Sizing Calcium Reactor for large tank

nightOwl · 04/30/2020, 10:37 AM

If I have a 350 gallon SPS dominated tank what is best size Calcium Reactor I should try to use? I have been looking at one that is rated around 300 gallons but that is for a moderately stocked tank. Should I find a reactor for a larger tank or do they take into account for rock and that kind of stuff?

Vinny Kreyling · 04/30/2020, 04:26 PM

Look for a larger unit.

tom obrecht · 04/30/2020, 04:52 PM

You can always run the smaller one higher to keep up with demand of which you replace media more often. However if it’s too undersized it would be recommended to move up. If you are packed full at 350 gallons I would recommend jumping up. What brand you looking at if you don’t mind me asking?

nightOwl · 04/30/2020, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling

Look for a larger unit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom obrecht

You can always run the smaller one higher to keep up with demand of which you replace media more often. However if it’s too undersized it would be recommended to move up. If you are packed full at 350 gallons I would recommend jumping up. What brand you looking at if you don’t mind me asking?

Vinny Kreyling and tom obrecht thanks for the tips. I plan on being fully packed but right now things are growing. I think I should look for a bigger one based on what you guys said. I was looking at the Avast Marine reactor. Love their products and their customer service is amazing. Any other suggestions on brands?

tom obrecht · 04/30/2020, 06:01 PM

Personally I have used Geo with a Cole Palmer and Carbon Doser regulator as well as currently a Deltec Twin Tech. Both have done well for me. The Deltec is very similar to the Dastaco brand which is simple to operate but more money. If you like Avast equipment (never have used their stuff so I can’t comment) then I say go with them.

solitude127 · 05/01/2020, 12:18 PM

I'm having pretty good luck with the Aquamaxx reactor.
I think more important than the reactor you use is the regulator you use. If you don't have one that's consistent, it'll be a PITA to dial in to meet you needs. A lot of people like the Carbon Doser but I opted for a custom built one. It's been 2+ years so far and everything is working well. Feed pump is also just important to get a consistent effluent rate. A lot of reefers have had success with just a maxi-jet as their feed pump but I went with the Kamoer FX-STP pump.

nightOwl · 05/05/2020, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the insight and replies...its off to do more research on brands with more capacity.

04/30/2020, 10:37 AM	#1
nightOwl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799	Sizing Calcium Reactor for large tank If I have a 350 gallon SPS dominated tank what is best size Calcium Reactor I should try to use? I have been looking at one that is rated around 300 gallons but that is for a moderately stocked tank. Should I find a reactor for a larger tank or do they take into account for rock and that kind of stuff? __________________ To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737

04/30/2020, 04:26 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Look for a larger unit. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

04/30/2020, 04:52 PM	#3
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	You can always run the smaller one higher to keep up with demand of which you replace media more often. However if it’s too undersized it would be recommended to move up. If you are packed full at 350 gallons I would recommend jumping up. What brand you looking at if you don’t mind me asking? __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006

04/30/2020, 06:01 PM	#5
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	Personally I have used Geo with a Cole Palmer and Carbon Doser regulator as well as currently a Deltec Twin Tech. Both have done well for me. The Deltec is very similar to the Dastaco brand which is simple to operate but more money. If you like Avast equipment (never have used their stuff so I can’t comment) then I say go with them. __________________ Reef keeping is where Murphy's Law and your bank account collide!! TOTM May 2006

05/01/2020, 12:18 PM	#6
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I'm having pretty good luck with the Aquamaxx reactor. I think more important than the reactor you use is the regulator you use. If you don't have one that's consistent, it'll be a PITA to dial in to meet you needs. A lot of people like the Carbon Doser but I opted for a custom built one. It's been 2+ years so far and everything is working well. Feed pump is also just important to get a consistent effluent rate. A lot of reefers have had success with just a maxi-jet as their feed pump but I went with the Kamoer FX-STP pump. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

05/05/2020, 09:05 AM	#7
nightOwl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799	Thanks for the insight and replies...its off to do more research on brands with more capacity. __________________ To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737