Calcium Reactor Media for SPS

hatfielj · 04/05/2007, 07:35 AM

Hi, I'm expecting an order for a Geo 618 calcium reactor to arrive in the next week or so for my 120gal sps tank and since this is the first ca reactor I've owned, I'm unsure of what kind of reactor media to buy for it. Geo says they reccomend the 'large grain schuran type' media, but I'm looking for suggestions from people who've had success with their tanks and these reactors. What about the carib-sea A.R.M.? Any others know to be good? thanks.

SSTG · 04/05/2007, 09:00 AM

I'm in the same boat .Have a geo 624 on the way.Will be tagging along.

bulfraw215 · 04/05/2007, 09:16 AM

I use schuran large grain I also add 10% magnesium seems to work great no Po4 spikes

Kolognekoral · 04/05/2007, 09:31 AM

The Schuran is certainly a good choice being of high quality. I simply use large coral gravel, which I've been using on and off for 10 years with good results. I have never had PO4 spikes due to the reaktor.

Although there are reports of natural coral giving off excess PO4, I think this is exagerated, as coral DOES contain PO4 in minute amounts, but not enough to set your corals teeth on edge! Logically, what is in the coral can all be reused to create new coral skeletons.

nanonano · 04/05/2007, 09:45 AM

I've also been using crushed coral for over one year

BLKTANG · 04/05/2007, 09:48 AM

I use ZEO calcium reactor media.

besl · 04/05/2007, 09:59 AM

I just got a gEO 612 and it has been running for about 1 month... a GEO618 on a 120 - wow - plenty of capacity there... well anyways, I know a few people using ARM with their GEO and like it. I went with Gen-X by Pacific Coast as GEO recommends a large schuran type media which the Gen-X is. I got Gen-X as this is what PA carries and that is where I got the Ca Rx and all the accessories. So far I have had no problems with it and based on construction of the GEO I can understand why they recommend the larger type media. Good luck with this.

RokleM · 04/05/2007, 10:06 AM

GEN-X in my GEO 618. It's been running for about 6 months with no issues.

Doubledown · 04/05/2007, 10:56 AM

I run the Gen-X with 10% dolomite (for Mg) and 2 inches of A.R.M. on the bottom in my GEO 624.

The smaller, more compact A.R.M. helps compress the CO2 allowing it to dissipate better and not to build up in the top of the reactor. Been doing this for last 4 months.

Prior to that, I ran 90% A.R.M./10% dolomite chips for a year. I like the larger Gen-X better.

hatfielj · 04/05/2007, 11:12 AM

Thanks for all the feedback guys, anyone else? This is very helpful to hear everyone's experiences.

ReefDent · 04/05/2007, 11:23 AM

Where do you get the ZEO reactor media?

Thanks!
James

Horace · 04/05/2007, 11:41 AM

I plan to go with ARM media when my reactor arrives. I am hearing that the ARM media will dissolve at a higher PH which means you wont need as much Co2 to dissolve it. It also apparently has the lowest Po4 of any media. The only drawback is if you run your ph too low, it can turn to mud easier. So long as you dont allow that to happen, I think ARM may be the way to go.

BLKTANG · 04/05/2007, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefDent
Where do you get the ZEO reactor media?

Thanks!
James

Captiveoceans.com

xabo · 04/05/2007, 03:25 PM

Picked up a jar of ARM the other day and it's the 'large grain schuran type' media. I guess they changed it.

rutz81 · 04/05/2007, 05:42 PM

I use Gen-X in my Geo-612. I'm pretty sure ARM didn't change their consistency, think it's still finer style grain.

bamann345 · 04/05/2007, 07:38 PM

ARM makes both a large and small type. The large Gen-X like media is new to ARM's line.

rutz81 · 04/05/2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bamann345
ARM makes both a large and small type. The large Gen-X like media is new to ARM's line.

I stand corrected.

drouner · 04/05/2007, 09:55 PM

I am switching tomorrow to Gen-X and adding Zeomag in with it. Got mine from PA. Aquarium Specialty also carries the Zeo products.

bluefaceking · 04/05/2007, 10:02 PM

Anyone using Rowalith C+ Media?

danskim · 04/06/2007, 12:07 PM

I use ARM media. Works well... Actually I need to replace some now.

hatfielj · 04/06/2007, 04:37 PM

Anyone have any opinions on this media?

http://www.reefsales.com/index.php?a...&productId=331

tatoofr · 04/06/2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xabo
Picked up a jar of ARM the other day and it's the 'large grain schuran type' media. I guess they changed it.

where did you buy the lg. grain size are>
Thank you

xabo · 04/06/2007, 06:07 PM

A LFS around here called Exotic Aquatics.

REEF-DADDY · 04/06/2007, 09:35 PM

I run Gen-x, however the p04 is on the high side for me .09 using a hanna, running at 60 dkh. I try to keep the tank at less than .03. However I suspect all media will be about the same.

jay24k · 04/06/2007, 09:46 PM

I use the schuran. That stuff works good.
Not to sidetrack, but I'm having issues keeping up with my calcium and alk. Currently to barely stay even, I'm having to run a full steady drip (about 100ml per minute) at a ph of 6.3. The reactor is a upward flow one and is 8 inch diameter I believe. Does it sound like I need to add a second chamber?

04/05/2007, 07:35 AM	#1
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	Calcium Reactor Media for SPS Hi, I'm expecting an order for a Geo 618 calcium reactor to arrive in the next week or so for my 120gal sps tank and since this is the first ca reactor I've owned, I'm unsure of what kind of reactor media to buy for it. Geo says they reccomend the 'large grain schuran type' media, but I'm looking for suggestions from people who've had success with their tanks and these reactors. What about the carib-sea A.R.M.? Any others know to be good? thanks.

04/05/2007, 09:31 AM	#4
Kolognekoral Registered Member. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cologne Posts: 1,201	The Schuran is certainly a good choice being of high quality. I simply use large coral gravel, which I've been using on and off for 10 years with good results. I have never had PO4 spikes due to the reaktor. Although there are reports of natural coral giving off excess PO4, I think this is exagerated, as coral DOES contain PO4 in minute amounts, but not enough to set your corals teeth on edge! Logically, what is in the coral can all be reused to create new coral skeletons. __________________ Jamie V. Cologne Current Tank Info: 1000l dual-tank w/sump, Vertex Pro-Bio Pellets reef; VERTEX Illumina SR260 LED+Red light, Vertex Alpha 250 skimmer

04/05/2007, 09:48 AM	#6
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	I use ZEO calcium reactor media. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

04/05/2007, 09:59 AM	#7
besl Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boston-burb, MA Posts: 800	I just got a gEO 612 and it has been running for about 1 month... a GEO618 on a 120 - wow - plenty of capacity there... well anyways, I know a few people using ARM with their GEO and like it. I went with Gen-X by Pacific Coast as GEO recommends a large schuran type media which the Gen-X is. I got Gen-X as this is what PA carries and that is where I got the Ca Rx and all the accessories. So far I have had no problems with it and based on construction of the GEO I can understand why they recommend the larger type media. Good luck with this. __________________ Why did kamakazi pilots wear helmets? Current Tank Info: 55 Gal, 260W CF, 60 lbs LR, CC base, 7 fish, 10 corals, Aquafuge - chaetomorpha & grape

04/05/2007, 10:06 AM	#8
RokleM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 9,687	GEN-X in my GEO 618. It's been running for about 6 months with no issues. __________________ -Eric-

04/05/2007, 09:00 AM	#2
SSTG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St.Louis Posts: 414	I'm in the same boat .Have a geo 624 on the way.Will be tagging along.

04/05/2007, 09:16 AM	#3
bulfraw215 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: floridia Posts: 224	I use schuran large grain I also add 10% magnesium seems to work great no Po4 spikes

04/05/2007, 09:45 AM	#5
nanonano Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Framingham Ma Posts: 692	I've also been using crushed coral for over one year

04/05/2007, 10:56 AM	#9
Doubledown Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Richton Park, IL - Way Southside Posts: 2,037	I run the Gen-X with 10% dolomite (for Mg) and 2 inches of A.R.M. on the bottom in my GEO 624. The smaller, more compact A.R.M. helps compress the CO2 allowing it to dissipate better and not to build up in the top of the reactor. Been doing this for last 4 months. Prior to that, I ran 90% A.R.M./10% dolomite chips for a year. I like the larger Gen-X better. __________________ ...have you paid your dues, Jack?...Yes, sir - the check is in the mail.

04/05/2007, 11:12 AM	#10
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	Thanks for all the feedback guys, anyone else? This is very helpful to hear everyone's experiences.

04/05/2007, 11:23 AM	#11
ReefDent Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mansfield, OH Posts: 417	Where do you get the ZEO reactor media? Thanks! James __________________ Measure Twice and Cut Once!!! Current Tank Info: Amphiprion latezonatus!!! 75 gallon Oceanic Reef Ready + 150 gallon Rubbermaid sump and 30 gallon refugium; SPS, LPS, softies, crocea and maxima clams, assorted fish.

04/05/2007, 11:41 AM	#12
Horace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5,009	I plan to go with ARM media when my reactor arrives. I am hearing that the ARM media will dissolve at a higher PH which means you wont need as much Co2 to dissolve it. It also apparently has the lowest Po4 of any media. The only drawback is if you run your ph too low, it can turn to mud easier. So long as you dont allow that to happen, I think ARM may be the way to go. __________________ -Horace Pinker Current Tank Info: New 180g Mixed SPS Build in progress

04/05/2007, 03:25 PM	#14
xabo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Wash. D.C. Posts: 637	Picked up a jar of ARM the other day and it's the 'large grain schuran type' media. I guess they changed it.

04/05/2007, 05:42 PM	#15
rutz81 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,779	I use Gen-X in my Geo-612. I'm pretty sure ARM didn't change their consistency, think it's still finer style grain.

04/05/2007, 07:38 PM	#16
bamann345 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 329	ARM makes both a large and small type. The large Gen-X like media is new to ARM's line.

04/05/2007, 09:55 PM	#18
drouner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 668	I am switching tomorrow to Gen-X and adding Zeomag in with it. Got mine from PA. Aquarium Specialty also carries the Zeo products. __________________ Doug I'm just happy to be here! It all started with a 10 gallon Wal Mart FW combo. Current Tank Info: Old school Oceanic 58 gallon mixed reef

04/05/2007, 10:02 PM	#19
bluefaceking Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 29	Anyone using Rowalith C+ Media? __________________ I love blueface!

04/06/2007, 12:07 PM	#20
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	I use ARM media. Works well... Actually I need to replace some now. __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

04/06/2007, 04:37 PM	#21
hatfielj Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,234	Anyone have any opinions on this media? http://www.reefsales.com/index.php?a...&productId=331

04/06/2007, 06:07 PM	#23
xabo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Wash. D.C. Posts: 637	A LFS around here called Exotic Aquatics.

04/06/2007, 09:35 PM	#24
REEF-DADDY Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: CT Posts: 3,164	I run Gen-x, however the p04 is on the high side for me .09 using a hanna, running at 60 dkh. I try to keep the tank at less than .03. However I suspect all media will be about the same. __________________ Steve 280 Gallon BB mixed reef PM bullet 3 powered by a PCX-70,400w HQI Radiums,Tunze Wavebox,AC III Litermeter III,PCX-70 pushing 2 Eductors,Geo 624 Ca Reactor,125 sump, Dart Return Current Tank Info: 280 SPS reef

04/06/2007, 09:46 PM	#25
jay24k Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leesburg, Florida Posts: 6,546	I use the schuran. That stuff works good. Not to sidetrack, but I'm having issues keeping up with my calcium and alk. Currently to barely stay even, I'm having to run a full steady drip (about 100ml per minute) at a ph of 6.3. The reactor is a upward flow one and is 8 inch diameter I believe. Does it sound like I need to add a second chamber?