Calcium Reactors and such.........

Very few entries on calcium reactors. What is the point in buying a calcium reactor for 3, 4 or 500 bucks, rated for a 3 or 400g tank for a 120g tank? Most reactors are for large tanks with very few rated for the 120 - 200g range. I can't see paying upwards of 700 bucks for a Knop or Korallin setup for a 120g. I really think its overkill and another way for the LFS to take your $$$. Does anyone agree?
Does anyone have experience buying reactors for smaller tanks?I've come across reactors that are not "mainstream" household brands but seem to be well built and well suited for the job at a great price.

 

I run a KNOP C and it didn't cost that much. I use it on a 265g tank. You don't want one real big because they do need to be cleaned every so often. All I did was add a second chamber to mine to help get the effluients pH up before it enters the tank. Look in the classifieds here and on RC as there is always someone selling one.

 

I bought mine used locally. Apparently acrylic tubes are expensive. I don't feel like anyone's "taking my money" since pretty much all CA reactor manufacturers charge a lot of money. If someone really could cut costs more and sell for a lot cheaper I assume they would do it and grab the "budget" market.

Here's a little cheaper one.
6.5 ” Octopus Single Chamber Calcium Reactor Bulk Reef Supply

Keep in mind you still generally need to get a supply pump and all the CO2 equipment, regulator, CO2 bottle etc.

Automated chemistry maintenance is expensive any way you look at it IMO, I just think of how nice it will be when it's all setup and dialed in.

 

Thanks guys (Otty & Screwtape)....will check it out.

 

What about ReefTek? Anyone familiar with these reactors?

 

look at lifereef if you get the chance. I have one of their ca reactors and love it. I will never operate a system over 100 gallons without a cr again. Too much dosing.

 

i have a mrc ca reactor im thinkin of sellin

 

Howd you like it? I was looking into them but talked to a couple local reefers and got seriously conflicting answers.

 

I have a buddy with a MRC on his main system. It seems to work well.

I do think the mrc's use a bit more co2 than other brands such as the geo.

I have a geo624 on my 90g. Geo's are arguably the best out there, and they sure have the ca reactor down since they were one of the first to make them.

Yes, that is overkill on a 90, but it will be on my 193g soon enough.

I know some guys swear by the 2 part systems, but that requires constant testing to make sure your ca demands do not overcome your Ca supply. Once set up correctly, a ca reactor will automatically put in the right amount of Ca as it is needed.

Most guys that use 2 part are doing it because it is cheaper than a ca reactor.

 

Not to get majorly off topic, but the current thought for the big build is a CA reactor and a kalk drip with both mixing before being introduced back into the aquarium. Should help combat any pH issues with a much higher headroom then either one alone.

My biggest problem aside from the fiddling with two part is which cheaper up front, you end up spending more on the long run.