calcium reactor media for your sps tank?

jay24k · #1 12/31/2005, 02:48 AM

I'm planning on getting a calcium reactor. I'm thinking of the single chamber from aquatic systems design. Anyone else running this one with good or even bad experience? Seems like a good price and he's been really helpful over email.

One other question, what media are you guys running?

Thanks.

Ereefic · #2 12/31/2005, 11:24 AM

No idea about that reactor, but I run A.R.M. Media.

jay24k · #3 12/31/2005, 11:47 AM

He mentioned the Schuran is some really good stuff just a little bit more money. Anyone have either or experiences with both?

elephen · #4 12/31/2005, 12:17 PM

Schuran is high in PO4 from what I've read. I've been using ARM for the past few years with no ill side effect.

rscotth · #5 12/31/2005, 04:56 PM

I just got one of the reactors. It is built very well. I can say that it is built as well as any other that I have seen and better than my K2R. I have not started using it though. I have always used ARM media that was rinsed in RO/DI water before using.

jay24k · #6 12/31/2005, 06:01 PM

Well,if his product is anything like his CS, then I would say it probably be really nice. I'll try to do some research on the Schuran media and what I come up with. I'm tired of 2 parting.

Creetin · #7 12/31/2005, 06:35 PM

I use arm, No problems using it all my trace, alk and cal have been perfect since i dialed it in. Have not used 2 part since i set it up.

Lunchbucket · #8 01/01/2006, 12:13 AM

jay - look into www.reefmania.net you can't beat all the features!

use the schuran "knock-off" brand from PA...ask Jeremy for it. 2.00/lb and it works great. no more mud or dust from that ARM crap. my po4 out of the rx is less then 0.03ppm

Lunchbucket

jay24k · #9 01/01/2006, 03:53 PM

I looked at a few places and they seem just so expensive. The price I was quoted from ADS is so much cheaper. Normally price can reflect quality but I've read on here several people who say the build quality is excellent and it works great. I can't see dropping 600+ on a reactor right now. I've seen a few where just the reactor is 600 with no pump.

I will call Jeremy and ask him for the media. They have always been great each time I ordered.

Thanks.

clkwrk · #10 01/01/2006, 03:58 PM

ARM

SunnyX · #11 01/01/2006, 04:58 PM

ARM here also.

dattack · #12 01/01/2006, 05:08 PM

That reactor from aquatic reef systems looks well built and a very cheap price for a reactor which includes pump. I would buy it.

jay24k · #13 01/01/2006, 05:10 PM

I've been reading that ARM turns into a mush eventually. Is this normal and common? So many choices.

Yea Dattack, for the price, it's not even worth it for me to build one of those DIY reactors on here. Going to run under 400 for most of everything for me.

clkwrk · #14 01/01/2006, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jay24k
I've been reading that ARM turns into a mush eventually. Is this normal and common? So many choices.

Yea Dattack, for the price, it's not even worth it for me to build one of those DIY reactors on here. Going to run under 400 for most of everything for me.

I run a ph of 6.4-6.5 with arm and havent had mush yet .

Dog boy Dave · #15 01/01/2006, 09:25 PM

I run arm and have no problem with mush. I run a dual chamber and the second chamber keeps media for a long time. May be mush, dont know but as long as the circulation is flowing why would mush be a problem?

jay24k · #16 01/01/2006, 11:56 PM

I don't know as I have never used a CA reactor. I've just read where people complain it turns into a mush and is a pita to clean out.

mortenN · #17 01/02/2006, 12:02 AM

A.R.M.

jay24k · #18 01/03/2006, 03:47 PM

I talked to premium aquatics and their price is now up to 4.00 a pound. Aquatic Ecosystems is quite a bit cheaper and about 45 minute drive so I will probably pick it up there. I think they have it for 5 dollars for 2 pounds and then I won't have to pay shipping.

You guys who use ARM media don't get dust that's a pain to clean out? Wonder why some get it and some don't.

clkwrk · #19 01/03/2006, 03:53 PM

I just dump mine from the container into the reactor. Mine has always come a little moist .Never any dust or rinsing needed.

125reef · #20 01/03/2006, 09:55 PM

I'm also an ARM user and have been very happy with it. I've been using it for years and I haven't had any problems with dry dusty media. Interestingly, it run my reactor at a PH of 6.4 - 6.5 24/7 and I haven't experienced my media turning to mush. My effluent tests 35-40 dkh. Hope my two cents helps some.

jay24k · #21 01/03/2006, 09:58 PM

Thanks. I'm just gonna have to decide on what to use. I hope to order the beast in about 2 weeks. I estimated my taxes so when I am able to peek at my W2's at work before they get printed and go out, I can for sure get it. One of my biggest tax refunds yet!