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Ka Reactor vs Ca Reactor
- Thread starter MikeNapoli
- Start date
carlo, what kind of kalk reactor do you use? im between the reeftek or precision marine.
I use a SP3000 to pump from the basement to the 1st floor living room, over 38 feet and that little pump works great. I don't use a KA reactor so I'm not sure if the pump will work for that, I use the garbage can with kalk mix, dosing pump and float switch, been doing it for years this way with no problems.
PMing everyone now who has shown interest. I'll be linking The Ka Reactor Group Buy thread.
We have 14 people interested with 4 out of the 14 that are definite. Sending PM now.
We have 14 people interested with 4 out of the 14 that are definite. Sending PM now.
Ligershark said:
I use a custom built reactor myself so it can handle my water volume. If you're looking for a "Carlo recommendation" on a reactor for the average reefer I wouldn't go with a pump based recirc reactor. They end up being more trouble then they are worth in my opinion. I'd much prefer a unit like the Aqua Medic 1000 which uses a stir mechanism that keeps the kalk very consistant since it is constantly stirring the water very slowly.
With a pump based recirc type model you need to stir once a day during off drip hours and then drip after the kalk has had a chance to settle. Then the concentration changes throughout the day as new water is pumped through the unit. This isn't an issue with a constant stir type reactor like the AM1000/5000 units.
Carlo
PS that's just a personal opinion and many people use the recirc pump type units without any troubles. Personally if I were going to use a recirc type unit I'd just build it myself for about $50 instead of buying one. Lowes/HD should have everything you need except the pump itself and you can pick up a small MaxiJet at just about any LFS.
Edwardw771
NJRC Member
I'm in Mike, I'll take 2 especially since Carlo doesn't recommend it.
carlo,
i thought i'd ask cause i know allquatics (which i believe you associate yourself with) has a reeftek calcium reactor on their 215 show tank.
i thought i'd ask cause i know allquatics (which i believe you associate yourself with) has a reeftek calcium reactor on their 215 show tank.
Carlo,
your DIY kalk reactor uses a magnetic stirrer, or mechanical? I'd be interested to see the design plans you have.
Thx.
your DIY kalk reactor uses a magnetic stirrer, or mechanical? I'd be interested to see the design plans you have.
Thx.
I was planning on sourcing some cheap small motors and doing a mechanical stir. For the most part I was going to try and do something very similar to an Aqua Medic kalk reactor but I wasn't worried about having a clear reactor chamber.
I stopped in Lowes this morning and picked up everything I needed except for the stir mechanism which I was going to ponder tonight/tomorrow.
If I somehow strike out on the stir mechanism (doing it cheap) then I could always add a pump and build it just like a recirc type kalk reactor but I'd prefer to avoid that.
Carlo
I stopped in Lowes this morning and picked up everything I needed except for the stir mechanism which I was going to ponder tonight/tomorrow.
If I somehow strike out on the stir mechanism (doing it cheap) then I could always add a pump and build it just like a recirc type kalk reactor but I'd prefer to avoid that.
Carlo
Phyl, I'm with you. If the stirring mechanism breaks then you're SOOL but if your pump breaks it's a quick fix... less than $20 and same day solution. Better then ordering a part paying more money and waiting.
In my opinion there is no question that the pump is the smarter choice.
In my opinion there is no question that the pump is the smarter choice.
good reasons for a magnetic stirrer -
1. 2 year warranty on the stirrer (if you buy from a good brand)
2. uses less power
3. you can control the speed of the stirrer (models that have microprocessors)
It's about $100 difference between a good magnetic stirrer model, and a powerhead model. I guess it comes down to how many times you have to change that pump out over 2 years. If it's more than 5 times, then it would have been cheaper the magnetic route.
Also, other than breaking often, I've read where the seals around the powerhead wears out over time and causes leaks.
With that said, both designs do their job well
1. 2 year warranty on the stirrer (if you buy from a good brand)
2. uses less power
3. you can control the speed of the stirrer (models that have microprocessors)
It's about $100 difference between a good magnetic stirrer model, and a powerhead model. I guess it comes down to how many times you have to change that pump out over 2 years. If it's more than 5 times, then it would have been cheaper the magnetic route.
Also, other than breaking often, I've read where the seals around the powerhead wears out over time and causes leaks.
With that said, both designs do their job well
hayabusa2003 said:
The Maxijet 400, that come with the reactor, all have 2 year warranty.
make sure you write a review of it after a few months so that when I'm ready to get one it'll be an easier decision. With all the people buying at this time, it's a great way to see if the pumps burning out is a real problem or just a marketing trick.
hayabusa2003 said:
Good point.
NapoliNewJersey said:
mike, im sure the fact that were running the calcium hydroxide through the pump voids the warranty.