Koralin calcium reactors

[txstateunivreefer]

ok so i have a good deal goin or at least i think it is. Koralin 1502 w/ pump, JBJ CO2 Regulator, and a milwakee ph controller for $400.

a) is it a good deal?
b) for those folks who have calcium reactors how do you like em?
c) are koralin calcium reactors good?
d) what else do i need to make it work besides a tank?
e) since im moving towards sps, is this a wise purchase?
f) is there anything else i should know about calc reactors

[caferacermike]

The Koralin systems Ive seen use Eheim pumps, so that's good. The prices are at least $400, so a complete system for that price is not a bad deal at all. Do Koralin reactors work better than anything else? I think it would be difficult to make a CA reactor that did not work based upon the theory of what actually happens. They are basically a tube that recirculates water over and over through the tube. A valve at the top allows you to control the CO2 and output of the reactor. Would you benefit? Sure.

[Texreefer]

what Mike said

[matt]

The koralin reactors are tiny, and since reactor efficiency is based primarily on the amount of media it holds, I've never been a fan of them.

I just started using a reactor again; I borrowed one of mine from Felipe at Fin Addict that I made for him several years ago when he started the store up. It holds two complete containers of ARM (could fit another half a container) and the circulation is a pan world PX50. Pressure pumps work better in reactors due to the friction of the media slowing the flow in non-pressure pumps. I'm trying to decide whether to make myself a new reactor for my corner tank. Even with the free reactor I've invested $150 in this experiment on getting the CO2 tank hydrotested and filled, replacing the needle valve in the regulator, buying media, and a few trips to HD for plumbing parts.

Oh yeah, the secret to successful, trouble free reactor use is to be able to consistently and reliably control the CO2 flow and effluent flow. Neither of those things are really controlled by the reactor. If you do buy this and set it up, post here if you want a few tips on keeping the flow steady, if you encounter any problems.