So, I'm thinking about a calcium reactor...

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 07:47 PM

I have about a $1k budget and here is how I planned on spending it. This is for my current 210g sps reef and 40b frag tank. And I want it to last into a much much larger tank. Is there any downside to getting one that is too big?

Aquarium plants.com - Electronic Co2 Regulator (with 8 digit LCD Counter) $300
Geo 818 Calcium reactor

I already have a swappable 10lb tank.

I have an apex to control the system. Is there anything else I would need to make it work?

What type of media, where is the best place to get it and where do I get / what kind of dolomite do I need for Magnesium?

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2012, 07:53 PM

Consider a controllable (continuous duty) peristaltic pump such as a cole-parmer masterflex to feed the reactor water for the most stable setup. If you want help picking one out (they are very expensive so you will probably be going used) let me know and I will try to find you a good one that won't kill your budget (too bad

)

I use regular ARM media. Works great. I buy it at custom aquatic in a 50lb bag. I don't add dolomite but you can usually get it at the LFS. You don't use a lot of it. I find it easier to just use the mag from BRS.
http://www.customaquatic.com/estore/...uct=CR-CS00555

Otherwise you are on the right track.

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Consider a controllable (continuous duty) peristaltic pump such as a cole-parmer masterflex to feed the reactor water for the most stable setup. If you want help picking one out (they are very expensive so you will probably be going used) let me know and I will try to find you a good one that won't kill your budget (too bad

)

I use regular ARM media. Works great. I buy it at custom aquatic in a 50lb bag. I don't add dolomite but you can usually get it at the LFS. You don't use a lot of it. I find it easier to just use the mag from BRS.
http://www.customaquatic.com/estore/...uct=CR-CS00555

Otherwise you are on the right track.

Hmm... Is there one with 4 heads that could handle an auto water change system as well? (4th head is for the Qt system)

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2012, 08:08 PM

You can stack them. (some models can handle up to 8 heads) so yes. Problem is they will all spin the same speed. So your only way to dictate the water change will be via tubing size. IME your better off going with independent pumps.

A reeffiller pump is a better choice for an auto water change system anyways.

ScottRT · 04/28/2012, 08:09 PM

+1 for the peristalic pump. wish I could afford one, but currently just switched to T'ing of my return pump. I also use the ARM X-tra coarse (which I think most people use)

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2012, 08:11 PM

A reefer on here got one for $50 the other day

You just have to be patient and be ready to buy it when you see it.

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 08:22 PM

KK, I'll find one then. I guess the brs 50ml is too slow?

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 08:27 PM

Wow, I am finding a hell of a range on these peristaltic pumps...

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2012, 08:35 PM

Yup, that is why I offered to help

. You will probably not get what you want going into it without experience.

Also no, the BRS is not a continuous duty pump nor is it adjustable. While it might be a good dosing pump it would fail in short order in this application.

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Yup, that is why I offered to help

. You will probably not get what you want going into it without experience.

Also no, the BRS is not a continuous duty pump nor is it adjustable. While it might be a good dosing pump it would fail in short order in this application.

Awesome, thank you very much.

tkeracer619 · 04/28/2012, 09:11 PM

Your welcome. PM sent.

Thatgrimguy · 04/28/2012, 09:39 PM

How about the Magnesium supplementation? I have heard the word dolomite kicked around... how do most handle it with a calcium reactor?

JAustin · 04/28/2012, 11:09 PM

Arm extra course media will require a ph of abut 6.2-6.4 to get a high alk effluent. Great stuff though. I haven't used it long enough to provide mag info on it. I have added zeo mag pellets to my media so we shall see.

ScottRT · 04/28/2012, 11:29 PM

Dont mean to hijack the thread, but I thought ARM only needed a pH of 6.5 to break down the media properly.?

JAustin · 04/29/2012, 05:40 AM

That's what I thought, if you do some searching on the arm extra course you'll find most run ph a bit lower than that. I've got a newly calibrated ph probe and a tank that the alk demands aren't being met when the ph is 6.5-6.7. Since I've started running lower ph alk has stabilized.

ScottRT · 04/29/2012, 06:46 AM

Awesome, I am going to have to make some adjustments then. Thanks for the response.

Thatgrimguy · 05/01/2012, 06:04 AM

Note: Here is what I have on order so far.

Geo 818 Calcium Reactor - CR818
Aquariumplants.com electronic regulator w/ lcd - CarbonDoser Electronic Co2 Regulator
Cole parmer continuous duty peristalic pump - eBay - COLE PARMER MASTERFLEX MICROPROCESSOR PUMP CONTROLLER WITH PUMP HEAD AND MOTOR
Already have an apex with PH probe to control the unit.

I also ordered some fittings and tubing! Thank you so much to tkeracer619. His guidance so far has been invaluable! From setting me on a great deal on a new cole parmer pump to showing me what fittings to buy and giving me a rundown on how to swap over to the reactor! People willing to help that much are what makes this hobby great!

04/28/2012, 07:47 PM	#1
Thatgrimguy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 371	So, I'm thinking about a calcium reactor... I have about a $1k budget and here is how I planned on spending it. This is for my current 210g sps reef and 40b frag tank. And I want it to last into a much much larger tank. Is there any downside to getting one that is too big? Aquarium plants.com - Electronic Co2 Regulator (with 8 digit LCD Counter) $300 Geo 818 Calcium reactor I already have a swappable 10lb tank. I have an apex to control the system. Is there anything else I would need to make it work? What type of media, where is the best place to get it and where do I get / what kind of dolomite do I need for Magnesium?

04/28/2012, 07:53 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Consider a controllable (continuous duty) peristaltic pump such as a cole-parmer masterflex to feed the reactor water for the most stable setup. If you want help picking one out (they are very expensive so you will probably be going used) let me know and I will try to find you a good one that won't kill your budget (too bad ) I use regular ARM media. Works great. I buy it at custom aquatic in a 50lb bag. I don't add dolomite but you can usually get it at the LFS. You don't use a lot of it. I find it easier to just use the mag from BRS. http://www.customaquatic.com/estore/...uct=CR-CS00555 Otherwise you are on the right track. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k. Last edited by tkeracer619; 04/28/2012 at 07:58 PM.

04/28/2012, 08:08 PM	#4
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	You can stack them. (some models can handle up to 8 heads) so yes. Problem is they will all spin the same speed. So your only way to dictate the water change will be via tubing size. IME your better off going with independent pumps. A reeffiller pump is a better choice for an auto water change system anyways. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/28/2012, 08:11 PM	#6
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	A reefer on here got one for $50 the other day You just have to be patient and be ready to buy it when you see it. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/28/2012, 08:35 PM	#9
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Yup, that is why I offered to help . You will probably not get what you want going into it without experience. Also no, the BRS is not a continuous duty pump nor is it adjustable. While it might be a good dosing pump it would fail in short order in this application. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/28/2012, 08:09 PM	#5
ScottRT Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 55	+1 for the peristalic pump. wish I could afford one, but currently just switched to T'ing of my return pump. I also use the ARM X-tra coarse (which I think most people use)

04/28/2012, 08:22 PM	#7
Thatgrimguy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 371	KK, I'll find one then. I guess the brs 50ml is too slow?

04/28/2012, 08:27 PM	#8
Thatgrimguy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 371	Wow, I am finding a hell of a range on these peristaltic pumps...

04/28/2012, 09:11 PM	#11
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Your welcome. PM sent. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/28/2012, 09:39 PM	#12
Thatgrimguy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 371	How about the Magnesium supplementation? I have heard the word dolomite kicked around... how do most handle it with a calcium reactor?

04/28/2012, 11:09 PM	#13
JAustin Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,628	Arm extra course media will require a ph of abut 6.2-6.4 to get a high alk effluent. Great stuff though. I haven't used it long enough to provide mag info on it. I have added zeo mag pellets to my media so we shall see. __________________ 211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex.

04/28/2012, 11:29 PM	#14
ScottRT Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 55	Dont mean to hijack the thread, but I thought ARM only needed a pH of 6.5 to break down the media properly.?

04/29/2012, 05:40 AM	#15
JAustin Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,628	That's what I thought, if you do some searching on the arm extra course you'll find most run ph a bit lower than that. I've got a newly calibrated ph probe and a tank that the alk demands aren't being met when the ph is 6.5-6.7. Since I've started running lower ph alk has stabilized. __________________ 211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex.

04/29/2012, 06:46 AM	#16
ScottRT Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 55	Awesome, I am going to have to make some adjustments then. Thanks for the response.

05/01/2012, 06:04 AM	#17
Thatgrimguy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 371	Note: Here is what I have on order so far. Geo 818 Calcium Reactor - CR818 Aquariumplants.com electronic regulator w/ lcd - CarbonDoser Electronic Co2 Regulator Cole parmer continuous duty peristalic pump - eBay - COLE PARMER MASTERFLEX MICROPROCESSOR PUMP CONTROLLER WITH PUMP HEAD AND MOTOR Already have an apex with PH probe to control the unit. I also ordered some fittings and tubing! Thank you so much to tkeracer619. His guidance so far has been invaluable! From setting me on a great deal on a new cole parmer pump to showing me what fittings to buy and giving me a rundown on how to swap over to the reactor! People willing to help that much are what makes this hobby great!