So my aquarium is up and running and I have been interested in getting a calcium reactor before I be

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by JaysLittleOcean, Jun 26, 2015.

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  1. JaysLittleOcean

    JaysLittleOcean Spaghetti Worm

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    So my aquarium is up and running and I have been interested in getting a calcium reactor before I begin to add any SPS Corals to my system. So I don't normally concentrate too much on price when purchasing equipment. But this thought just came into my mind and I can't seem to shake it to justify the price.

    Calcium Reactor A has a size specification of L: 7 1/8" x W: 5 1/2" x H: 19 3/4" and is rated for 120 gallons of water.

    Calcium Reactor B has a size specification of L: 8 1/2" W: 6" H: 19 3/4" and is rated for 290 gallons of water.

    So the both use the same pump design and the only difference is the size. So my thinking is such. The difference in size is L: 1 3/8" x W: 1 1/2" x H: None. So does having that little but more media really mean anything? I mean the reactor is going to release only as much calcium rich media as we configure it for. Then only problem I see would be that I would have to change the media more often. So is convenience really worth an additional $600 more? Let me know if my conclusion seems totally wrong.
     
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  3. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    The size doesn't necessarily mean it will last longer, it just means that you will have a stronger effluent rate to meet the demand of you tank. You have more media interacting with the acidic water fro the CO2. Honestly, I wouldn't buy a calcium reactor for a long time. You really won't need it until your SPS become growing mini-colonies. Ultimately, it will be near impossible to tune your reactor down to meet the limited cal-alk. demand that you will have. You don't want to run the risk of overdosing. I would add your coral first, keep up with water changes, and when that doesn't maintain numbers, then consider a reactor. At that point, you may be fine with just kalk. paste in your ATO.
     
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  4. JaysLittleOcean

    JaysLittleOcean Spaghetti Worm

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    That underdtand but honestly how much more media can actually fit in that little bit of additional space to more than double the total capacity rating?
     
  5. Greg B

    Greg B Plankton

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    Oct 6, 2016
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    The media lasts forever so I wouldn't pay the extra