If you look at the design it is VERY well built and If you look at the geo there very similar and both will do fine. Do a search on the cr140, there are some very good reviews on that as well.

I had the whole nine yards with mine...aquarium plants regulator, nice dosing pump for feeding, needle gate valve for effluent.

11/08/2010, 07:14 PM	#1
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Reef Octopus CR-140 vs GEO 618 Calcium Reactor I'm deciding between the Reef Octopus CR-140 ($240) and the GEO 618 Calcium Reactor ($416) for my 180 gallon mix-reef tank (in sig). The Reef Octopus is rated for tanks between 200-300 gallons depending on which online vendor I read (I'm awaiting Coralvue's confirmation via email). I'm sure ratings are somewhat arbitrary and depending on corals' needs, but BRS says 200 gallons, while Aquacave says 300. If I want a more SPS-dominated tank in the future, the 200 gallon rating would probably be inadequate, and I'd go with the GEO (rated up to 350 gallons). I was originally going to go with GEO because of its reputation and approval from other RC members, but the price difference is pretty significant. If possible, I'd rather put those savings towards the Neptune Apex controller and the Aquarium Plants electronic CO2 regulator. I'm guessing the price difference is at least partly due to the pumps (Eheim 1048 vs the OTP, which I know nothing about). I'm also curious about differences in build quality, leak-proof construction, and user-friendly design. Reef Octopus Calcium Reactor owners, are you satisfied with your reactor's performance? Has anyone used both calcium reactors? Any input is appreciated!

11/08/2010, 10:08 PM	#3
Waterobert Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel ,Ca Posts: 437	Sorry, double post Last edited by Waterobert; 11/08/2010 at 10:10 PM. Reason: Double post

11/28/2010, 04:41 PM	#6
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	I have the GEO 618 and absolutely love it. I am currently using it to keep my 300g DD in check. __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Reef Octopus CR-140 Calcium Reactor	ksmith68114	New to the Hobby	0	11/20/2009 10:40 PM
GEO 618 Calcium Reactor VS Korallin C1502 Calcium Reactor	joeyjoeq	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	0	04/22/2007 09:42 PM

11/08/2010, 10:07 PM	#2
Waterobert Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel ,Ca Posts: 437	I have no experience with Reef Octopus CR-140 , however I do have some with Coralife Calcium reactor rated for 250 gallons. Both reactors have twist off top cover which is very difficult to open on my Coralife reactor. I have to use so much force to untwist the cover that I just absolutely hate servicing the reactor. I do like your choice of regulator, I used to have millwake and it was very hard to make adjustments. Aquarium plants electronic regulator is so easy to adjust and it is very stable. I am operating my calcium reactor at 2.2 PSI pressure and it stays constantly at 2.2-2.3. I love it.

11/09/2010, 06:21 AM	#4
sbeason Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lake St Louis, MO Posts: 1,391	IMHO, go with the GEO. Myself and many others have had nothing but great experiences with GEO. Top quality product, great customer service. Set it and forget it. -Steve

11/09/2010, 11:08 PM	#5
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Thanks for the comments Waterobert, did you get the AP Electronic regulator with the optional LCD counter?

10/07/2012, 09:57 PM	#7
led stony Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 60	go geo support usa

10/07/2012, 10:45 PM	#8
karsseboom Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 2,183	I have the cr140 sitting in my tank room. If you look at the design it is VERY well built and If you look at the geo there very similar and both will do fine. Do a search on the cr140, there are some very good reviews on that as well. I had the whole nine yards with mine...aquarium plants regulator, nice dosing pump for feeding, needle gate valve for effluent.