Looking for an economical calcium reactor? Ha OXYMORON?

[faztaz]

Im in the market for a calcium reactor for my 120g main reef, 60g sump, and 30g frag tank (210g total). What type of reactor do you recommend?

I would love to have an MTC Pro-Cal but Im a college student, and thus I must keep my reef budget in check. I don't have time for the DIY route, but I was thinking maybe from another DIY person who sells his/her creations. Any thoughts suggestions??? Since in in school and will be on rotations I will not be able to monitor my tank, Ca, etc, on a daily basis, and thus need a reactor that is well built, and will not require much maintenance or adjustments after the initial setup.

Thanks!
_________________
Family Guy Forum

 

[Will C1]

only way to do it cheap is to DIY. you will save a ton of money doing this and it really dosent take that long you could build it in a weekend. dosent that sound like its worth saving like $300?

 

[faztaz]

Will the thought did cross my mind. Only problem is I don't have all the right tools, router, hole saw, etc. And I figured to get some nice acylic tubes and all the other material it would cost me about $70-100 depending on quality and size. So far another $100 why not have someone else do it and save me the headache.
_________________
Persian Forum

 

[Will C1]

use regular pvc instead of the clear it will cost you a quarter of the price it dosent look as pretty but who cares its goin under your tank inside a stand.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
You can make a reactor with almost no hand tool. It won't look professional, but who cares if it works?

As a student back in the old days, I use a water filter canister (the prefilter housing for water filter such as RO), a refillable DI cartidge (empty), a few PVC connectors, vinyl hose, MaxiJet powerhead, Jaco connector, and the only tool I brought is an electric drill (borrow one from your friend if you don't have one already), and a tap for the Jaco with a matching drill bit (~$8).

If you want to have a keyhole fringe, nylon winged nut, acylic body, acrylic stand and the whole nine yards, then you will need the router, milling machine, etc. But don't let others to make you go all the way if you don't have to.

 

[faztaz]

Thanks guys. The thing is Im anal about the way things look. I spent the $$ for an Oceanic Tank and Cherry Cabinet. I'm going to build the hood (when I have time), I built a really nice oak cabinet and hood for the 30g frag, and built the sump myseld using thick high grade acylic. I like to do things right, and I like everything to look nice. I could easily build a PVC reactor or even an acylic one for that matter. But I would like to see the condition of the media, secondly being as anal as I am, I would like it to also look nice (heck I spent $100 in oak for a 30g tank).
_________________
Cancer - Breast Forum

 

[Anonymous]

Try this...
http://www.myreefcreations.com/

 

[dragon0121]

I'll second Dan's recommendation. Just hooked up one last month, very nice! A cheap calcium reactor is still very expensive, but after getting my My Reef, I can't understand paying $700 to set up another brand. I bought a single chamber, with the Blueline CO2 gauge package (very, very nice), CO2 tank, all came to around $400.

 

[Anonymous]

If you like my design(see link) I'll build you one.

I do not provide Regulator, CO2 tank, needle valve, bubble counter, or solenoid.

I do provide the MAG pump, and a bottom-up flow design that is very rugged and will more than meet a 210 gal tank's requirements.

PM if interested

 

[faztaz]

Snapper, impressive design. I was actually thinking along the same lines if I were to do a DIY approach. No router, saw, etc needed. Just need precut acrylic tubes and your good to go (along with about 3 trips to Home Depot). Anyways I was looking at a design with a nice flat top, thumb screws, etc. The equipment (sump, MTC skimmer, Ca reactor, etc) will be in an excercice/workout room so I would like it to look a little flashy! Thanks!
_________________
Environmental Disorders Forum

 

[The Pirate]

I made my first one with a couple of water filter canisters. I still have it If your interested make an offer.

 

[The Pirate]

Aw heck for the right price I would sell the new one. The reactor is the tube on the left.

 

[The Pirate]

FWIW to use the standard four inch plumbing stuff from the local hardware store all you need is 4 1/2 inch OD acrylic tubing.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
My DIY reactor is similar to Pirate's. The canister is clear, so you can see thru. Out of dozens of hobbyists that visited my tank, only one asked me to opened the stand/cabinet to check out the equipments.... my wife just ask me to lock the cabinet since she don't even want to know what junks are inside.

Now, that 5 feeter going to fit perfectly inside fms2md's 30 gal stand :lol: