Coarse reactor media, which one do YOU use?

[Waxxiemann]

I just ordered a clacium reactor (GEO 624). It recommends the use of coarse media. The only 3 I know of are : Schuran, A.R.M. and Gen-X.

Is there a difference between them? Which one do you use and why?

Thanks.

[HerbieK]

I use Gen-X. Basically, you are dissolving coral skeletons to make coral skeletons. I figure that you are getting more trace elements and stuff with a "coral bones" media, than aragonite rock.

Herb

[Billy P]

I use the corse ARM

[Waxxiemann]

The ARM is the one I was thinking of going with, I was just curious if there was a difference between brands.

[Just Jim]

I run the 624 and accidently got the finer media. I realized that it wouldn't work immediatley and had to order the coarse A.R.M. It works well.

[Waxxiemann]

I didn't realize the fine media wouldn't work at all, good to know.

[mflamb]

Originally posted by HerbieK
I use Gen-X. Basically, you are dissolving coral skeletons to make coral skeletons. I figure that you are getting more trace elements and stuff with a "coral bones" media, than aragonite rock.

Herb

Ditto.

[tmoore]

GEN-X

[pdkinsel]

Gen-X

[ErikS]

Originally posted by Waxxiemann
I didn't realize the fine media wouldn't work at all, good to know.

It works, just the coarse works better. Geo has been making units since before coarse came on the market, same design. He now recommends coarse - see below.

Coarse = better flow through the unit = better use of CO2 = better performance.

Coarse also has little chance of channeling.

[Waxxiemann]

Thanks for the explanation, that's basically all common sense stuff but good to know none the less. What no one has really addressed yet (and what the main question of the thread is), is there a difference between brands of coarse medias?

For example, A.R.M. claims to "have 50 times more strontium than the other leading brands."

Is there a link to a study anywhere that tests the different brands or anything like that?

Cheers

[ksed]

Originally posted by Waxxiemann
Thanks for the explanation, that's basically all common sense stuff but good to know none the less. What no one has really addressed yet (and what the main question of the thread is), is there a difference between brands of coarse medias?

For example, A.R.M. claims to "have 50 times more strontium than the other leading brands."

Is there a link to a study anywhere that tests the different brands or anything like that?

Cheers

Try this question in the chemistry forum, Randy may chime in. He may have some experience in leading you in the right direction.

[ErikS]

Originally posted by Waxxiemann
For example, A.R.M. claims to "have 50 times more strontium than the other leading brands."

Is there a link to a study anywhere that tests the different brands or anything like that?

There is precious little empirical data in this hobby, especially from manufacturers.

Coarse media is broken of chunks of coral skeleton..........unless CaribSea has found way to inject strontium I'd say it's a line of manure.

FWIW - dissolving coral chunks gives back everything you need (beauty of it).

Biggest difference you're likely to find? Price.