Skimmer-Fuge-CA Reactor

So I'm winding down with my parts list (See my pre-build list here: http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/pre-build-parts-checklist-67770.html) Trying to make sure I fully understand a few of the crucial pieces before pulling the trigger.

I want everything contained underneath my stand. (300 gallon).

Right now I'm considering:
Skimmer: ETSS 800
Reactor: CR 600 Media Melter
Fuge: AE Teach 42 HD
Return: ReeFlow Hammerhead

I found the following pictures, but am not sure how I'd connect the CA reactor. (Hard to visualize by reading and looking at pictures.)

So is it possible to connect the reactor to this setup? Can I do it right in line and where would I connect it? I'm guessing I'd have my Reeflo Hammerhead Return on the far right.

Will this setup work ok for me? Any thing I should reconsider?

Thanks for any advice!

 

You can not connect a calcium reactor inline, the effluent rate needs to be relatively slow, under 100 milliliters a minute generally I think. You will need to get a feed pump (mag 3/eheim 1250 or something generally I think) and some tubing/plumbing, you put the feed pump in the sump and have it pump to the calcium reactor and then you have some tubing come back to the sump.

Here's an article about CA reactors for more info.
A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors by Simon Huntington - Reefkeeping.com

And yes your return pump in this configuration would be on the right, although external skimmers and pumps are less efficient space-wise, if you're sure you have room under the tank for all of this stuff that's fine but you could look at getting an in-sump skimmer and return pump.

 

Thanks for the link and the info, that makes sense.

I initially was looking at in-sump skimmers, but figured I'd have plenty of room in a 72" base. Maybe I need to reconsider.

 

One thing about external skimmers that I really don't like is that skimmers can overflow, and regularly do for some people, especially when your tank is young and still going through a lot of changes and while you're still getting it dialed in. Unless you have a water sensor to shutoff your skimmer if it overflows I wouldn't use one. Too risky for me.

 

72" sounds and looks like a lot on paper, but when you start seeing and plumbing this stuff in person it gets real tight real fast.

~Will.

 

You're right, I actually took pencil to paper tonight and the dimensions on the items I had been planning on eat up that 72" pretty quick!