Seriously Considering CA Reactor

[jemichaeliv]

I am seriously considering a CA Reactor. I have a 110Gallon Reef. Havent done much research would like to know what others are using and what would be the easiest to setup and use? Actually more importantly reliable and actually works good

Thanks guys/gals!

John

 

[Wyatt]

jemichaeliv,

I just purchased about three weeks ago the CA from Monster Marine...and so far it works great....and the customer support has been terrific...cause I sure bugged them in helping me get an better understanding of what it does and how it works....and Edward there has been a God Send......great product and super support.

 

[GobyMan]

Jemichaeliv,

From my experience its worth the $$$. I started out with a 58g in apr99,did the kalkvasswer(sp?)thing and even used a medical style doser too. What I notice most with dosing was good coraline growth,but that was about it,my corals were doing "ok",but not really thriving (growing).When I moved up to a 180g in feb2001, I kept dosing and still no real improvement in coral growth.When i started using a CA reator in Feb2001, i started getting an explosion of growth with the corals.I believe what made the difference was the consistancy of the calcium. With dosing the was probably too much difference in keeping the calcium steady (ie. too strong,to weak in my mixing batches) the type of model you go with depends on you. I have the Korallin 3002 and I'm very satisfied. Heres a good site to doing your research: http://www.korallin.com/frmst2.htm
HTH

GobyMan

 

[cerreta]

I had difficulty getting my Ca above 350ppm with kalkwaser supplements for about 6 months. I switched to a Ca reactor and brought the Ca to >450ppm in two weeks. It is maintenance free compared to kalkwasser. I use the Koralin C1502, but would buy from a DIY guy if I was to start over. Andy at www.myreefcreations.com specializes in custom reactors made to your specs (if needed). The price is good and the quality rivals the manufacturers products.
Cheers,
Scott

 

[Rick O]

I used B-Ionic for a long time but it's a PITA to try and remember to add it everyday. I got a reactor a few months ago and I wish I had done it sooner. I second cerreta's recommendation of Myreef reactors. Great workmanship and customer service.

Rick

 

[Dewey]

Yes consider the myreef or Geo. A commercial reactor is expensive. Reactors are quite simple devices.
I love running a reactor. From time to time I also drip kalk at night. The reactor allows me to go away for work and not worry about having someone mix kalk or dose 2 part for me.
The whole setup is a little expensive. I think you should get a reactor for the ease of use. I think it's questionable if it will ever save $$$. I have had one for over 2 years. My first 1 cracked and now my regulator went out. Probably not common but eventually you will need to service or repair it. I wanted to bring that up because some people do some math like "$500 and after 5 years it pays for itself!". That is not my experience.