Calcium Reacot question

[maury]

I am going to be getting a calcium reactor soon, and was wondering is there any benefit to getting one of the pressurised versions as compared to a traditional one? The web sites selling these things talk about how the pressurised ones use less substrate/co2 and do not have any risk of adding excess co2 to the tank like 'all other calcium reactors' as they put it. Was wondering if any of you have any personal expeience with these. Thnaks for all the help again.

 

[sonny]

I don't know anybody who uses a Calcium reactor, but I would love to have one one day. They make it easy to keep animals that need a lot of calcium in the water, like clams and SPS corals. I've done a lot of research on Calacium Reactors, and have not run across any that said they were "under pressure." In effect, the pump is putting the system under pressure in any reactor. They are expensive to set up. You can expect to spend a minimum of $500 to get one running. Make sure you know that the price you see in catalogs or on-line does not usually include the CO2 system you must have to run the reactor. The Marine Technical Concepts (MTC) brand is the one I want, but it is even more expensive. It has a second column that is designed to remove all CO2 from the water before it goes back into the tank. Easy installation, just drop the two tubes into the tank or sump, and that's it.
Hope this helps!
Sonny

 

[maury]

The one I was talking about is a Korallin C-1502. It states it is a pressurized reactor. I already have my co2 tank, so I'm slowly getting the pieces.

 

[sonny]

I think you could classify most calcium reactors as "pressurized." They use a pump to recirculate water through the media. Since it is recirculating, it produces pressure in the tube. I don't know much about that particular model, but I did read about it on another web page. Do you also have the CO2 regulator for the system? You're halfway there if you do! I called a local welding supply place and here I can buy the bottle for about $120, or lease it for $45 per year. CO2 fills are $12. That should last more than 6 months. Keep us posted on your progress.
Sonny

 

[maury]

I bought a new 5 pound co2 bottle at a local welding supply store for $50. The valve I have yet to get, but I will soon. I plan on getting all this soon when I make the move up to a 240 gal reef in one month.