All I want for Christmas (calcium reactor)

[Fish2reef]

Seems like setting up the new 210 is going slower than I expected but I am collecting the toys in the meanwhile.




It is a beast built by Manny now I am searching for a regulator.
Any recommendations?

[Ding2daDong]

I have been on the hunt for a geo calcium reactor or a cheap deltec for a long time. That calcium reactor looks really nice, how much does manny charge?

-Matthew

[Rogger Castells]

Lulio, sorry I didn't call you back, I just got home from the airport, call me now if you are up or i will talk to you tomorrow

[gasman059]

Lulio nice rx- I'm, only unsure of them nuts on the top.
What pump are u using to feed the reactor?

[Rogger Castells]

Originally posted by gasman059
Lulio nice rx- I'm, only unsure of them nuts on the top.
What pump are u using to feed the reactor?

Probably no pump for feeding, notice that the input is is on the suction side of the mag pump, this will probably create sufficient sucking power to get the water from the tank.

[gasman059]

got it

[Fish2reef]

Originally posted by Rogger Castells
Probably no pump for feeding, notice that the input is is on the suction side of the mag pump, this will probably create sufficient sucking power to get the water from the tank.

You got it Rogger, I am not too crazy about the nuts but after removing the top to clean it is not that bad and all you need to tighten is your hands then again is so big that how often will I have to refill?
This is my first CR so I can use some advise on media and regulator.

[gasman059]

Originally posted by Fish2reef
You got it Rogger, I am not too crazy about the nuts but after removing the top to clean it is not that bad and all you need to tighten is your hands then again is so big that how often will I have to refill?
This is my first CR so I can use some advise on media and regulator.

Lulio large grain ARM is what I'm using now - better and will def avoid mush when u drive it too much.

I'm now a true believer in large grain media.

As far as regulator and solenoid I use GEN-X CO2 REG W/SOLENOID

There's tons of them but you get what u pay for.
RF Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid(reef fanatic.)


The problem with the cheaper models is the inability to regulate your bpm accurately.

HTH

[Fish2reef]

Thanks
I am taking notes, investing in equipment and taking my time so this set up works out from the beginning.

[Ding2daDong]

Soo how much did this cost?

-Matthew

[Fish2reef]

Originally posted by Ding2daDong
Soo how much did this cost?

-Matthew

PM Sent

[ReefWreak]

Wow that's really awesome that someone could build that and not be from a big company.

2 questions/concerns:

Are those scews metal on the top?
Is the ball valve (presumably for controlling circulation) on the suction or output side of the pump? I'm just waking up, so my eyes are a bit hazy still, and I can't tell whether the pump is circulating the water up and then down into the media, or up through the media and down the side.

[Rogger Castells]

Again, just from my observation the Ball valve is probably there just to be able to take apart the lid assembly for refill purposes w/o causing a major spill. the drawback is that he did not install one on the outputside also so regardless it will cause a major flood when refill time comes.

[Rogger Castells]

Lulio, I prefer the thin media, it dissolves easier and at higher PH which is easier to work with. I will look into either Knobs Koralith media or Rowa's Rowalith, Both of this medias are outstanding and come mix with other beneficial extras like Magnesium.

[Ding2daDong]

Do you have the dimensions of it?

Thanks

-Matthew

[ReefWreak]

Rogger, does the Rowalith C+ come with magnesium, or should I be adding zeomag/dolomite?

kinda OT, kinda On topic..

[gasman059]

The large ARM also has mag- so far so good.

[Fish2reef]

The screws are stainless steel
The ball valve is on the suction side to control flow, suction on top return on the bottom.

In the pipes you find 3 inlets, on the suction side 1 for CO2 and 1 for water form the tank via suction, 1 last all the way at the lowest point of the pipe (return) that will have a valve to empty the reactor before opening preventing the flood.

I will post the dimensions tonight.

I am glad you guys are looking at it because I will need you help setting up these toys.

[2thdeekay]

I like the CO2 regulator by AquariumPlants.com

http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARI...ST_p/co2-1.htm

It's lab grade, as opposed to industrial grade, easy to regulate bubble count. --Probably more reliable than many others used for reefs. I've tried milwaukee, gen-x, & jbj and like this one best. Best warranty too, I think.

[Fish2reef]

Originally posted by Ding2daDong
Do you have the dimensions of it?

Thanks

-Matthew

The footprint is 12" by 13" amd 19" tall, the actual chamber is 8" wide by 16" tall.

[Fish2reef]

2thdeekay
Thank you for you suggestion, had never seen that one before.

[2thdeekay]

You're welcome. There are other reviews of this C02 regulator/solenoid compared with others here, I think you have the search feature, but here are a couple...

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...=co2+regulator

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...=co2+regulator