calcium reactor set up question

[derek4real]

I currently have a 150 RR with a approx. 40 gallon Fuge. With that said I will be plumbing in 2 X 30 gallon frag tanks (heavily stocked). This puts my total water volume at approx. 250 gallons. I will most likely upgrade my skimmer (upgrade to 500 gallon rated) and fuge (upgrade to 55 gallon or 75 gallon, maybe 90 gallon even).

I am considering setting up a Calcium Reactor and trying to get this all budgeted out. I am considering the Coralife Calcium Reactor (500 gallon rated, on EBAY for 149.00 + shipping), seeing all the features (mainly, the Integrated Clear CO2 Bubble Counter and CO2 Check Valve),all I would need now is this, right?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CO3111.html

but this is a better deal and price comes with bubble counter and co2 check valve
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~JB2111.html

So.....

Calcium reactor (500 gallon rated)
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150.00 + shipping
CO2 Regulator9w/extras
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99.99 + shipping
Friends 5lb. tank from used "KEG-a-rator" (what a shame)
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FREE
TOTAL
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249.99 + media and PH monitor

Isn't that a good deal on a calcium reactor setup (for that size) or is that pretty average?

Am I going too BIG on the skimmer and calcium reactor?

Suggestions are welcomed.

 

[chrissreef]

'Am I going too BIG on the skimmer and calcium reactor? "

not imo, bigger is always better on the skimmer =) ca reactor... nah

some reactors come with bubble counters... you don't need one on the regulator and reactor, just one

eww, get a milwaukee or gen-x regulator... all are about the same but i think you're overpaying.

don't forget to add in media purchase

i dunno about that ca reactor... tried and true ones are the following
koralith
geo
octopus
knop
mtc

i personally have a problem with 95% of coralife products... i feel like i'm purchasing a petsmart or walmart product... but that's me - i always seem to have expensive taste.

 

[DaveJ]

Consider one of the off-brands to save a bit of money... check out lifereef.com and Precisionmarine.com. You can get seconds (slight scratched or something else minor) from them most times at GREAT prices.