What calcium reactor is easiest to use?

mufflerguy · 04/10/2006, 07:16 PM

I am looking for some good advice...
I have a 140 filled with SPS, I had used a PM 422 for a year or so, until my calcium load got to be more than this could handle, It got the KH up no problem, but keeping the cal around 400+ was almost impossible without getting the KH above 12.
I recently switched to a Schuran reactor, figuring this would be the hot setup.
It is running off of a T on my return, & this reactor is the biggest pain in the !#@$ to set properly . Getting the effluent down to 6.2-6.5 without lowering the PH in the tank dangerously is very difficult. Also, I am not going to spend $300 more on the special pump that pulls the water through the reactor.
Yes, I have read the thread on RC about these many times, read the directions, Used many different bubble settings/ effluent rates & am ready to sell this unit.
I am not looking for advice on how to use this unit, rather I am wondering what reactors people are using with success that are easy to dial in & work cosistently.
I see the units that flow from the bottom up, which in theory sounds like they would work well.
Please also mention which type of media & effluent PH you are using .
Thanks , Matt

murphreef · 04/10/2006, 08:05 PM

hey there i am using a MRC-CR2 on my 180

i use ARM media and have a JBJ dual guage with solenoid valve and bubble counter

i have a light calcium load just a few sps and clams right now with some other slower growing LPS

but im gona start adding more sps soon

it works great in my opinion

my Ph of the effluent coming from the first chamber is around 6.3 right now.

i do about 40ish bubbles per minute and a drip rate of about 60-70 per mintue all my sps i have and clams are doing great my calcium is at 420 and steady and my alk is at 9.6dkh

Ti · 04/11/2006, 12:44 AM

GEO

Chaotic Reefer4u · 04/11/2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ti
GEO

I second the Geo Calcium Reactor...

wonk · 04/11/2006, 12:56 AM

Got my new Geo stable in about 4 days. It's hard to imagine an easier setup. the only gripe I have is that the mini ballvalve regulating the effulent flow back to the tank is difficult to dial in--It's hard to get the drip rate just so. I'll be investigating some way of improving that.

besides that issue, I've nothing but praise. I wish I'd bought a Geo skimmer instead of the ASM G4+ even while the ASM is a good unit.

Are you using a controller on you current setup?

jsbzmcdaniel · 04/11/2006, 06:00 AM

GEO

Lincutis · 04/11/2006, 06:09 AM

GEO

ONEMANBAND · 04/11/2006, 06:32 AM

Lifereef

elephen · 04/11/2006, 06:38 AM

www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com

jackson6745 · 04/11/2006, 06:49 AM

GEO

kjenkins · 04/11/2006, 10:52 AM

I'll weigh in on the mrc reactor, bought mine a year ago and love it.

Sparky0028 · 04/11/2006, 11:22 AM

Geo
I had this reactor up and running in two days. I have about 15 different acros and a bunch of digita's, also a 10' Montipora cap., and 2 5" and 1 3" clam.

Wonk
I had the same troulbe with the micro ball so I installed a needle vale and a flow meter, couldn't be easier to keep on track.

Rich

Mike A · 04/11/2006, 12:06 PM

MTC Pro Cal

Nanook · 04/11/2006, 12:08 PM

This thread has been moved to the current forum.

aquadog · 04/11/2006, 12:13 PM

MTC Pro Cal

icu2 · 04/11/2006, 01:06 PM

GEO

cward · 04/11/2006, 02:52 PM

mufflerguy · 04/11/2006, 07:10 PM

Thanks for all the replies!
SO GEO looks like a popular choice.... Is this a top to bottom flow or reverse(upflow) and do any of you using this reactor have a large SPS load?
Thanks again, Matt

cward · 04/11/2006, 08:15 PM

GEO reactors are reverse (up flow). Pretty large sps load, and I also have a 60g frag tank tied into the system. Total water volume is about 500g.

Zoom · 04/11/2006, 08:54 PM

Deltec 601 upflow fluidized Calcium reactor .

wonk · 04/11/2006, 09:13 PM

Sparky0028: you have a picture of that needle valve setup?

thanks

Sparky0028 · 04/12/2006, 06:56 AM

Wonk
I don't have any pictures but I will take one tonight and post it tommorrow. I will also find out which flow meter and needle valve I have used.

Rich

enamdjd · 04/12/2006, 08:51 AM

I have used several brands and in my opinion, the MTC pro cal is probably the best Ca reactor made. I don't say that lightly. The construction and attention to detail is incredible. Over twenty years of perfecting it makes this system not only efficient but one of the easiest to use. There are laboratory grade pieces integrated into the system. Furthermore, the CO2 regulator with the fine needle valve the guys at MTC sell is the one progessional welders use and not a cheap knock-off commonly found within mail order companies. The whole system is a piece of art and a workhorse simultaneously. It really is just plug and play.

Dr. A

Zoom · 04/12/2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by enamdjd
I have used several brands and in my opinion, the MTC pro cal is probably the best Ca reactor made. I don't say that lightly. The construction and attention to detail is incredible. Over twenty years of perfecting it makes this system not only efficient but one of the easiest to use. There are laboratory grade pieces integrated into the system. Furthermore, the CO2 regulator with the fine needle valve the guys at MTC sell is the one progessional welders use and not a cheap knock-off commonly found within mail order companies. The whole system is a piece of art and a workhorse simultaneously. It really is just plug and play.

Dr. A

MTC is very good reactor , is it upflow fluidized Calcium reactor or a regular downflow reactor?
You see after using a regular reactors for 10 Years the maintenance on them is very high after six months you need to take them apart and clean them because they get all clogged up on me, I run the reactor very hard in a large SPS tank. Not with the upflow fluidized Calcium reactor just keep adding media. That is much better for me least work .

enamdjd · 04/22/2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zoom
MTC is very good reactor , is it upflow fluidized Calcium reactor or a regular downflow reactor?
You see after using a regular reactors for 10 Years the maintenance on them is very high after six months you need to take them apart and clean them because they get all clogged up on me, I run the reactor very hard in a large SPS tank. Not with the upflow fluidized Calcium reactor just keep adding media. That is much better for me least work .

Friends of mine have had the MTC for almost 8 years and never had to clean it. They simply add more media

04/10/2006, 07:16 PM	#1
mufflerguy Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: central mass Posts: 259	What calcium reactor is easiest to use? I am looking for some good advice... I have a 140 filled with SPS, I had used a PM 422 for a year or so, until my calcium load got to be more than this could handle, It got the KH up no problem, but keeping the cal around 400+ was almost impossible without getting the KH above 12. I recently switched to a Schuran reactor, figuring this would be the hot setup. It is running off of a T on my return, & this reactor is the biggest pain in the !#@$ to set properly . Getting the effluent down to 6.2-6.5 without lowering the PH in the tank dangerously is very difficult. Also, I am not going to spend $300 more on the special pump that pulls the water through the reactor. Yes, I have read the thread on RC about these many times, read the directions, Used many different bubble settings/ effluent rates & am ready to sell this unit. I am not looking for advice on how to use this unit, rather I am wondering what reactors people are using with success that are easy to dial in & work cosistently. I see the units that flow from the bottom up, which in theory sounds like they would work well. Please also mention which type of media & effluent PH you are using . Thanks , Matt __________________ Rare Lord & Micro Junkie...... Current Tank Info: CAD lights 39 gallon signature series, that is all...

04/10/2006, 08:05 PM	#2
murphreef Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: simi valley Posts: 3,208	hey there i am using a MRC-CR2 on my 180 i use ARM media and have a JBJ dual guage with solenoid valve and bubble counter i have a light calcium load just a few sps and clams right now with some other slower growing LPS but im gona start adding more sps soon it works great in my opinion my Ph of the effluent coming from the first chamber is around 6.3 right now. i do about 40ish bubbles per minute and a drip rate of about 60-70 per mintue all my sps i have and clams are doing great my calcium is at 420 and steady and my alk is at 9.6dkh __________________ Justin Current Tank Info: 25G cube (finally back in the hobby in a small way)

04/11/2006, 12:44 AM	#3
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	GEO __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

04/11/2006, 06:09 AM	#7
Lincutis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus Posts: 1,911	GEO __________________ Lindsey ( That's Mr. Smith to you ) . Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder with 20 gallon sump./Apex, AI Sol Blue, In Sump Skimmer, Geo Calcium Reactor, WP-25 Wave Pump, Tunze Nano ATO, Carbon/GFO Reactors

04/11/2006, 06:32 AM	#8
ONEMANBAND Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 726	Lifereef __________________ At birth,Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the doctor in the face. NOBODY delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris. Current Tank Info: 75 reef/100 aggressive

04/11/2006, 12:56 AM	#5
wonk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 256	Got my new Geo stable in about 4 days. It's hard to imagine an easier setup. the only gripe I have is that the mini ballvalve regulating the effulent flow back to the tank is difficult to dial in--It's hard to get the drip rate just so. I'll be investigating some way of improving that. besides that issue, I've nothing but praise. I wish I'd bought a Geo skimmer instead of the ASM G4+ even while the ASM is a good unit. Are you using a controller on you current setup?

04/11/2006, 06:00 AM	#6
jsbzmcdaniel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Prosper, TX Posts: 2,585	GEO

04/11/2006, 06:38 AM	#9
elephen Moved On Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kc Posts: 2,763	www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com

04/11/2006, 06:49 AM	#10
jackson6745 Yeah Yeah Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rockaway Park, NY Posts: 5,822	GEO __________________ Richard - Officially done shipping coral. Don't ask! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2357196"]http://www.reefcentralcom/forums/showthread.php?t=2357196 Officially Done Shipping

04/11/2006, 10:52 AM	#11
kjenkins Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 73	I'll weigh in on the mrc reactor, bought mine a year ago and love it.

04/11/2006, 11:22 AM	#12
Sparky0028 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 300	Geo I had this reactor up and running in two days. I have about 15 different acros and a bunch of digita's, also a 10' Montipora cap., and 2 5" and 1 3" clam. Wonk I had the same troulbe with the micro ball so I installed a needle vale and a flow meter, couldn't be easier to keep on track. Rich

04/11/2006, 12:06 PM	#13
Mike A Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: New England Posts: 483	MTC Pro Cal

04/11/2006, 12:08 PM	#14
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	This thread has been moved to the current forum. __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

04/11/2006, 12:13 PM	#15
aquadog Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ct Posts: 167	MTC Pro Cal

04/11/2006, 01:06 PM	#16
icu2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,308	GEO

04/11/2006, 02:52 PM	#17
cward Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Granville, Ohio Posts: 5,006	__________________ ~~~Having a high post count doesn't automatically give you a high reefing IQ.~~~

04/11/2006, 07:10 PM	#18
mufflerguy Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: central mass Posts: 259	Thanks for all the replies! SO GEO looks like a popular choice.... Is this a top to bottom flow or reverse(upflow) and do any of you using this reactor have a large SPS load? Thanks again, Matt __________________ Rare Lord & Micro Junkie...... Current Tank Info: CAD lights 39 gallon signature series, that is all...

04/11/2006, 08:15 PM	#19
cward Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Granville, Ohio Posts: 5,006	GEO reactors are reverse (up flow). Pretty large sps load, and I also have a 60g frag tank tied into the system. Total water volume is about 500g. __________________ ~~~Having a high post count doesn't automatically give you a high reefing IQ.~~~

04/11/2006, 08:54 PM	#20
Zoom Premium Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: S.N.J Posts: 5,706	Deltec 601 upflow fluidized Calcium reactor .

04/11/2006, 09:13 PM	#21
wonk Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 256	Sparky0028: you have a picture of that needle valve setup? thanks

04/12/2006, 06:56 AM	#22
Sparky0028 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 300	Wonk I don't have any pictures but I will take one tonight and post it tommorrow. I will also find out which flow meter and needle valve I have used. Rich

04/12/2006, 08:51 AM	#23
enamdjd Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NY & PA Posts: 57	I have used several brands and in my opinion, the MTC pro cal is probably the best Ca reactor made. I don't say that lightly. The construction and attention to detail is incredible. Over twenty years of perfecting it makes this system not only efficient but one of the easiest to use. There are laboratory grade pieces integrated into the system. Furthermore, the CO2 regulator with the fine needle valve the guys at MTC sell is the one progessional welders use and not a cheap knock-off commonly found within mail order companies. The whole system is a piece of art and a workhorse simultaneously. It really is just plug and play. Dr. A __________________ Keeping fish and exploring its scientific basis as a child influenced me to pursue medicine and environmental law. Whoever said reefing was just a hobby? Current Tank Info: 225g starfire reef;2" 11GA steel stand;Deltec AP702;125g custom reefugium sump;72" PFO (3)400wMH/VHO/night lights/Ice Cap ballasts & variable fans;1/2HP Chiller;114W UV;GEO Kalkreactor;MTC Pro-CA Reactor;MTC Ozone Reactor;Tunze 6200(2)