Calcium Reactor

[DeletedAccount]

I have decided that I need a Ca Reactor for my 120g tank. I know NOTHING about these at all. Any suggestions on type and where to buy?

Also will get one for my 50ish g clam tank. Suddestions there?

Thanks!

Misti

[::pete::]

Well ... shop around ... after you get prices and the size PM me. ;)

[matt]

A while back, Jeff Post had one of mine he wanted to sell. He's been out of touch for some time, but if you can contact him, you might be able to buy his. This would be ideal for your larger tank.

Be careful with one on the clam tank. That's pretty small volume, and unless you get a good one with a good solid way of controlling the CO2, you could drop the ph pretty quickly; if I remember, tridacna clams really prefer high ph environments (I think, but honestly can't remember) Maybe consider a kalk reactor for that tank.

If you do a search for some of my earlier posts on reactors, you'll find much of what I know about reactor design and set up in those. It might be helpful; I built a lot of them and learned alot in the process.

[DeletedAccount]

Actually, with the sump it is 85g, if that makes a difference.

Is that too small?

[captexas]

Reactors come in all sizes and with the right equipment you can set it to your tanks required needs. I would do some research on them to get an idea on how they work and affect your tank parameters. Some of the ones I have seen are fairly simple while others are much more complicated in their designs. I'm sure you can get Pete or is shadow Alex to make you one if you wanted to try one.

[matt]

Actually, with the sump it is 85g, if that makes a difference.

Is that too small?

No, that's fine. I'd still research the ph preferences of tridacnas and if they do in fact like high ph tanks, consider a kalk set up. If it's done right, it's almost as maintainence free as a calcium reactor; not quite the serious capacity for putting calcium and carbonate into your tank, but for a clam tank it might be perfect. You could ask Barry about it; I'm SURE he knows....

[DeletedAccount]

It is the clam style tank, but it does not have many clams.

Seahorses and SPS

[captexas]

Hmm, I would be more concerned about the affects on the seahorses. You know best on their care though, I just know they can be very delicate.

[DeletedAccount]

I have checked that out. No prob.

[NaCl_H2O]

Misti, I have a Korallyn Ca Reactor - Basically they are all a PITA to get setup and balanced. Still adjusting mine and "Dialing" it in. It is a slow process, and not something you add and reap benefits overnight. Kalk on the other hand is a bit more of an Overnight cure.

Are you simply looking to boost Ca, or are you also targeting higher Alk &/or PH levels?

You are welcome to come see mine and I can show you what I have learned (good & bad).

[matt]

Misti, when you've narrowed the list down to a few choices, feel free to PM me for info if you want. Reactors are not that complicated; as long as you have sufficient capacity and circulation they'll all work well, PROVIDED that you can control the CO2 consistently (dwyer flowmeter!!!!) and you're willing to carefully dial it in with lots of initial ph and dkh tests on the effluent. Once it's set right for your tank, weekly alk and ph, and occasional Ca, tests of the tank are all you need to do.

[DeletedAccount]

Thanks, Matt!

[Tim Marvin]

yyyiiikes has one for sale in the for sale section. I noticed a PM CO2 cannister in one of his picture on the tank. It looked very clean.

[NaCl_H2O]

Hey Matt, I saw a good article on tuning a Ca Reactor the other day but forgot to bookmark it! Have any "Favorite" links?

[matt]

Well, there's this one:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.htm

I wrote a lengthy post once about reactor set up and adjustment. It would take a little digging to find it, but I'm sure it's still on the board somewhere.

[abe77901]

Mathueson, I run the K2R and have had great success. It was relatively easy to set and "dial in". Matt's article was a real help. For the media I used korallith.

[DeletedAccount]

Thanks, abe!

[MikeyBoy]

I am going to be ordering a Dwyer Flowmeter for the upcoming Calcium reactor if anybody wants to jusmp in and get one.
If Matt swears by them, I want one for the new reactor I am about to buy.

Let me know, I will just have them shipped to my house.

Mike

[NaCl_H2O]

Well, there's this one:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.htm

That's it, thanks!

[jtran]

Abe77901. I just recently bought a use K2R calcium reactor from the LFS and it didn't come with the manual and the pump. I have no idea how to hook up one of this thing. Do you by any chance could draw a diagram of how this work? Also, what kind of CO2 Regulator did you used? How long do you normally change the media and add the CO2. Approximately, how much it cost to fill up the CO2 canister (5lbs, 10lbs)???? Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.

[GaryP]

A while back, Jeff Post had one of mine he wanted to sell. He's been out of touch for some time, but if you can contact him, you might be able to buy his. This would be ideal for your larger tank.

Matt,

I tried PM'ing Jeff several times with no luck. He has apparently dropped out of sight.

[AlienAnchovies]

where do you guys full your co2?
i know academy sports and outdoors can fill a 9oz co2 tank for $2.25

[Gator]

natwell