Calcium Reactors

[fritz]

Just like skimmers, all calcium reactors are not equal. From what I've read, fluidized are far more efficient, some also recycle the CO2. I've found many people that hated their calcium reactor until they got one of the above mentioned types and then it was a different world altogether for them.

I've been looking at the Deltec PF501
http://deltecusa.us/docs/CalciumReactors.pdf

It is fluidized and reuses some of the CO2 to ensure more efficient usage of the gas. I've heard some really great reviews and many reviews by happy owners that have tried other calcium reactors but I wanted the MR take. I know some users are using the Shruan, the Korallin, etc etc.

Is there something better out there? What do you guys prefer, other than 2 part.

 

[herman]

Many people immediately dislike a product because they have had a bad experience with it.

When a tank is full of frags and youre only using 100ml of 2 part a day its all fine and good. But once you start using larger quntities like 500ml it can get very costly and tedious. ESV is a great product and I use it but in the long run thats a lot of cash. Randys 2 part is super cheap but it has to be made. Being that a few of us "cost a lot per hour" it winds up being more expensive than the ESV. Plus if you like to drink you can end up messing up the formula and start thinking that your sand is a alkalinity hog.

All that being said, 99% of the calcium reactors are total and absolute crap. The Deltec you are talking about belongs to the 1%. Its well designed, very efficient, if you use it right, an its truly a set and forget reactor. The fact that it is fluidized makes a huge difference and it saves you a lot of CO2 because it does recirculate what as unused in the previous pass.

I like the benefit of being able to set the thing and just forgetting about it but I also like what ESV does for my tank. Let the Calcium Reactor handle 80% of the tanks needs and dose the ESV alongside. That way yoou get the best o both worlds.

 

[House of Laughter]

I like the benefit of being able to set the thing and just forgetting about it but I also like what ESV does for my tank. Let the Calcium Reactor handle 80% of the tanks needs and dose the ESV alongside. That way yoou get the best o both worlds.

I have been trying to tell MR this for a few years now and swear by this method - I have noticed maximum stability and growth by using this method.

I have an MRC (Sorry Pierce) dual chamber (6" and 4") which is more than capable of handling my system (245g total volume) but I dial it in at about 400-420 - each week I use my water changes to dose up my calcium using ESV - you get alot more out of your ESV when doing it this way - like Herman said, it can get expensive either way. But THIS way, again, I have found to be the best. FWIW, this is best for me based on time, stability and growth.

I plan on using the same methodology on my sps grow out system starting in May.

House

 

[cali_reef]

All Calcium Reactor are intended to be a low-maintenance method of Alk and Ca supplement. Execution of this intend varies :lol2:

In addition to the plastic tube that holds the media and a pump to circulate water around the media, you need to have a good quality CO2 regulator and a PH controller. Stay away from MRC, they all have some defect and most leaks .

I never used a Deltec, I can't afford them at retail and someone here keeps jacking the good deals I find. I am currently using a JetStream 1, so far it is doing a pretty good job. The unique design, material used and workmanship is excellent, the only thing I don't like is its small size.

 

[herman]

I never used a Deltec, I can't afford them at retail and someone here keeps jacking the good deals I find. I am currently using a JetStream 1, so far it is doing a pretty good job. The unique design, material used and workmanship is excellent, the only thing I don't like is its small size.

Well youre the dumbass that keeps sending me the links You complain about the size of the Jetstream 1 then get the Jetstream 2. That thing is big Ill buy you the Jetstream in trade for your BK :sgrin:

 

[PalmTree]

I've been running my Korallin for about a year now and I've got no complaints. It is preoably not as well made as the Deltec but it does utalize the fluadized method and I'm sure (by looking at the way it's set up) that it reuses some of the CO2. Alot of people have complaints about their PH dropping after the adition of a CA reactor but I have not had that probelm w/ my Korallin. The only issue I have is that it is a pain to change out all the media when the time comes. It has kept my CA level at ar above 440. Once in a while I'll use a bit of ESV 2 part.

 

[cali_reef]

It is preoably not as well made as the Deltec but it does utalize the fluadized method and I'm sure (by looking at the way it's set up) that it reuses some of the CO2.

It is pretty well made, I would say better than the deltec skimmer I have. They are NOT fluidized reactors, and yes, it does reuse some of the CO2, but nothing like a JetStream does.

The only issue I have is that it is a pain to change out all the media when the time comes.

Poor execution on that "low maintenance" part, it is a PIA to deal with those stainless screws and nuts. I have the Ph probe holder on mine 1502 and it is impossible to remove the probe for calibration without taking apart the pump.

 

[gnatp2]

I also use a Korallin. I hated it until I stole Pierce's ph controller. I have some problems getting a steady drip rate, but besides that, I'm happy.

 

[PalmTree]

Yeah the PH holder really is a pain to calibrate. I only get around to calibrating when I change out the media. All in all not a bad piece of equipment.

 

[alrha]

tagging along with fred here.
think they have a buy 1 get 1 free deal?
u buy 1 and i get 1 free?