How to purchase a calcium reactor with monitor (and then set it up?)

Yep, but then you're talking a multi-controller again.

 

Once the reactor is dialed in the tank pH should not be an issue. Thats one reason I like having my pH probe in the specimen container rather than in a grommet in the reactor lid itself, I can move the probe over and test the tank easily then put it back. When its in the reactor you cannot remove it without shutting the reactor down.

You will get lots of opinions on regulators and controllers as you see here already. My Milwaukee A-957 has not missed a lick in 6 years whereas someone elses did. I did find in the few times I contacted Milwaukees tech support with questions they were extremely helpful and knowledgable, they even followed up with long distance calls several days later to check on things, now thats customer service.

The one thing I did find with the Milwaukee is you need to run it closer to 15 psi on the secondary gauge, at 10 psi the bubble count is erratic. Other than that its perfect.

 

Milwaukee regs seem to use cheap solenoids that fail more frequently than they should. The solenoid on the RF is a much better design or brand so it seems.

 

looking around, this co2 reactor thing is expensive -
250-350 for a small reactor with pump
110 for milwaukee ph controller
80 for regulator with solenoid
50 for first tank co2
50 at least for media
at least i already have a spare aqualifter!

oh well, just thinking about this for now - will wait until tank starts getting stocked and see how the levels do. last time it was pretty lightly stocked (biggest sps was about 3") and was sucking down ca/alk constantly.

 

Yeah, it's not cheap.

I got my barely used geo 618 with new reef fanatic regulator and a 5 lb empty tank for 250.
I traded a dog ramp I didn't use anymore for the milwaukee controller, media is only 20 dollars for 8 lbs (that should last 6 months in most normal sized reactors. And I needed a new probe for that controller, that was like 25 from BRS. Refills are only around 5 dollars where I go for a 5 lb container. That fill lasts me 6 months.


Wait until you have a couple hundred gallon reef tank, have several clams and big colonies of SPS. Then the calcium/ alk sucking goes insane.

 

thanks -
after poking around for a while i went ahead and ordered a reef angel. for 90 bucks more than the milwaukee controller i was able to get 3 temp probes (tank, room temp, and maybe whichever kid looks ill) and a ph probe, plus i get to replace the 4 manual timers my lights have been running off of.
just have to dust off my computerese - will high school experience in pascal help?;D

 

Sounds good

That reef angel looks like a nice controller.

The third temp probe for the kid, I don't want to ask what "port" it's set up for.:-X

 

there's only one place it'll be sure to stay...