Geo 618 Calcium Reactor Recommendations.

Jasonanatal · 03/26/2009, 08:40 AM

I'm in the market for a Calcium Reactor and I wanted Deltec to match every other piece of equipment but I'm not too comfortable with the Aqua Bee Pump that is provided for the recirculation of the unit. So I have decided to go with a Geo 618 Calcium Reactor which seems to be the next best in line as far as quality and performance. But I have read mixed reviews regarding the unit leaking do to the O-ring not behaving like it should. Do any owners of the Geo 618 Calcium Reactor have any recommendations on their personal experience with this piece of equipment? It would be appreciated.

mark728 · 03/26/2009, 09:06 AM

Hi I love my Geo 618 its on my 120 and my friend has a Deltec and he loves my geo he wishes he had the geo it was so easy to setup its running off my return with a valve on the return from the reactor and its rock solid ,just get the Reef Fanatic Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid it's the best out there ,and run it off your return like i did ,and for the seal you must not over tighten the top and use a use a x pattern when you tighten the lid go from side to side with the bolts when you tighten do not overtighten and make sure it's clean no chips of media ,use Gen x large media . I have 2 ph units 1 is a Reef Fanatic PH Controller that runs the reactor and 1 RF ph unit fot the tank ph .Get the Geo you will be happy you did ,just my 2 cents hope it helps you .

Jasonanatal · 03/26/2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mark728
Hi I love my Geo 618 its on my 120 and my friend has a Deltec and he loves my geo he wishes he had the geo it was so easy to setup its running off my return with a valve on the return from the reactor and its rock solid ,just get the Reef Fanatic Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid it's the best out there ,and run it off your return like i did ,and for the seal you must not over tighten the top and use a use a x pattern when you tighten the lid go from side to side with the bolts when you tighten do not overtighten and make sure it's clean no chips of media ,use Gen x large media . I have 2 ph units 1 is a Reef Fanatic PH Controller that runs the reactor and 1 RF ph unit fot the tank ph .Get the Geo you will be happy you did ,just my 2 cents hope it helps you .

Mark728, thank you for the information. I will definitely be leaning toward the Geo 618 Calcium Reactor. Any other thoughts from anyone would be great.

AcroporAddict · 03/26/2009, 11:06 AM

I think the issue with the O-Ring stems from the fact that the channels the top O-Ring sits in are not machined smooth, at least not on my 618. Buy some 100% silicone lube from Ace Hardware for $1.00, lube the ring before you install it (don't glop it on), and you won't have any problems. Tighten the top nuts evenly like tightening a car tire bolt pattern, snug but don't over torque them.
Dave

Jasonanatal · 03/26/2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AcroporAddict
I think the issue with the O-Ring stems from the fact that the channels the top O-Ring sits in are not machined smooth, at least not on my 618. Buy some 100% silicone lube from Ace Hardware for $1.00, lube the ring before you install it (don't glop it on), and you won't have any problems. Tighten the top nuts evenly like tightening a car tire bolt pattern, snug but don't over torque them.
Dave

AcroporAddict, thank you for the information. I will definitely remember to purchase some silicone lubricant from the hardware store when I purchase the Geo 618 Calcium Reactor. Is there a particular type of silicone lubricant? Anything that you would recommend me avoiding.

jasert39 · 03/26/2009, 02:01 PM

i have the 624 and have been running it for a few months...no problems at all with it leaking from anywhere. Since the top/lid of the chamber is clear you can see as you tighten the screws the seal being made with the lid...like I said no problems at all. Good luck!!

Jasonanatal · 03/26/2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasert39
i have the 624 and have been running it for a few months...no problems at all with it leaking from anywhere. Since the top/lid of the chamber is clear you can see as you tighten the screws the seal being made with the lid...like I said no problems at all. Good luck!!

Jasert39, thank you for the information. 3 good votes for the Geo 618 Calcium Reactor so far. Anything bad to say... anything at all?

AcroporAddict · 03/26/2009, 03:04 PM

I had no problems with the reactor lid. Its mating surface with the o-ring is flat. It is the channel machined into the bottom part that is not smooth.

Just get 100% silicone lube.

The pressure you feed the reactor with could cause a pressure leak. I feed mine with as little pressure as possible to get the drip rate I need.
Dave

Reefer08 · 03/26/2009, 04:32 PM

Ive had no leaks with my O-Ring. Great calcium reactor.

sasharotty · 03/26/2009, 05:47 PM

Just set mine up recently but this is the best piece of equipment purchased to date!

chercm · 03/26/2009, 07:01 PM

i am using Deltec CR , good tooo ....

too bad from Singapore , i cannot find GEO

chadfarmer · 03/26/2009, 08:10 PM

i have had more than 3 geo reactors and never had problem s with o'rings leaking

my friend has an old model over 4 years old and hes lid leaks alittle until we lubed the seal

jh2pizza · 03/26/2009, 08:24 PM

I just got my 624 and love it. We have no issues with leaks at all.

AcroporAddict · 03/26/2009, 08:55 PM

Sounds like my experience is the exception rather than the rule. I love my 618. Maybe I didn't torque the top correctly, but no issues since I lubed the ring.
Dave

ccradr · 03/27/2009, 06:41 PM

When you say you feed your calcium reactor from your overflow....i dont follow. Doesnt the pump provided pull the water into the chamber for you?

Phyxius · 03/27/2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ccradr
When you say you feed your calcium reactor from your overflow....i dont follow. Doesnt the pump provided pull the water into the chamber for you?

Probably means that its fed off some of the flow from the overflow. Although the reactor has a pump for keeping flow going within itself it still needs something to feed it with tank water so it can constantly rotate fresh water in and effluent water out of it so its effectively raising the calcium/alk etc in your tank.

My Geo units have never leaked at the O rings. Like others have said the lids are clear so just tighten them enough till you see slight compression in the o ring and your good to go. You can see the seal as its creating......

ccradr · 03/27/2009, 07:50 PM

Not sure I follow...so the efluent that drips out is what raises the tanks calcium/alk....why and where would you feed the unit?

jnb · 03/30/2009, 09:30 AM

for water to come out of the reactor, water has to come in to it - so you need to feed it water from your tank sump

Quote:

Originally posted by ccradr
Not sure I follow...so the efluent that drips out is what raises the tanks calcium/alk....why and where would you feed the unit?

jnb · 03/30/2009, 09:41 AM

I have 2 cents after having installed a Geo 1.5 months ago but I was brand new to reactors:

I got the reef fanantics reg. It's working pressure is fixed; you can not adjust it like you can other regs - they say that it one less thing to worry about. Mine had a working pressure of 27 psi which as I understand was a little more than most. At that working pressure, adjusting the BPM was a pain - so I installed an Idea needle valve which allows very fine adjustment. In hindsight I would have gotten a different reg - but it is fine now after spending some addional money.

I find the Geo awkward to purge air/gas. This is something you have to do after closing the top and if you overgas. I did not enjoy trying to get the last bubbles out - the large ones that cause the pump to start swishing bubbles. Some people purged the air by loosening the PH probe fixture but the is sort of messy. So last night I installed (drilled/tapped) a purge valve in the top - no problems now.

I have no regrets. I did install a second chamber (precision marine media reactor) with more Gen-x large in it to take advantage of the elevated reactor PH to get a little more DKH and helps decrease the PH going back in to the sump. I also installed a flow meter to more easily adjust the effluent ml per minute.

Before all of this I was dosing 2 part and could not keep up my ALK/Ca without mixing gallons too often - my tank was taking up >250ml of each per day - and still I was having trouble getting ALK > 7 DKH - so I am happy and at 8.0

No regrets.

knockout · 04/01/2009, 03:28 PM

tagging and bump

Eel-byte · 04/01/2009, 03:55 PM

This will be my next reactor.

jkeating2005 · 04/02/2009, 03:45 AM

i love my GEO 818. very easy to set. used my return pump to feed and am running a milwaukee reg. no complaints at all

Hop · 04/02/2009, 06:52 AM

I loved my Geo... the Deltec I had was quickly sold when the pump took a plunge three months in

boxer385 · 11/24/2009, 08:01 PM

i just installed a 618 with a aquariumplant electronic co2 regulator and i love it very easly to get it dial in

03/26/2009, 08:40 AM	#1
Jasonanatal Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 940	Geo 618 Calcium Reactor Recommendations. I'm in the market for a Calcium Reactor and I wanted Deltec to match every other piece of equipment but I'm not too comfortable with the Aqua Bee Pump that is provided for the recirculation of the unit. So I have decided to go with a Geo 618 Calcium Reactor which seems to be the next best in line as far as quality and performance. But I have read mixed reviews regarding the unit leaking do to the O-ring not behaving like it should. Do any owners of the Geo 618 Calcium Reactor have any recommendations on their personal experience with this piece of equipment? It would be appreciated.

03/26/2009, 09:06 AM	#2
mark728 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 471	Hi I love my Geo 618 its on my 120 and my friend has a Deltec and he loves my geo he wishes he had the geo it was so easy to setup its running off my return with a valve on the return from the reactor and its rock solid ,just get the Reef Fanatic Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid it's the best out there ,and run it off your return like i did ,and for the seal you must not over tighten the top and use a use a x pattern when you tighten the lid go from side to side with the bolts when you tighten do not overtighten and make sure it's clean no chips of media ,use Gen x large media . I have 2 ph units 1 is a Reef Fanatic PH Controller that runs the reactor and 1 RF ph unit fot the tank ph .Get the Geo you will be happy you did ,just my 2 cents hope it helps you . __________________ 120g tech 2 X 250W Reeflux 10k, Center,400w Reeflux 20k ,GEO618,2 Vortechs/1VHO Actinic,3Ati Blue+ 54w T5,2 Fiji purp 54w T5,Octo Extreme 250 Skimmer w/purp/pinwheels,130+ lbs Marco rock,200 + lbs sand,Mag 18,Sps & Nepthea Current Tank Info: 120g TECH SPS & GREEN LEATHERS,NEPTHEA & SINULARIA

03/26/2009, 02:01 PM	#6
jasert39 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: PA Posts: 759	i have the 624 and have been running it for a few months...no problems at all with it leaking from anywhere. Since the top/lid of the chamber is clear you can see as you tighten the screws the seal being made with the lid...like I said no problems at all. Good luck!! __________________ Trust the Process Current Tank Info: 75 gallon RR Display, 30 gallon sump, SRO INT1000, Jebao CP9's, Marsaqua LEDS.

03/26/2009, 08:10 PM	#12
chadfarmer Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ST Charles, MO far from nanook Posts: 11,045 Blog Entries: 1	i have had more than 3 geo reactors and never had problem s with o'rings leaking my friend has an old model over 4 years old and hes lid leaks alittle until we lubed the seal __________________ If you think you know the answer than ask 3 more people the question Current Tank Info: 200 Gal RR,ATB medium, 4 AI blue sol,230 LBS LIVE ROCK, no sand , 40 GAL sump, airstar1800, 3 tunze 6105 1- 6205 1-6305, Geo 818, profilux3ex with toys

03/26/2009, 08:24 PM	#13
jh2pizza Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: zanesville, ohio Posts: 3,439	I just got my 624 and love it. We have no issues with leaks at all. __________________ Joe and Jeni Friends don't give Friends kenya trees! Current Tank Info: Oceanic 180 in wall, 100 sump, Geo Kalk Reactor, Tunze 9415 skimmer, Geo Media Reactors, Geo 624 CA Reactor

03/26/2009, 11:06 AM	#4
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	I think the issue with the O-Ring stems from the fact that the channels the top O-Ring sits in are not machined smooth, at least not on my 618. Buy some 100% silicone lube from Ace Hardware for $1.00, lube the ring before you install it (don't glop it on), and you won't have any problems. Tighten the top nuts evenly like tightening a car tire bolt pattern, snug but don't over torque them. Dave

03/26/2009, 03:04 PM	#8
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	I had no problems with the reactor lid. Its mating surface with the o-ring is flat. It is the channel machined into the bottom part that is not smooth. Just get 100% silicone lube. The pressure you feed the reactor with could cause a pressure leak. I feed mine with as little pressure as possible to get the drip rate I need. Dave

03/26/2009, 04:32 PM	#9
Reefer08 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,812	Ive had no leaks with my O-Ring. Great calcium reactor.

03/26/2009, 05:47 PM	#10
sasharotty Moved on to my couch Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: se michigan Posts: 1,065	Just set mine up recently but this is the best piece of equipment purchased to date!

03/26/2009, 07:01 PM	#11
chercm Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 2,971	i am using Deltec CR , good tooo .... too bad from Singapore , i cannot find GEO

03/26/2009, 08:55 PM	#14
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	Sounds like my experience is the exception rather than the rule. I love my 618. Maybe I didn't torque the top correctly, but no issues since I lubed the ring. Dave

03/27/2009, 06:41 PM	#15
ccradr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 605	When you say you feed your calcium reactor from your overflow....i dont follow. Doesnt the pump provided pull the water into the chamber for you?

03/27/2009, 07:50 PM	#17
ccradr Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 605	Not sure I follow...so the efluent that drips out is what raises the tanks calcium/alk....why and where would you feed the unit?

03/30/2009, 09:41 AM	#19
jnb Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: S.E. Florida Deerfield Beach Posts: 2,581	I have 2 cents after having installed a Geo 1.5 months ago but I was brand new to reactors: I got the reef fanantics reg. It's working pressure is fixed; you can not adjust it like you can other regs - they say that it one less thing to worry about. Mine had a working pressure of 27 psi which as I understand was a little more than most. At that working pressure, adjusting the BPM was a pain - so I installed an Idea needle valve which allows very fine adjustment. In hindsight I would have gotten a different reg - but it is fine now after spending some addional money. I find the Geo awkward to purge air/gas. This is something you have to do after closing the top and if you overgas. I did not enjoy trying to get the last bubbles out - the large ones that cause the pump to start swishing bubbles. Some people purged the air by loosening the PH probe fixture but the is sort of messy. So last night I installed (drilled/tapped) a purge valve in the top - no problems now. I have no regrets. I did install a second chamber (precision marine media reactor) with more Gen-x large in it to take advantage of the elevated reactor PH to get a little more DKH and helps decrease the PH going back in to the sump. I also installed a flow meter to more easily adjust the effluent ml per minute. Before all of this I was dosing 2 part and could not keep up my ALK/Ca without mixing gallons too often - my tank was taking up >250ml of each per day - and still I was having trouble getting ALK > 7 DKH - so I am happy and at 8.0 No regrets.

04/01/2009, 03:28 PM	#20
knockout Really Cool Stuff! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poconos, PA Posts: 459	tagging and bump __________________ Kelvin. Current Tank Info: Red Sea Max 250

04/01/2009, 03:55 PM	#21
Eel-byte Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duluth, Mn Posts: 1,508	This will be my next reactor.

04/02/2009, 03:45 AM	#22
jkeating2005 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 722	i love my GEO 818. very easy to set. used my return pump to feed and am running a milwaukee reg. no complaints at all __________________ Joe Current Tank Info: 125g Mixed Reef, 150g Reef

04/02/2009, 06:52 AM	#23
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	I loved my Geo... the Deltec I had was quickly sold when the pump took a plunge three months in __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

11/24/2009, 08:01 PM	#24
boxer385 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: University Park, illinois Posts: 1,718	i just installed a 618 with a aquariumplant electronic co2 regulator and i love it very easly to get it dial in