|
|
|
|
#1
12/17/2007, 10:24 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Calcium Reactor
I am looking to set up my first Calcium reactor and I am looking for suggestions. My current space in this set up is all out of sump space and a max footprint of 24"x8" and 30" height...
Although in the near future I will be building a new sump that could potentially have in sump space. So I guess the two key features are that it fits, and can work with my AC3. The tank is 120G, and the total volume is about 180G. My current setup includes an Aquacontroller3, so from what I understand the two pH probes should be able to work with a reactor. So my understanding, is I am in need of the actual reactor, Co2 bottle, regulator, and solenoid/bubble counter... Thank you much in advance for any advice. |
|
#2
12/17/2007, 10:53 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
you can run with only one pH probe and control the solenoid off/on of CO2 when pH is too high or low within the reaction chamber. The second pH probe would be to monitor the tank pH (which could also be put into your program) to also control CO2 on/off. Not all reactors have a probe port.
|
|
#3
12/17/2007, 08:50 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Does anyone have suggestions of reactors to meet my needs?
|
|
#4
12/18/2007, 08:10 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
What is your budget?
I would recommend a quality regulator. Buy this item once, and you're saving money right away. Lots of folks skimp, any many find themselves buying a quality regulator shortly after buying a cheap-o regulator... therefore, cost saving is out the window. Quality regulators include the M3, and I really like my JBJ /w solenoid. The bubble counter may or may not be built in to your reactor. I've had a 3rd-party aquamedic bubble counter in the past that was covered with cracks and leaking within 9 months! CO2 is hard on cheap plastics. Again, you'll get what you pay for. Quality reactors have these included. For the CO2 bottle, I went to a local welding supply and rented one for a year. I later purchased it. It's not pretty aluminum... but painted steel. When I go in for more CO2, I'm comfortable switching tanks for one in similar condition. With an aluminum tank, you'll have to find a place that will fill a 5lb tank for you. IME, it's much harder to find a place that will fill a 5lb tank while you wait, as opposed to switching an empty 5lb tank for a full one. Could be different where you live... When it comes to a reactor, there's something to be said about quality and construction. I've owned a few, and the plastic can become brittle over time, just the like the bubble counter I mentioned above. I had the top flange of one break clean off while I was on vacation. the pump emptied my sump, and pumped gallons of water on to the floor. The next time I went reactor shopping, I looked for heavy cast acrylic. I'm not worried about my schuran springing a leak. |
|
#5
12/19/2007, 08:53 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I have a Marine Technical Concepts minical, fine for my 90, probably much more. No probe port. Excellent quality construction and customer support by the builders via phone. Many others love the GEO line, check them out too for quality (what I hear from others)
|
|
#6
12/20/2007, 09:30 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Lets say $500 for the reg and reactor... any suggestions then
|
|
|
Linear Mode
