Calcium Reactor or not?

[bb72]

I am thinking about getting a calcium reactor for my aquarium, a friend wants to sell me his, it is a reefoctopus. Can somebody tell me the advantages or disadvantages of a reactor, and if I install the reactor what would I still have to do manually as far as dosing? I have a 150gal with 12 corals, and am planning on adding more. The reactor comes with regulator, pump, media, a (full)20lb aluminum bottle, and a PH probe. would I need to buy anything else to run this unit?

[golfish]

You shouldn't have to add any other additives when using a Ca reactor...I like to run a Kalk reactor along with a Ca reactor because they work real well together keeping the pH up..Most Ca reactors will lower pH a little, some a lot..The lower pH is usually not a problem, I just feel better when its above 8.

[Reefland]

It is definitely a worth-while investment.

[bb72]

Thanks, Can you tell me if a reefoctopus,with everything needed is a good reactor? He wants to sell everything for $375 the reactor itself without the regulator and bottle is $300.Or should I look for a better reactor?

[Reefland]

Reef Octopus makes good skimmers so I would have every reason to beleive the reactors are just as fine.

[golfish]

any links or pics? is it a single stage, reverse flow, dual stage or other?

[bb72]

Here is a picture, thanks for your response

[golfish]

sounds like a decent deal...

[Reefland]

Agreed.

[The R/C Man]

I would be concerned if the cylinder has the plumbing mounted directly into the side of it. This is a week point and after some moving around etc the acrylic will start to craze and then leak. Be sure you can't see any crazing (micro cracks) around the fittings......