Best Calcium Reactor?

R

ryngill

Premium Member
Ok, this has probably been asked quite a few times, but I like to have my own threads ;). What is the best calcium reactor? I was thinking about a Korallin b/c Marine Depot states that it is their most popular well liked system. I am pretty much looking for a turn key unit that is small. I was thinking I could have a little cabinet built to set it in by the tank since I am completely out of space under the tank, (this is why I have not used one in the past). I have been using Kalk with my top off for several years with what I thought were good results, but you know how this hobby goes, I just can’t take the if it’s not broken don’t fix it mentality; there is always something to tinker with/change. Oh, I also have seen a lot of folks do DIY units, but I’m no good at those things. I know myself well enough to know that it’s just better for me to buy things and hire professionals to get the job done. ;)
 
I think the consensus is the schuran is the best reactor right now.

I have heard a lot of people who love and hate the korallin
 
Reeftek's are awesome. I've had one for over three years and highly recommend.

My reef creations are also very good. In my opinion all the name brands (korallin, knop, shuran, etc) are all overpriced and your just paying for name!
 
I just recently got a geo and picked it after doing lots of research. I haven't set it up yet since I just got it but I am excited to get it running.
http://www.geosreef.com/Ca_612.html
Geo, Schuran, MRC are all good reactors from my research.
 
I am using a Schuran Jetstream 1 on my 180 heavily stocked SPS tank.
It effortlessly maintains my alk at 9 and calcium at 450.
5 or so months into its use, and the media (coralsand) has barely been used.
I highly recommend it, and the build quality/ease of refilling is amazing.
 
Ford?..Chevy? :p

Myself, im a Geo fan. Great piece of equipment. Easy to use, set and forget. Great design as well.

You made a good choice Estinguishfire :wink:
 
Ok so i found the best prices I could last night on some of these units and this is what I came up with. I did not try to find the best prices on the regulator/tank.

GEO 350
MRC 190
Schuran 409
ReefTec 229

regulator 144 from marine depot
5lb tank 75 from marine depot


is this a piece of equipment like a skimmer where you get what pay for and keep it for years on end. Or is the reaction less dependent on precision/quality. I am obviously trying to see if the Schuran is worth double the MRC/Reeftec. Also, anybody have the hook up on cheap tank/regulators?

Also, I am assuming that you do not run into any problems w/ gas excahnge or any exahust type issues keeping it in a closed cabinet. I figured since it is a closed injected system, it is fine with out external air supply. I'm not talking air tight, just sitting inside a piece of funiture hidden form the eyes.
 
@BigSteve wrote:
Ford?..Chevy? :P said:
Very very true in this case! Calcium reactor design isn't rocket science. The only difference really is if it has a CO2 recirc loop ond a bottom up flow design which all the good ones do. The needle valve quality and ease of use will cause you more pain then anything. That's why I tend to like the cheaper versions of the calcium reactors. I just don't think the Shuran and GEO are worth it.

Skimmers are a different story as the design and style of bubble production, etc make huge differences on performance. A calcium reactor is a different deal. Much simpler.


Honestly if you buy any of the brands mentioned here you'll be satisfied.
Click to expand...
 
For the tank you can get it from TheBevageShop on eBay or something like that. I bought my 5lb aluminum from then $60 shipped. (Search CO2 Tanks)

For the regulater I got it also off eBay regulartor and phcontroller/monitor for $156. AquaCave I believe was the shop. Search ph controller or Regulator

I'll see if I still have the link.
 
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