GEO calcium reactor...need advice before buying

[Gooli]

I am purchasing a calcium reactor soon and would like to do it right from the start. I have decided to go with a GEO calcium reactor but have some questions...I am completely clueless as to what to get and how things work..so bear with me...

1. Its for a 180G SPS mostly - will the 618 model suffice?

2. CO2 bottle...should i just get one locally and what should i get?

3. CO2 Regulator w/needle valve and Solenoid - which one should i get?

4. I will be using the Aquacontroller PH probe to control the reactor - Jabel (jeff) tells me that is a big advantage.

5. What media to get?

6. Maxijet 900 ok for feed pump?

Did i leave anything out?
Thanks!

[johnwin84]

2. co2 bottle...you can get from air gas.com
5. media..i use arm
6.feed...i use gravity...not need for a pump...

[jabel]

Hey Golan,
I agree with John.

ARM media
Gravity feed if possible
10lb co2 used bottle lasts for about 6 months or longer - I get mine from a bear and party supply store in Reseda
I have the smalles GEO reactor and its more than enough for a packed 120.

Jeff

[Gooli]

thanks guys.

what about the CO2 Regulator w/needle valve and Solenoid?
which one from this list? any other accessories i need?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquari...cessories.html

[Bebo77]

dont gravety feed a Ca reactor.. you want a clean and constant feed source into the reactor..

if you need ARM media let me know.. i bought a 50 pound sack that i will never use up...

Co2 bottle get one from Airgas....

here is the Co2 stuff you want...
http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/CO...y_Reef_Fanatic

[Scissorhand]

co2 regulator from aquariumplants.com carries a 3 year warranty

[xtm]

1. Its for a 180G SPS mostly - will the 618 model suffice?
YES. I think even a 612 will be ok.

2. CO2 bottle...should i just get one locally and what should i get?
I don't know where you live, but there's a CO2 supplier in the Valley that I use (beer store) they sell 10# used tanks for $40 (just hydrotested OK), and $14 to fill it up.

3. CO2 Regulator w/needle valve and Solenoid - which one should i get? Most people have good experience with JBJ. There is this planted tank regulator that is supposed to be top of the line and also protects you from "end-of-tank" disaster.

4. I will be using the Aquacontroller PH probe to control the reactor - Jabel (jeff) tells me that is a big advantage.
Yes, do it.

5. What media to get?
ARM coarse, with ZeoMag.

6. Maxijet 900 ok for feed pump?
Overkill. I'd tap into the return line.

Did i leave anything out?
Ya, I'd drip the effluent line near your skimmer so it gets aerated and you won't get that much pH spike.

[Gooli]

thanks all...gave...put me down for 8 lbs soon

[Bebo77]

http://www.eseasongear.com/milwaukeema957.html

[Gooli]

well..if JBJ is a good regulator it's only $99 at Marinedepot. looks like all the others are $139+

[golfish]

1) that one should be just fine

2) get a 10 pounder from a local welding shop. Don't bother with a new one, a used one is just as good and your going to wind up exchanging it anyway.

3) Any good regulator will work..


4) I've been running reactors a long time, a PH meter is a must, I've never had any reason to use a controller. Maybe I should say I've never had a reason to buy one. If I had one I'd use it.

5) CaribSea Geo Marine..40 pounds for 20 bucks/

6) This is where a lot of people who setup reactors fail. If they don't "stuff" the reactor the effluent rate fluctuates too much. I ALWAY's use a MJ 1200. If you can get a steady rate off your return then by all means do it.

just my 2 cents....#6 is important. The RF reactor I have works really well in drawing water without a feed pump but I still want to stuff it with water.

[Bebo77]

Originally posted by Gooli
well..if JBJ is a good regulator it's only $99 at Marinedepot. looks like all the others are $139+

the link i posted is even cheaper...

[JenDub]

Speaking from experience I'd spend the extra dough to get the m3 reg from marine depot. My jbj never kept a steady bubble rate, always had to fiddle with it.

Also get arm coarse since the geo is reverse flow

I'd only recommend an aluminum co2 tank, steel will leave a nice rust ring on your floow =)

Also take a look at the new aquac rx-1, it's a sweeeeet design. Taking a reactor's flanges off gets old quick, I'm a union kinda guy =)

Do any of you use real co2 line or just air hosing?

[jabel]

Golan, I did use the jbj reg and it broke after a year of use. Its also loud when it turns on. I only replaced the solenoid and now it works great and quieter.
Also, the bubble rate doesn't matter because you'll be controlling the ph of the unit. You just don't want to flook the reactor with co2 all at once.

[Yinger]

Originally posted by Gooli
I am purchasing a calcium reactor soon and would like to do it right from the start. I have decided to go with a GEO calcium reactor but have some questions...I am completely clueless as to what to get and how things work..so bear with me...

1. Its for a 180G SPS mostly - will the 618 model suffice?

2. CO2 bottle...should i just get one locally and what should i get?

3. CO2 Regulator w/needle valve and Solenoid - which one should i get?

4. I will be using the Aquacontroller PH probe to control the reactor - Jabel (jeff) tells me that is a big advantage.

5. What media to get?

6. Maxijet 900 ok for feed pump?

Did i leave anything out?
Thanks!

1. It will be more than enough.

2. Get an aluminum bottle if its going under the stand. the steal ones may rust.

3. Stay away from milwaukee. Jbj is a decent one. i heard the genx one isn't bad.

4. If you have a controller, just use that.

5. Go with the big grain media like arm coarse or gen x.

6. yes

[mclaman]

What made you decide on the GEO? I am considering buying a reactor as well and was pointed in the direction of the AquaC. I would be curious as to how you came to your decision.

[Gooli]

thanks everyone..this is a lot of help.
i decided to go with GEO because i've seen jabel's geo in action and he's happy with it and i read nothing but good things AND the price is fair.

[bergzy]

Originally posted by xtm
3. CO2 Regulator w/needle valve and Solenoid - which one should i get? Most people have good experience with JBJ. There is this planted tank regulator that is supposed to be top of the line and also protects you from "end-of-tank" disaster.

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

[xtm]

That's the one.. ^ thanks Bergzy

[Gooli]

well..i just placed the order for the GEO 618...free shipping and free calcium test kit...couldn't resist

i may have a space issue under my stand...what's the down side of getting the 5lbs CO2 bottle? all it means is that i need it refilled every three months or so?

[reef_doug]

Golan... please post pics when you get it going. I was thinking of the same reactor.

[CW from the OC]

I have the 618, it is freaking huge. Well, at least a lot bigger than it sounds. Pic is here: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...er/CWTank4.jpg

[Gooli]

CW...is it pretty quiet?

[five.five-six]

ok a couple of things,

I just found out from clp that the lab grade probe is presure rated for reactors where as the standard grade probe is not

also, you will need 4 and 7 calibrating solution as opposed to 7 and 10

don't skimp on the regulator, I read an article a while back by either randy or JDieck, discussing how most of the regulators marketed to the hobby were intended for beer dispecers and do not deliver consistant enough pressure to maintain a constant bubble rate

[Left Coast DJ]

I've bought all of my CO2 tanks from the .BeverageFactory.com. The tanks with collars are a lot easier to handle. I get them filled at AirGas in Burbank - 10 lbs. for $15. NO EXCHANGE. They fill MY tank.

And I use Azoo Regulators with Solenoid.

If you buy a used tank, make sure you check the hydrostatic test date.