Calcium reactor, which one? Deltec or Korallin?

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 02:00 PM

Hi,

I can only get these two brands in my local fish store. Which one is better? My tank specs are below but basically I have about 60-65G total water volume.

I plan to have a full sps tank with a few clams. Pls note this is my first calcium reactor, so I want something plug and play and money is no object. Which brand/model would you recommend?

Cheers!

bureau13 · 10/09/2007, 02:19 PM

There's a new one by AquaC coming out that looks promising...I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet though.

I bought a used Korallin, because its compact and seems to work well for a lot of people, and I got it used fairly cheaply. I don't have it hooked up yet though...

jds

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 02:22 PM

Cool,

Let me know how your korallin goes. I've heard great things about korallin and deltec.

woz9683 · 10/09/2007, 02:28 PM

Well, I don't really think any calcium reactors are plug and play. Generally you're going to have to do a lot of teasing with the drip rate and bubble count (CO2) to get an effluent that keeps up with your corals calcium usage without overshooting it or dropping your pH. So, some regular water testing and fiddling are in your future until you get any reactor dialed in correctly.

That said though, there are definitely some that are easier to control than others. I have a Korallin, and I would not recommend it if you want to keep your involvement to a minimum. Out of the box it doesn't have a recirc loop to bleed off excess CO2, it just has a secondary effluent line that slowly drips into the tank (thereby getting rid of the excess CO2 if there is any buildup, but wasting it in the process). I just added a recirc loop to mine, but obviously not the plug and play that you want. I don't have personal experience with any of the others, but just at a glance the Deltec and Schuran reactors do have recirc loops for CO2. I've been considering replacing mine with the Schuran as I've heard good things about it. I think you'd be better off with either one of those.

EDIT: I voted other, Schuran is the other

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 02:32 PM

Thanks woz,

Good info.

I can't get a Schuran as they're not available in my LFS, but what's the main difference between a korallin and a deltec?

woz9683 · 10/09/2007, 02:52 PM

Well, in all the Deltecs except the PF509, the smallest, you get a "degassing" chamber, which is just a little area at the top that unused CO2 rises into, and then gets recirculated by the reactor. All the Schuran reactors have this feature as well. The Korallin and the PF509 (from the looks of it) do not have this degassing chamber. So, what can actually happen is you inject a little too much CO2 into the chamber, it doesn't dissolve fully, and over time this will lead to a buildup of CO2 at the top of the reactor. Since both of these reactors recirc pumps get their feed water from the top of the reactor, they can actually run dry if too much CO2 collects at the surface. Like I said, on the Korallin there is a bleed valve up top but you're supposed to set it at an incredibly slow rate of flow and if it slows or stops you can still get a buildup of gas.

Don't get me wrong, I really like my Korallin reactor, and I think the recirc loop built into it will make it even better. I just don't think it's the absolute easiest reactor with regard to maintenance time unless you want to make a couple mods.

Are you sure your LFS couldn't order you a Schuran reactor? For a tank as small as yours the Schuran Pico is going to be the best fit that I know of.

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 02:56 PM

Very good info again. Thanks Woz!

You're really making me think twice about the korallin and deltec pf509. The schuran pico sounds really good and is a lot cheaper too isn't? I can order that via other means.

woz9683 · 10/09/2007, 03:18 PM

I just know they are supposed to be incredibly efficient with their CO2 usage, and you just don't need the media volume from one of the larger reactors. The cheaper price is a nice little bonus too.

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 03:24 PM

I noticed that that the pico doesn't come with a ph electrode holder.

Am I better off getting a jetstream 1 which does come with a ph holder, hence I can automize CO2 addition to the reactor?

gcarroll · 10/09/2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bureau13
[B]There's a new one by AquaC coming out that looks promising...I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet though.
[B]

I asked about this today, they are not yet available since they are having problems securing enough pumps for a production run. Should be soon though since they are on order.

woz9683 · 10/09/2007, 04:05 PM

Hmm, I'm not seeing it. I thought they were sold separately, at least that's what I saw on one site?

kawasaki00 · 10/09/2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woz9683
Hmm, I'm not seeing it. I thought they were sold separately, at least that's what I saw on one site?

I have this same problem woth my reactor, too much co2 buildup and the pump runs dry.
How did you make a loop, any pics. i also junked my regulator, it would not hold a bubble count worth crap. Going to purchase a new one, is the reef fanatic a good one?

woz9683 · 10/09/2007, 04:36 PM

Well, that comment was referring to the pH probe or lack thereof on the Schuran reactors.

As far as the recirc goes, I can get pics up tomorrow of the mod to the Korallin reactor, but I can't vouch for its effectiveness yet. I just hooked it up a couple days ago, and wouldn't you know it, my CO2 tank finally ran dry. So, it's running, but just recirculating water right now, I guess I could pump some air into it just to see how it works.

And here's a Link for regulator info. My original still works good enough for me, so I haven't really done much research on them. Just one note though, you know you really need to actually count the bubbles for a couple minutes to get an estimate of bubble count. There's always going to be some fluctuation in time from one bubble to the next, but it should level out if the regulator is any good at all (which it might not be

).

reef / aholic · 10/09/2007, 06:01 PM

On the Schuran you have to do a DIY for a ph controller.

What are the first impressions of the AquaC RX-1 reactor?

Paulairduck · 10/09/2007, 06:23 PM

think about a GEO and have it shipped, worth evry penny and is very easy to set up.

jamesdawson · 10/09/2007, 08:41 PM

Barr Aquatics designed, now license built by Austin Oceans MoCalc reactore are easily the best bang for the buck. They give you Deltec like DKH numbers for 1/2 the price.

http://austinoceans.com/products-calciumreactors.html

Here's a comparison chart against many of the German reactors.

http://austinoceans.com/mocalcvsgermans.html

It doesn't get any better!

James

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 08:55 PM

Jamesdawson,

The MoCalc Calcium Reactors look very good.

OK, guys what exactly are the main things that I should look for when hunting for a calcium reactor? I don't want to have to DIY anything. Plug and play is my main concern and set and forget is another one too.

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 09:18 PM

Guys... from my research here is what I found that I need to look for when considering a CA reactor. So far the Schuran Jetstream 1 fits the bill. What other brand/models fit these criteria?

when choosing a Ca reactor make sure it comes with these features:

- automatic de-gassing (not manually with your hand) OR
- reintroduction of excess gas (de-gassing is not required anymore)
- 100% CO2 usage
- Gas separator (to avoid gas going back in your tank)
- High water current in the reactor to avoid �mud� buildup
- Performance diagram: Amount CO2 / Waterthroughput / KH value (this one is very important)

Am I missing anything else important?

Cheers

reef / aholic · 10/09/2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Leopard Man
Jamesdawson,

Plug and play is my main concern and set and forget is another one too.

Than stay away from Schuran unless you have some time and you will need a "PERISTALTIC PUMP".

Leopard Man · 10/09/2007, 10:36 PM

ok, do all schurans need a peristaltic pump? Can you run an aqualifter with them or is it not advised?

Trnman32 · 10/10/2007, 11:45 AM

Take a look at the GEO brands it has all the above!

jamesdawson · 10/10/2007, 12:33 PM

It has been posted several times on RC that
schurans only work reliable when fed by a peristaltic pump.

It has also been reported that they have very poor customer service/warranty support so if it breaks it is a serious problem.

James

Leopard Man · 10/10/2007, 03:23 PM

Jamesdawson,

Yes it has been posted several times that they do need a peristaltic pump, which is of course another investment.

I didn't realise that they have very poor customer service and warranty.

GEO does look good. My top 3 choices are Schuran, Deltec and GEO.

Any others?

reef / aholic · 10/10/2007, 03:28 PM

I have been looking into these also.

MTC Pro Cal Calcium Reactor

Reef Mania Upflow Fluidized Calcium Reactors

africangrey · 10/10/2007, 03:39 PM

Anway know how the spray bar technology work MyReefCreation's reactor, I've yet seen a detail picture of it.

View Poll Results: Which brand of calcium reactor is better?
Deltec	13	41.94%
Korallin	6	19.35%
Other	12	38.71%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll

10/09/2007, 02:00 PM	#1
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Calcium reactor, which one? Deltec or Korallin? Hi, I can only get these two brands in my local fish store. Which one is better? My tank specs are below but basically I have about 60-65G total water volume. I plan to have a full sps tank with a few clams. Pls note this is my first calcium reactor, so I want something plug and play and money is no object. Which brand/model would you recommend? Cheers!

10/09/2007, 02:28 PM	#4
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	Well, I don't really think any calcium reactors are plug and play. Generally you're going to have to do a lot of teasing with the drip rate and bubble count (CO2) to get an effluent that keeps up with your corals calcium usage without overshooting it or dropping your pH. So, some regular water testing and fiddling are in your future until you get any reactor dialed in correctly. That said though, there are definitely some that are easier to control than others. I have a Korallin, and I would not recommend it if you want to keep your involvement to a minimum. Out of the box it doesn't have a recirc loop to bleed off excess CO2, it just has a secondary effluent line that slowly drips into the tank (thereby getting rid of the excess CO2 if there is any buildup, but wasting it in the process). I just added a recirc loop to mine, but obviously not the plug and play that you want. I don't have personal experience with any of the others, but just at a glance the Deltec and Schuran reactors do have recirc loops for CO2. I've been considering replacing mine with the Schuran as I've heard good things about it. I think you'd be better off with either one of those. EDIT: I voted other, Schuran is the other __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

10/09/2007, 02:52 PM	#6
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	Well, in all the Deltecs except the PF509, the smallest, you get a "degassing" chamber, which is just a little area at the top that unused CO2 rises into, and then gets recirculated by the reactor. All the Schuran reactors have this feature as well. The Korallin and the PF509 (from the looks of it) do not have this degassing chamber. So, what can actually happen is you inject a little too much CO2 into the chamber, it doesn't dissolve fully, and over time this will lead to a buildup of CO2 at the top of the reactor. Since both of these reactors recirc pumps get their feed water from the top of the reactor, they can actually run dry if too much CO2 collects at the surface. Like I said, on the Korallin there is a bleed valve up top but you're supposed to set it at an incredibly slow rate of flow and if it slows or stops you can still get a buildup of gas. Don't get me wrong, I really like my Korallin reactor, and I think the recirc loop built into it will make it even better. I just don't think it's the absolute easiest reactor with regard to maintenance time unless you want to make a couple mods. Are you sure your LFS couldn't order you a Schuran reactor? For a tank as small as yours the Schuran Pico is going to be the best fit that I know of. __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

10/09/2007, 03:18 PM	#8
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	I just know they are supposed to be incredibly efficient with their CO2 usage, and you just don't need the media volume from one of the larger reactors. The cheaper price is a nice little bonus too. __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

10/09/2007, 02:19 PM	#2
bureau13 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,936	There's a new one by AquaC coming out that looks promising...I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet though. I bought a used Korallin, because its compact and seems to work well for a lot of people, and I got it used fairly cheaply. I don't have it hooked up yet though... jds

10/09/2007, 02:22 PM	#3
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Cool, Let me know how your korallin goes. I've heard great things about korallin and deltec.

10/09/2007, 02:32 PM	#5
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Thanks woz, Good info. I can't get a Schuran as they're not available in my LFS, but what's the main difference between a korallin and a deltec?

10/09/2007, 02:56 PM	#7
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Very good info again. Thanks Woz! You're really making me think twice about the korallin and deltec pf509. The schuran pico sounds really good and is a lot cheaper too isn't? I can order that via other means.

10/09/2007, 03:24 PM	#9
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	I noticed that that the pico doesn't come with a ph electrode holder. Am I better off getting a jetstream 1 which does come with a ph holder, hence I can automize CO2 addition to the reactor?

10/09/2007, 04:05 PM	#11
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	Hmm, I'm not seeing it. I thought they were sold separately, at least that's what I saw on one site? __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

10/09/2007, 04:36 PM	#13
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	Well, that comment was referring to the pH probe or lack thereof on the Schuran reactors. As far as the recirc goes, I can get pics up tomorrow of the mod to the Korallin reactor, but I can't vouch for its effectiveness yet. I just hooked it up a couple days ago, and wouldn't you know it, my CO2 tank finally ran dry. So, it's running, but just recirculating water right now, I guess I could pump some air into it just to see how it works. And here's a Link for regulator info. My original still works good enough for me, so I haven't really done much research on them. Just one note though, you know you really need to actually count the bubbles for a couple minutes to get an estimate of bubble count. There's always going to be some fluctuation in time from one bubble to the next, but it should level out if the regulator is any good at all (which it might not be ). __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

10/09/2007, 06:01 PM	#14
reef / aholic Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: houston \| texas Posts: 647	On the Schuran you have to do a DIY for a ph controller. What are the first impressions of the AquaC RX-1 reactor?

10/09/2007, 06:23 PM	#15
Paulairduck I LOVE FREE FRAGS!!! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chino Hills Posts: 2,909	think about a GEO and have it shipped, worth evry penny and is very easy to set up.

10/09/2007, 08:41 PM	#16
jamesdawson Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: I AM THE SEA Posts: 1,303	Barr Aquatics designed, now license built by Austin Oceans MoCalc reactore are easily the best bang for the buck. They give you Deltec like DKH numbers for 1/2 the price. http://austinoceans.com/products-calciumreactors.html Here's a comparison chart against many of the German reactors. http://austinoceans.com/mocalcvsgermans.html It doesn't get any better! James __________________ Old Reefers Never Die, they just...join the crew! Current Tank Info: I'm expanding my reach

10/09/2007, 08:55 PM	#17
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Jamesdawson, The MoCalc Calcium Reactors look very good. OK, guys what exactly are the main things that I should look for when hunting for a calcium reactor? I don't want to have to DIY anything. Plug and play is my main concern and set and forget is another one too.

10/09/2007, 09:18 PM	#18
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Guys... from my research here is what I found that I need to look for when considering a CA reactor. So far the Schuran Jetstream 1 fits the bill. What other brand/models fit these criteria? when choosing a Ca reactor make sure it comes with these features: - automatic de-gassing (not manually with your hand) OR - reintroduction of excess gas (de-gassing is not required anymore) - 100% CO2 usage - Gas separator (to avoid gas going back in your tank) - High water current in the reactor to avoid �mud� buildup - Performance diagram: Amount CO2 / Waterthroughput / KH value (this one is very important) Am I missing anything else important? Cheers

10/09/2007, 10:36 PM	#20
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	ok, do all schurans need a peristaltic pump? Can you run an aqualifter with them or is it not advised?

10/10/2007, 11:45 AM	#21
Trnman32 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Yulee,just north of jville Posts: 189	Take a look at the GEO brands it has all the above!

10/10/2007, 12:33 PM	#22
jamesdawson Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: I AM THE SEA Posts: 1,303	It has been posted several times on RC that schurans only work reliable when fed by a peristaltic pump. It has also been reported that they have very poor customer service/warranty support so if it breaks it is a serious problem. James __________________ Old Reefers Never Die, they just...join the crew! Current Tank Info: I'm expanding my reach

10/10/2007, 03:23 PM	#23
Leopard Man Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 485	Jamesdawson, Yes it has been posted several times that they do need a peristaltic pump, which is of course another investment. I didn't realise that they have very poor customer service and warranty. GEO does look good. My top 3 choices are Schuran, Deltec and GEO. Any others?

10/10/2007, 03:28 PM	#24
reef / aholic Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: houston \| texas Posts: 647	I have been looking into these also. MTC Pro Cal Calcium Reactor Reef Mania Upflow Fluidized Calcium Reactors

10/10/2007, 03:39 PM	#25
africangrey Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: N San Jose Posts: 1,483	Anway know how the spray bar technology work MyReefCreation's reactor, I've yet seen a detail picture of it.