Calcium Reactor Suggestions

I have an Aquacontroller Jr on the way and a CO2 tank in the closet. I'm sick of dosing calcium. So this summer I plan on getting a pH probe, Ca Reactor, and a Solenoid/Regulator.

I can tell you everything about how the chemical process works, but I don't know a thing about the reactors themselves. They sound pretty simple..pushing water through a tube full of CC..but these things get expensive. So if you would, explain to me the benefits of getting a "good" one vs a cheaper one.

Thanks,
Ivan

 

No one??

 

The only difference I see between the cheap ones and the expensive ones are the durability and brand name.
I actually use resun reactors (the cheapest on the market) I even made one some time ago out of PVC. Never had a problem with either.
I think what's important in CA reactors is the gauge and controller
HTH

 

Geo. Hands down, no contest.

It is all about efficiencies. The more efficient it is, the less gas is used and the more stable your PH. This is why most are going to duel chambers, to try to overcome their inefficiencies.

 

One more question..are the majority of them "in-line"? I have seen a few pictures of them that are..but nothing specific in product descriptions. They all seem to have a fairly large footprint and I'm not sure if my sump could fit one. May look into building one if I have to.

 

Ive been thinking the same thing as you..I will be tagging along on this....
did you try CL,I found some people getting rid of theirs fairly cheap...

 

I was recommended to get a KNOP C version as it runs very efficiently. The only thing I have done to it is add a second chamber to raise the pH before it enters the tank and to not waste the CO2 that is in the line.

 

I'm not sure you can really tell a lot about the quality from pictures. I think a lot of it has to do with the quality of materials used and build quality, good quality hose connections, good gaskets, good screws for the chamber lids. You don't want something cheap that's going to start leaking after a few months or even a year or something you have to replace all the hose connections because they're poor quality.

Also extra features to consider, effluent flow meters, drain outlets, pH probe port on the primary chamber, second reactor chambers are obvious, upflow or downflow (I think most are upflow these days but something to be aware of).
I think some of it is just design, how easy it is to maintain, change the reactor media etc.

I'm not sure what you're referring to as "in-line"? In-line with what? AFAIK most require a feed pump and a recirculation pump. A lot of people drive the feed off of a return pump manifold or something, though I believe. I don't think most people run these actually in the sump they are too big a lot of the time.

 

I also recommend the Geo reactors. Take a look at his site www.geosreef.com and you find some very detailed instructions on how to properly set up and fine tune a reactor, 6 pages long and good reading for anyone new to reactors.

 

I agree completely and would add that the quality of workmanship on the GEOs is outstanding.