Over the last 7 pears, for my system, I've chosen a 2 chamber DIY CaRx using mid-size ARM & Zeovit. For CO2 control I have upgraded to the 'CARBONDOSER ELECTRONIC CO2 REGULATOR' (glad to see you mention it), and feeding the reactor with the smallest Hanna BL dosing pump (I could never get a long term consistent bubble or drip). You are spot on about the service life for pumps, regulators, and pH probes...saltwater is hard on the equipment. Over time, I have grown to appreciate the CaRx even more as the months have rolled by with stable system parameters and without the need for daily/weekly dosing tasks. The Vertex RX-C looks to be a very well thought out component...might be my next upgrade instead of repairing the circulation pump (again). Well done with this whole series and your support for the hobby. It should be no surprise that I voted for the CaRx.
+BulkReefSupplyCom Hello, this tank is a 160g display, setup as a peninsula/room divider, as a mixed fish/reef with a focus on LPS/Softies. The sump and refug bring the total system volume up to 240g.
Great Video! You totally demystified Calcium Reactors for me. Although I must admit about the time Ryan was going through the tube hookups my eyes began to roll back in my head. Just one of those things that you have to Keep looking back at the instructions and still probably got it wrong. Looking forward to next weeks episode already. Kick back and enjoy the weekend guys.
CA Reactor has my vote. The flow meter is such a great idea, although it doesn't guarantee 100% stable flow like peri pump does, but it's enough for this tank because you guys could check the flow rate constantly. Look forward to it!
Great video. I went with 2-part because I think that is what most people use. I do agree with some others though, that you already have the Ca Reactor up, might as well leave it. Me personally, I will be using kalk on my 110 and then 2 part to supplement once kalk no longer keeps up. I like the higher pH benefit provided by kalk and the ease of use of kalk and 2-part.
Every time I think about adding a CaRx I watch this video and quickly change my mind 😄. Perhaps using a simpler model would attract more users. Great level of detail as always.
So, I was a complete idiot this past weekend?! After weeks of research and as many BRSTV videos on calcium reactors I could manage without information overload I went ahead and decided a calcium reactor was the next investment for the continued success of my tank. Since mid late last year everything else that has been explained and suggested has been great! I have taken a ton of time researching and selecting what might be best for me based on the information provided. From the pre-built sump; to the protein skimmer; to the Kessil lighting; to the Hydor ATO and then the Gyre. I HAVE LOVED THEM ALL and have seen much better stability and overall growth in my tank.... SO... I took my time this past weekend adding the Skimz CM122 Calcium Reactor (included the Milwaukee regulator, the Milwaukee pH controller and everything else as outlined) I did go with the Skimz over the Vertex. Unfortunately, moving back and forth through the manuals when I was finally ready to open the valve on the Co2 tank, I neglected to flip the switch on my power strip for the regulator... Some of you may know what happened next... The lid that is tighten down with the thumb screws blew off cracking the lid into three. After inspecting everything else, that was all the was damged. Am I out $300 or is their somewhere I may find a replacement lid for the Skimz? I was SUPER excited to get this working and when I finally convince myself everything was just right... POOF! I think I have blown (pun intended) $700... anyway... Ryan the videos are amazing I love them and thanks!
Very nice! I think depending on the results I may ditch my two part Ive used for years that I've gotten from you and jump on the Calcium Reactor Band Wagon! All my other stuff is Vertex! Love their stuff. I always wondered about the setup of a Calcium Reactor. Thanks for a well made instructional video. It takes a lot of the guess work out of the equation.
First i would like to say great video!!! second !!! whats the fun of doing just 2 part ? everyone can do 2 part, even gran ma !!! you guys are not just anyone; even if its a pain in the butt to implement at least we get to watch and see how the professionals would do it. difficult is half the fun of this hobby or we'd all have softie tanks and call it a day =D
I think both will do good, but finally I agreed with BJ Grigor and will go with the 2 part just because that is your stuff and it works well...On the other hand You guys are the experts so I know you guys will make the correct choice.
Calcium reactor in addition with Kalk can work very well with little fussing...especially with a big tank...300gal +. The reactor/video does look complex. I don't mess with a flow meter, ph meter. I monitor Kh of main tank and adjust accordingly (minimal to no adjustment). It's the status of the main tank that counts. Use Kalk with your top off and adjust Calcium reactor from there. Or you can move to the next level and have a Kalk reactor set to operate with lights out to stabilize Ph and supplement with regular top off 7/24. (you can also do away with second "gas off stage"...keeping the Calcium reactor simple.... by introducing the affluent just prior to skimmer or into area of sump with air stones...helps keep Ph from dropping too much)
The information’s are the best ever. I may say though that you should add (separately or in every week show) what is important in fish only tanks... Also a lot people are abroad viewers and we want bulk -super- products TY
MOST confuse thing by using cal reactor was if it really helping adding trace elements into the tank, i have done lot of readings from r2r, reefcentrals and brs, some said yes and some said no. i got a reactor ready but just hesitate to set it up.
Reactor and Kalk. Best of both worlds. I'd use a dosing pump and a calc stirrer to keep adding calc until the water level in the sump begins to rise (adding more than it is evaporating), then back it down a little so your freshwater ATO is only adding a tiny bit of water each day. Then add the reactor after you get to the point. I would recommend a used masterflex pumps to feed it though.
2 reasons. Ease of adjust-ability and consistency. If you are running it separately, you can just add/subtract a minute or two on your timer depending on what your Alk levels are, and your ATO will make up the difference in water volume. As you grow more corals, you just add more minutes until the kalk is adding so much that your ATO never comes on. Back it off of few minutes, then supplement with a reactor or two part. Doing it through your ATO, you have to adjust the concentration of Kalk solution to adjust change. Second is consistency. My tank atleast, doesn't evaporate the same amount of water year round, because it is more humid on the coast during the summer month. So if your evaporation changed 10% or so from season to season, the kalk levels will change. If you run a peristaltic pump separate from your ATO, it will be exactly the same regardless of your evaporation (as long is you don't add more than you are evaporating. It becomes even more annoying when you are dosing with two different methods, because you won't know if it is the kalk or your reactor that is increased or decreased. It doesn't cost much more really, just a single peristaltic pump, and a timer if you don't have a controller.
Seems like a great deal of cost for what Kalkwasser would provide. Not saying it isn't cool but I'd think most reefers would but the money into other more useful equipment. I'd personally get that automated filter sock you all highlighted a while back. Great job on the video guys keep them coming.
You were always a fan of 2 part and when you hear brs you hear 2 part.When is the last time you showed us the main display? Hope your not having issues.
my vote is no, I think the majority of new to mid level refers do not utilize this option. I have used BRS 2 part and I am now running BRS Kalkwasser. My vote is one of those options as I do think they are more widely used. I would like it if Kalkwasser was the choice as it is the one that I am using now. ..
+BulkReefSupplyCom I am running a Korallin C-1502 with an Elite Aquatics Second chamber. I just added the second chamber to help keep up with the demand of Alk and keep the pH stable. Thank you for the great videos.
Rico..great video. I'm a little late watching. I've got a large system and have used a calcium reactor for years. Totally agree, it's a no brainer, minimal maintenance, safe as compared with a dosing system. One issue I do have however is "sand" building up over time within the bubble counter chamber leading to a more frequent maintenance schedule. Maybe I'm cranking too much CO2 into chamber or maybe it's the reactor design I'm using. Have you run into this issue?
I say stick with the reactor, most people on here think it's complicated so maybe showing it in action for a while will show how easy they really are. Also 2 part dosing has so much information floating around all ready, I would like to see more on the reactors.
What do you recommend for a stand alone frag system? I buy colonies from local reefers, frag them down and sell them. I currently use the balling salts method on a doser. Do you think manually calculating my weekly change in solution is safer than changing a reactor, checking then readjusting? I'm removing frags almost daily to ship out so my load is constantly up and down
Ryan- what do you recommend for a 320 gallon display and a fish room w/frag tanks? Approximate total volume is ~500 gallons. I love the Vertex but I'm not sure it's sufficient...
good afternoon, first of all congratulations on the video. I would like to know where you got the elbow connection of the white osmosis hose (reactor water inlet) with the ball valve key. Thank you very much in advance
Are they any video's showing what the BRS staff uses in their smaller scale office tanks? I'd like to try a smaller 2x2x2 ft tank and really like the small form factor and success that i see in you'r video's. Thanks!
As always, great video Ryan. I just wanted to echo Alan 's question below. Do you ever ship to the UK, and if not do you have any plans to do so in the future?
Hello gentleman, for the calcium reactor it self. Does it matter if the pumps return is coming through the buttom or the top? Mine for some reason is coming from the top and sucks it back into pump from bottom of reactor. Is this bad or dangerous?
what do you thing about this idea, to raise the ph after it exits the calcium reactor, then enter another reactor with pure oxygen with a bubble counter and regulator, just like the co2 dissolve in the water? do you think a tank with pure oxygen with that setup could raise the pH?
***** Great point, do you know anymore people we could ask. I want to cure the problem of using a calcium reactor and having low Ph in the tank, with a skimmers
I'm in the process of setting up my vertex calcium reactor and I was wondering if we can place the feed pump in the reservoir instead of the sump...the effluent of course goes into the sump🤔just like the kalk reactor setup.
Another fantastic update on the 160! but I have a complaint not about the video but the company............. Come on guys when are you going to start shipping to the UK!!!! You have a huge following over here for your insightful, informative and down right enjoyable videos but we can't order from your fantastic online shop!!!! It's time for world domination!! Help out your oldest relatives from over the pond!
proving I'm not sophisticated enough for a reactor by not even being able to find the polling feature you referenced (but I vote 2 part given the target audience for a intro to reefing video series).
So i have a huge issue with my calcium reactor. a friend of mines borrowed it and did not maintain it at all, which ultimately resulted in the death of his tank. i just recently went to get pick it up from him, but it now has build up hydrogen sulfide inside it completely. its very dirty like the clear parts aren't even visible anymore because its so black from the hydrogen sulfide build up and smells like rotten eggs. i know that it is a toxic chemical compound/gas. what do you suggest i use to clean it out completely of hydrogen sulfide or is it a bad idea to reuse it at all considering possible left over residue potentially wiping out my tank?
Wait! If you run compressed air through it, it will reduce CO2 levels in the air around us and make corals grow. That way we save the planet by growing corals Eureka!
I think for the average hobbyist / majority two-part is much more appealing so it would be most beneficial to continue the build with it rather than a calcium reactor.
DO NOT user that regulator for a calcium reactor! WHY? I'm glad you asked. This regulator IS NOT designed to handle ANY back pressure. What will eventually happen is the solenoid will stick either open or closed. Mine stuck open TWICE! I even replaced the solenoid. That's when I found out from Milwaukee that cant handle the backpressure. This reactor is really designed for planted tanks. Get a Carbon Doser Regulator!
well after that assembly i can say for sure Ill never use this lol.. do you all sell these already assembled like the brs RO/di systems? just when I thought u was done the assembly kept going and going annnnddd going.... feel free to come pimp out my tank with all this equipment u all keep showing ... lol
+CJ'S AQUARIUMS --Place part C into Part X but only after twisting Part L 3/4 counterclockwise and then pressing part M until properly seated in Part C
Dumb question.. why do we have to make this so complicated? Why can’t we layer the fuge with crushed coral and use a co2 injection into that? It would both help break down the coral same as a reactor as well as help Cheto grow much faster. This won’t help large coral tanks entirely I’m sure but this combined with some kalk seems to make a lot more sense to me.
The issue with this is that the turnover rate through our sumps would carry the CO2 away before it could disolve the corals. This would result in using a lot of CO2 (and $$$) as well as a very low pH in the tank. If the pH in the sump is low enough to melt dead coral skeleton, then it will likely be low enough in the display as well. Unless we keep it contained within a reactor of course.
Can you guys do a video on how you did the plumbing? You did a video on it but didn't really go over the specifics. Whenever I solvent weld it takes forever the results never look as clean as yours.
+NaturalViolence2 I have done this several times and I find the trick is to prime first and then use solvent. I also mark my pipe at the 3/4" mark and don't apply primer or glue past that point. Just finished my 110 plumbing; included several takeoffs for carbon, phosphate, UV, etc. I had close to 80 fittings with no leaks.
Christopher Sanchez I've never had an issue with leaking. My issue is that it takes a really long time to walk through the whole process properly and even so I get lots of puddling/smearing of the glue near the joint which does not look good. I will try to mark the joints first like you suggested.
***** But then I wouldn't be able to see Ryan's majestic smile while it's explained to me :) Seriously though the visuals do help a lot. I have on multiple occasions pulled up these videos as a reference when trying to construct something. I appreciate the offer though.
NaturalViolence2 Yea, PVC is messy. You just have to go slow, one fitting at a time. It does take a long time. On my current tank, I spent 3 weeks on it; I had close to 80 fittings! What really helped was having clean rags on hand. After a joint was glued, I would let it sit for 1 minutes, then wipe the joint with the rag to remove any extra glue that came out. You have to be careful not to touch it while it is wet because once you smear it, you cannot remove it. I find having acetone on hand helps clean the joints, but is not for the faint of heart.
Excellent... I so need to get a calcium reactor now :) ....Great video, sounds stupid but because it was called a calcium reactor, I hadn't realised that it also adds alkalinity as well as calcium, so I never thought about using one....
may i know what is the influent ph from the calcium reactor if i set it to 6.5?will it be the same?some will advise using kh test kit to test,if within 35 -50dkh then should be ok
Those Milwalkee Co2 regulators will last about a 1 year and then fail. Putting one of those on that Vertex reactor is like buying a Starfire glass tank and putting CFL's over it for light. See link below for everything you ever wanted to know about putting together a QUALITY Co2 regulator www.barrreport.com/forum/barr-report/co2-enrichment/6653-dual-stage-regulators 2 stage Victor regulator vernier needle valve and swagelock gauges and fittings Burkert solenoid valve ect. BRS should piece one together as a "High end BRS Co2 regulator" ......
+BulkReefSupplyCom Scroll down to post #456 ... see pictured regulator ..... now that's a quality reactor regulator www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293079&page=19 you guys should look into being a distributor for Swagelok. They make lots of "lab grade" goodies that are useful around aquariums
BulkReefSupplyCom I am sure you have something to add or change what makes the perfectly stable system better. I thought this relatively low tech system is really ULM and gives excellent results. As well I like the idea of aiming for natural seawater with very little water changes. Don’t really get what makes you change your plan on that, thanks for your effort.
Hey guys can you please help me out with an issue im having regarding my calcium reactor. I have the red sea reefer 625XXL with a 8" wide cal reactor by 13" tall. On a 10pound co2 tank. The media im using is two little fishies reborn. With about 15% mag. Now i have about 25 or so corals 2 max clams. About 10 or so are sps about 8 or so are lps and the rest some softys. There all small frags, becoming colonys. Now my issue is. My alk is stable at 10 but my calcium level drops from 430 to 320 with in a week. How the hell is this happening and what am i doing wrong? Please help me out cause non of my lfs have a clue.
I GO WITH THE REACTOR ALL THE WAY BY THE TIME YOU BUY THE TWO OR THREE PUMPS AND PRODUCTS YOU HALF THE COST OF THE REACTOR ALREADY THE REACTOR IS ONE TIME DEAL JUST MY THOUGHTS THANK YOU .
Nope. Heck nope. I add three capfulls of two-part a week. Takes maybe 90 seconds a week. Why would anyone want to implement something so complicated? Great video, though!
Way too complex. Two part please. Can we also see how the tank is doing. Even if nothing much happening it would be interesting to know. I have no idea how artificial rock works. I would have thought you would seed coarline algae asap to get this going early. Or is it not universal to love seeing purple patches appearing on the back of your tank?
why don't you dissolve the coral skeletons firs at once, then dose that solution with a peristaltic dosing pump rather than using a whole new complex piece of gear.
Over the last 7 pears, for my system, I've chosen a 2 chamber DIY CaRx using mid-size ARM & Zeovit. For CO2 control I have upgraded to the 'CARBONDOSER ELECTRONIC CO2 REGULATOR' (glad to see you mention it), and feeding the reactor with the smallest Hanna BL dosing pump (I could never get a long term consistent bubble or drip). You are spot on about the service life for pumps, regulators, and pH probes...saltwater is hard on the equipment. Over time, I have grown to appreciate the CaRx even more as the months have rolled by with stable system parameters and without the need for daily/weekly dosing tasks. The Vertex RX-C looks to be a very well thought out component...might be my next upgrade instead of repairing the circulation pump (again). Well done with this whole series and your support for the hobby. It should be no surprise that I voted for the CaRx.
+BulkReefSupplyCom Hello, this tank is a 160g display, setup as a peninsula/room divider, as a mixed fish/reef with a focus on LPS/Softies. The sump and refug bring the total system volume up to 240g.
Great Video! You totally demystified Calcium Reactors for me. Although I must admit about the time Ryan was going through the tube hookups my eyes began to roll back in my head. Just one of those things that you have to Keep looking back at the instructions and still probably got it wrong. Looking forward to next weeks episode already. Kick back and enjoy the weekend guys.
CA Reactor has my vote. The flow meter is such a great idea, although it doesn't guarantee 100% stable flow like peri pump does, but it's enough for this tank because you guys could check the flow rate constantly. Look forward to it!
Great video. I went with 2-part because I think that is what most people use. I do agree with some others though, that you already have the Ca Reactor up, might as well leave it. Me personally, I will be using kalk on my 110 and then 2 part to supplement once kalk no longer keeps up. I like the higher pH benefit provided by kalk and the ease of use of kalk and 2-part.
+BulkReefSupplyCom Gulf of Mexico reef fish and primarily LPS. Some easier SPS mixed in. A couple of gorgonians and large polyps to complete the look.
Every time I think about adding a CaRx I watch this video and quickly change my mind 😄. Perhaps using a simpler model would attract more users. Great level of detail as always.
So, I was a complete idiot this past weekend?! After weeks of research and as many BRSTV videos on calcium reactors I could manage without information overload I went ahead and decided a calcium reactor was the next investment for the continued success of my tank. Since mid late last year everything else that has been explained and suggested has been great! I have taken a ton of time researching and selecting what might be best for me based on the information provided. From the pre-built sump; to the protein skimmer; to the Kessil lighting; to the Hydor ATO and then the Gyre. I HAVE LOVED THEM ALL and have seen much better stability and overall growth in my tank.... SO... I took my time this past weekend adding the Skimz CM122 Calcium Reactor (included the Milwaukee regulator, the Milwaukee pH controller and everything else as outlined) I did go with the Skimz over the Vertex. Unfortunately, moving back and forth through the manuals when I was finally ready to open the valve on the Co2 tank, I neglected to flip the switch on my power strip for the regulator... Some of you may know what happened next... The lid that is tighten down with the thumb screws blew off cracking the lid into three. After inspecting everything else, that was all the was damged. Am I out $300 or is their somewhere I may find a replacement lid for the Skimz? I was SUPER excited to get this working and when I finally convince myself everything was just right... POOF! I think I have blown (pun intended) $700... anyway... Ryan the videos are amazing I love them and thanks!
Very nice! I think depending on the results I may ditch my two part Ive used for years that I've gotten from you and jump on the Calcium Reactor Band Wagon! All my other stuff is Vertex! Love their stuff. I always wondered about the setup of a Calcium Reactor. Thanks for a well made instructional video. It takes a lot of the guess work out of the equation.
Two part for sure! I'm all about simplicity.
First i would like to say great video!!!
second !!! whats the fun of doing just 2 part ? everyone can do 2 part, even gran ma !!! you guys are not just anyone; even if its a pain in the butt to implement at least we get to watch and see how the professionals would do it. difficult is half the fun of this hobby or we'd all have softie tanks and call it a day =D
I think both will do good, but finally I agreed with BJ Grigor and will go with the 2 part just because that is your stuff and it works well...On the other hand You guys are the experts so I know you guys will make the correct choice.
Calcium reactor in addition with Kalk can work very well with little fussing...especially with a big tank...300gal +. The reactor/video does look complex. I don't mess with a flow meter, ph meter. I monitor Kh of main tank and adjust accordingly (minimal to no adjustment). It's the status of the main tank that counts. Use Kalk with your top off and adjust Calcium reactor from there. Or you can move to the next level and have a Kalk reactor set to operate with lights out to stabilize Ph and supplement with regular top off 7/24. (you can also do away with second "gas off stage"...keeping the Calcium reactor simple.... by introducing the affluent just prior to skimmer or into area of sump with air stones...helps keep Ph from dropping too much)
The information’s
are the best ever. I may say though that you should add (separately or in every
week show) what is important in fish only tanks... Also a lot people are abroad
viewers and we want bulk -super- products
TY
MOST confuse thing by using cal reactor was if it really helping adding trace elements into the tank, i have done lot of readings from r2r, reefcentrals and brs, some said yes and some said no. i got a reactor ready but just hesitate to set it up.
My vote is reactor - YOU ALREADY WENT THROUGH THE TROUBLE! May as well leave it :)
Reactor and Kalk. Best of both worlds. I'd use a dosing pump and a calc stirrer to keep adding calc until the water level in the sump begins to rise (adding more than it is evaporating), then back it down a little so your freshwater ATO is only adding a tiny bit of water each day. Then add the reactor after you get to the point. I would recommend a used masterflex pumps to feed it though.
2 reasons. Ease of adjust-ability and consistency. If you are running it separately, you can just add/subtract a minute or two on your timer depending on what your Alk levels are, and your ATO will make up the difference in water volume. As you grow more corals, you just add more minutes until the kalk is adding so much that your ATO never comes on. Back it off of few minutes, then supplement with a reactor or two part. Doing it through your ATO, you have to adjust the concentration of Kalk solution to adjust change. Second is consistency. My tank atleast, doesn't evaporate the same amount of water year round, because it is more humid on the coast during the summer month. So if your evaporation changed 10% or so from season to season, the kalk levels will change. If you run a peristaltic pump separate from your ATO, it will be exactly the same regardless of your evaporation (as long is you don't add more than you are evaporating. It becomes even more annoying when you are dosing with two different methods, because you won't know if it is the kalk or your reactor that is increased or decreased. It doesn't cost much more really, just a single peristaltic pump, and a timer if you don't have a controller.
Again a great episode, If you want to make it a high-tech tank, you should install a reactor. But it is a 160 gallon, do you need one?
I think it will be more of a pain in the arse to take that thing apart. Keep it! I love the trace element factor.
Seems like a great deal of cost for what Kalkwasser would provide. Not saying it isn't cool but I'd think most reefers would but the money into other more useful equipment. I'd personally get that automated filter sock you all highlighted a while back. Great job on the video guys keep them coming.
start with two part supplement and then move to ca reactor
You were always a fan of 2 part and when you hear brs you hear 2 part.When is the last time you showed us the main display? Hope your not having issues.
my vote is no, I think the majority of new to mid level refers do not utilize this option. I have used BRS 2 part and I am now running BRS Kalkwasser. My vote is one of those options as I do think they are more widely used. I would like it if Kalkwasser was the choice as it is the one that I am using now. ..
it would be cool to see you do it like a new reefer would so we could see how many corals all them methods will support before you have to up grade it
Great video!! I love running a Ca reactor.
+BulkReefSupplyCom I am running a Korallin C-1502 with an Elite Aquatics Second chamber. I just added the second chamber to help keep up with the demand of Alk and keep the pH stable. Thank you for the great videos.
Rico..great video. I'm a little late watching. I've got a large system and have used a calcium reactor for years. Totally agree, it's a no brainer, minimal maintenance, safe as compared with a dosing system. One issue I do have however is "sand" building up over time within the bubble counter chamber leading to a more frequent maintenance schedule. Maybe I'm cranking too much CO2 into chamber or maybe it's the reactor design I'm using. Have you run into this issue?
I say stick with the reactor, most people on here think it's complicated so maybe showing it in action for a while will show how easy they really are. Also 2 part dosing has so much information floating around all ready, I would like to see more on the reactors.
+BulkReefSupplyCom How do I vote?
2 Part all day.
Hi, which Sicce pump can I use for this reactor? I found this video very helpful. Thank you
I think you should use the reactor. Most already know how to play with the Kalkwasser and the two part, lets see how reliable and easy this really is!
What do you recommend for a stand alone frag system? I buy colonies from local reefers, frag them down and sell them. I currently use the balling salts method on a doser. Do you think manually calculating my weekly change in solution is safer than changing a reactor, checking then readjusting? I'm removing frags almost daily to ship out so my load is constantly up and down
+BulkReefSupplyCom Real estate isn't an issue. 2 8x2x1 tanks and 1 4x2x1 all plumbed into a 5 foot sump.
Ryan- what do you recommend for a 320 gallon display and a fish room w/frag tanks? Approximate total volume is ~500 gallons. I love the Vertex but I'm not sure it's sufficient...
Ryan is looking skinnier every week. !
question if you are dissolving old coral isnt it also going to dissolve Mag as well ? Why do you need to add extra mag ?
Since I'm running this exact CaRx on my frag tank my choice is obvious. CaRx all the way!
With all those features what was the ph of the effluent coming out of the vertex?
good afternoon, first of all congratulations on the video. I would like to know where you got the elbow connection of the white osmosis hose (reactor water inlet) with the ball valve key.
Thank you very much in advance
yes, 18:27
Are they any video's showing what the BRS staff uses in their smaller scale office tanks? I'd like to try a smaller 2x2x2 ft tank and really like the small form factor and success that i see in you'r video's. Thanks!
+BulkReefSupplyCom Awesome. Look forward to it and keep up the great videos!
As always, great video Ryan. I just wanted to echo Alan 's question below. Do you ever ship to the UK, and if not do you have any plans to do so in the future?
Hello gentleman, for the calcium reactor it self. Does it matter if the pumps return is coming through the buttom or the top? Mine for some reason is coming from the top and sucks it back into pump from bottom of reactor. Is this bad or dangerous?
what do you thing about this idea, to raise the ph after it exits the calcium reactor, then enter another reactor with pure oxygen with a bubble counter and regulator, just like the co2 dissolve in the water? do you think a tank with pure oxygen with that setup could raise the pH?
***** Great point, do you know anymore people we could ask. I want to cure the problem of using a calcium reactor and having low Ph in the tank, with a skimmers
Do you need a calcium reactor if you aren't going to have corals in the tank?
I'm in the process of setting up my vertex calcium reactor and I was wondering if we can place the feed pump in the reservoir instead of the sump...the effluent of course goes into the sump🤔just like the kalk reactor setup.
thanks for the awesome video!!!!!
Wouldn't the reactor have have higher media contact time if it was reverse flow? Top to bottom as opposed to bottom to top.
I gotta go with 2 part simply becuase that is one of BRS bread and butter products.
Another fantastic update on the 160! but I have a complaint not about the video but the company............. Come on guys when are you going to start shipping to the UK!!!! You have a huge following over here for your insightful, informative and down right enjoyable videos but we can't order from your fantastic online shop!!!! It's time for world domination!! Help out your oldest relatives from over the pond!
What is the most recommended way to add calcium and alkalinity for a 135 gallon tank with a 40 gallon sump
The most common way is going to be two part as it's inexpensive and can be automated via dosing pumps at relatively low cost.
proving I'm not sophisticated enough for a reactor by not even being able to find the polling feature you referenced (but I vote 2 part given the target audience for a intro to reefing video series).
I vote reactor with Kalk addition. I've got a 500g system and would prefer to see something beyond the two part.
Does the calcium carbonate dissolve in any acid? Or does it have to be carbonic acid?
So i have a huge issue with my calcium reactor. a friend of mines borrowed it and did not maintain it at all, which ultimately resulted in the death of his tank. i just recently went to get pick it up from him, but it now has build up hydrogen sulfide inside it completely. its very dirty like the clear parts aren't even visible anymore because its so black from the hydrogen sulfide build up and smells like rotten eggs. i know that it is a toxic chemical compound/gas. what do you suggest i use to clean it out completely of hydrogen sulfide or is it a bad idea to reuse it at all considering possible left over residue potentially wiping out my tank?
Wait! If you run compressed air through it, it will reduce CO2 levels in the air around us and make corals grow. That way we save the planet by growing corals Eureka!
i go with the two part and dosing pumps
105 gal reef 48 x24x22
Can a apex use 2 ph probes? one for both the tank ph and one for the reactor?
I think for the average hobbyist / majority two-part is much more appealing so it would be most beneficial to continue the build with it rather than a calcium reactor.
i have lots of dead coral skeletons from my failures. i do need this.
DO NOT user that regulator for a calcium reactor! WHY? I'm glad you asked. This regulator IS NOT designed to handle ANY back pressure. What will eventually happen is the solenoid will stick either open or closed. Mine stuck open TWICE! I even replaced the solenoid. That's when I found out from Milwaukee that cant handle the backpressure. This reactor is really designed for planted tanks. Get a Carbon Doser Regulator!
well after that assembly i can say for sure Ill never use this lol.. do you all sell these already assembled like the brs RO/di systems? just when I thought u was done the assembly kept going and going annnnddd going....
feel free to come pimp out my tank with all this equipment u all keep showing ... lol
+CJ'S AQUARIUMS --Place part C into Part X but only after twisting Part L 3/4 counterclockwise and then pressing part M until properly seated in Part C
Dumb question.. why do we have to make this so complicated? Why can’t we layer the fuge with crushed coral and use a co2 injection into that? It would both help break down the coral same as a reactor as well as help Cheto grow much faster. This won’t help large coral tanks entirely I’m sure but this combined with some kalk seems to make a lot more sense to me.
The issue with this is that the turnover rate through our sumps would carry the CO2 away before it could disolve the corals. This would result in using a lot of CO2 (and $$$) as well as a very low pH in the tank. If the pH in the sump is low enough to melt dead coral skeleton, then it will likely be low enough in the display as well. Unless we keep it contained within a reactor of course.
How did I miss the poll? I did not see a place to vote
+garrrbo In the video, there is a little 'i' icon in the upper right. Click on this and the poll opens up.
2-Part + Kalk Combo utilizing a separate Kalkwasser container than ATO from BRS website is my vote.
Can you guys do a video on how you did the plumbing? You did a video on it but didn't really go over the specifics. Whenever I solvent weld it takes forever the results never look as clean as yours.
+NaturalViolence2 I have done this several times and I find the trick is to prime first and then use solvent. I also mark my pipe at the 3/4" mark and don't apply primer or glue past that point. Just finished my 110 plumbing; included several takeoffs for carbon, phosphate, UV, etc. I had close to 80 fittings with no leaks.
Christopher Sanchez
I've never had an issue with leaking. My issue is that it takes a really long time to walk through the whole process properly and even so I get lots of puddling/smearing of the glue near the joint which does not look good. I will try to mark the joints first like you suggested.
*****
But then I wouldn't be able to see Ryan's majestic smile while it's explained to me :)
Seriously though the visuals do help a lot. I have on multiple occasions pulled up these videos as a reference when trying to construct something.
I appreciate the offer though.
NaturalViolence2 Yea, PVC is messy. You just have to go slow, one fitting at a time. It does take a long time. On my current tank, I spent 3 weeks on it; I had close to 80 fittings! What really helped was having clean rags on hand. After a joint was glued, I would let it sit for 1 minutes, then wipe the joint with the rag to remove any extra glue that came out. You have to be careful not to touch it while it is wet because once you smear it, you cannot remove it. I find having acetone on hand helps clean the joints, but is not for the faint of heart.
Excellent... I so need to get a calcium reactor now :) ....Great video, sounds stupid but because it was called a calcium reactor, I hadn't realised that it also adds alkalinity as well as calcium, so I never thought about using one....
may i know what is the influent ph from the calcium reactor if i set it to 6.5?will it be the same?some will advise using kh test kit to test,if within 35 -50dkh then should be ok
yes effluent into aquarium?
Those Milwalkee Co2 regulators will last about a 1 year and then fail.
Putting one of those on that Vertex reactor is like buying a Starfire glass tank and putting CFL's over it for light.
See link below for everything you ever wanted to know about putting together a QUALITY Co2 regulator
www.barrreport.com/forum/barr-report/co2-enrichment/6653-dual-stage-regulators
2 stage Victor regulator
vernier needle valve and swagelock gauges and fittings
Burkert solenoid valve
ect.
BRS should piece one together as a "High end BRS Co2 regulator" ......
+BulkReefSupplyCom
Scroll down to post #456 ... see pictured regulator ..... now that's a quality reactor regulator
www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293079&page=19
you guys should look into being a distributor for Swagelok. They make lots of "lab grade" goodies that are useful around aquariums
key word big tank, low water changes... calcium reactor is a go!
Ryan do you ship to the UK
You've set it all up, it would be a shame to dismantle it! XD
I vote for two part solution, then if necessary move to a reactor
how do we vote?
Just leave it on Triton ULM showing great results so far
BulkReefSupplyCom I am sure you have something to add or change what makes the perfectly stable system better. I thought this relatively low tech system is really ULM and gives excellent results. As well I like the idea of aiming for natural seawater with very little water changes.
Don’t really get what makes you change your plan on that, thanks for your effort.
Hey guys can you please help me out with an issue im having regarding my calcium reactor. I have the red sea reefer 625XXL with a 8" wide cal reactor by 13" tall. On a 10pound co2 tank. The media im using is two little fishies reborn. With about 15% mag. Now i have about 25 or so corals 2 max clams. About 10 or so are sps about 8 or so are lps and the rest some softys. There all small frags, becoming colonys. Now my issue is. My alk is stable at 10 but my calcium level drops from 430 to 320 with in a week. How the hell is this happening and what am i doing wrong? Please help me out cause non of my lfs have a clue.
I GO WITH THE REACTOR ALL THE WAY BY THE TIME YOU BUY THE TWO OR THREE PUMPS AND PRODUCTS YOU HALF THE COST OF THE REACTOR ALREADY THE REACTOR IS ONE TIME DEAL JUST MY THOUGHTS THANK YOU .
Very interesting
Two part and then move to the reactor when the tank necessitates it.
Keep it simple & dose
dont know where to vote but CaRX and Kalk ;)
+Alec G You need to have annotations turned on in the video settings in the bottom right hand corner of the video.
y no diffusor on the co2
calcium reactor is what I would go with
I'd go with a combo of the two with reactor and Kalk. Seems like a shame to waste any of that expensive equipment.
reactor and 2part supplement
YES!
I didn't see the Vote Box?!??
I do it for the Alkaleeeenity. Like Ryan.
Nope. Heck nope. I add three capfulls of two-part a week. Takes maybe 90 seconds a week. Why would anyone want to implement something so complicated? Great video, though!
+Brett Abbott My old sps reef used 4ml of two part every 2 hours i got sick of filling and mixing jugs
lol... that's about a dozen more tubes than I want on any single piece of aquarium equipment
2 part!
co2 is not a poisonous gas. it displaces oxygen and is heavier than air, which is the danger, but it is not poisonous.
Way too complex. Two part please. Can we also see how the tank is doing. Even if nothing much happening it would be interesting to know. I have no idea how artificial rock works. I would have thought you would seed coarline algae asap to get this going early. Or is it not universal to love seeing purple patches appearing on the back of your tank?
why don't you dissolve the coral skeletons firs at once, then dose that solution with a peristaltic dosing pump rather than using a whole new complex piece of gear.
really good point... is this already available as a supplement?
+BulkReefSupplyCom cool. bet someone's sat in a lab scratching their head over it! I guess the closest thing at the mo is kalk!
Wish I had the room under my 180 reef.
+Felix The Cat Just install it above then.
+Felix The Cat Just install it above then.
Cannot do that in the living room and nothing above but lights. Figure something out..thanks
Kalkwasser run in a reactor.
love your show, lol first
I say two part !!!!
I turned my calc reactor int the world most expensive media reactor.
I say use The Two Part
do the combo
That all seams like a massive pain in the arse.
+canvoodoo Everything worth doing is. That is part of the fun.
Defo' reactor. Not from experience, just makes for better tank porn :D
I already own a co2 tank for my paintball gun
done
I use a calcium reactor as my tank is 300 gallons and 2 part would be to expensive