help choosing calcium reactor

[matt2364]

Hello -
I have a 55 gallon reef tank, 75 gallons total system volume. I am looking into getting a calcium reactor and open to suggestions. I am honestly having a difficult time finding a reactor for such a small tank. Also, is it necessary to have a PH probe with the reactor? Thanks.

 

[devil dog]

I have one that i will sale you... it is a mini $100.00 plus shipping and its yours...

 

[mudplayerx]

Coralife makes a lovely calcium reactor for the price. I'm using one now.
The calcium reactor itself only cost me $120. However, keep in mind that you will also need a solenoid valve, a CO2 tank, and a ph controller with a probe.
Altogether this cost me around $400 including aragonite media, filling the CO2 tank, and paying shipping.

 

[mudplayerx]

Here's some pics.

 

[mudplayerx]

Make sure you get a CO2 tank with a valve you can open/close by hand like this or it won't work without more components. For instance, you can't just hook up a CO2 tank designed for paintball guns up to a solenoid valve directly.

 

[trippkid]

How long have you been using the Coralife CR? I was thinking of one of these, I have read that they do leak over time, I guess they all can fail at some point, saw an expensive one have a blow out on --, don't know how long it was in use though.

Matt

 

[mudplayerx]

I've been using the Coralife reactor for about a year now. I have coralife MH pendants and a Coralife Super Skimmer as well. I love their products and the pricetags.
Been using the skimmer and lights for over 3 years.

 

[trippkid]

Thanks, I think maybe I will try one and save about 200 bucks for a change, I just used the pump from my unused CSS65 to mod my current skimmer, working out OK so far, improvement to say the least. Thanks again.
Matt

 

[scsinet]

I use a Korallin C1502 and that works very well, but it's pressurized design means you need a very good quality needle valve.
I just bought a used Knop C for my nano tank, jury is still out on that guy.

 

[jmesmcm]

I use a corallin C1502 as well. The only issue I seem to have is that even with a feeder pump it seems to become airbound on occasion.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by JmesMcM
http:///forum/post/2727588
I use a corallin C1502 as well. The only issue I seem to have is that even with a feeder pump it seems to become airbound on occasion.
Co2 flow is too high. Happens to me occasionally as well. Dial back and all is well.