d2mini's "Essential Focus" Mixed Reef Build

[VJV]

What a relief...!!! It was as close as it could possibly get!


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[d2mini]

hmmm.... new toy/project just arrived.

[Misled]

Calcium Reactor???

[cmperry]

I figured there had to be something going on...much too quiet for far too long.

Any recent tank shots for us Dennis?

[d2mini]

[Misled]

nice!!!

[nemosworld]

Originally Posted by d2mini

I'm actually surprised you did not build the regulator, there is a great thread in the DIY section about making a very high quality stainless steel regulator.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by nemosworld

I'm actually surprised you did not build the regulator, there is a great thread in the DIY section about making a very high quality stainless steel regulator.

Yup, i was involved with that huge thread (in the Lighting and Equipment forum) a few years ago and built up a full stainless steel version.
This time around I just didn't have the time (and as much $) to source all that SS parts so I contacted Alan and he built this less expensive brass one for me. Easy peasy and a good price.

[nemosworld]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Yup, i was involved with that huge thread (in the Lighting and Equipment forum) a few years ago and built up a full stainless steel version.
This time around I just didn't have the time (and as much $) to source all that SS parts so I contacted Alan and he built this less expensive brass one for me. Easy peasy and a good price.

I was just going over the thread and came back to ask if Alan built it for you.

Good deal, Carry on sir!!!

[fcmatt]

One thing I never had was a kalk reactor. If you do not mind as you figure it out explain the steps and challenges you have with it please.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by fcmatt

One thing I never had was a kalk reactor. If you do not mind as you figure it out explain the steps and challenges you have with it please.

Calcium, not Kalkwasser.

[choss]

I'm interested to see how large this reactor is and where you mount it.

[fcmatt]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Calcium, not Kalkwasser.

Ugh. Brain fart. For some reason I thought kalk was German for calcium. Trying to be too clever.

[d2mini]

Got it all hooked up and running.
Now to start tuning it in.

The only spot I have for this stuff is in front of the sump, but I can slide things around if needed.
For instance, the tank can slide close to the reactor so I can do fuge maintenance.

Please excuse Nona. Curiosity ya know.

[James404]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Got it all hooked up and running.
Now to start tuning it in.

The only spot I have for this stuff is in front of the sump, but I can slide things around if needed.
For instance, the tank can slide close to the reactor so I can do fuge maintenance.

Please excuse Nona. Curiosity ya know.

Looks great, is that a 612? I'm looking to get one as well for my new build.

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[d2mini]

Originally Posted by James404

Looks great, is that a 612? I'm looking to get one as well for my new build.

Yes, 612.

[James404]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Yes, 612.

Sweet, and sorry if I missed it but what pump did you decide to use to feed it?

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[d2mini]

Originally Posted by James404

Sweet, and sorry if I missed it but what pump did you decide to use to feed it?

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Geo recommends the Sicce .5 so that's what I got.

Hopefully it fairs better than the 1.5 i have running my reactor!
Went to change out the carbon media the other night and realized it wasn't even running. After pulling the pump and opening it up, I found all 3 fins were missing from the impeller. Now I have to spend 25 bucks on a new impeller. No idea how long the pump had been running like that.

[mpderksen]

So I’m basically a copy-cat... I got a Mars Hydro light for my fuge (my cheato is basically exploding), I got my sand from Richard at TBS, then my skimmer and new fuge from Jeff at Lifereef! I just watch the Dennis channel.
I am crazy tired of used tons of Randy’s Alk and zero Calcium. I wonder if it’s time for a reactor. Or does my imbalanced use of 2-part mean something else is off that needs to be fixed first?


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[d2mini]

Originally Posted by mpderksen

So I’m basically a copy-cat... I got a Mars Hydro light for my fuge (my cheato is basically exploding), I got my sand from Richard at TBS, then my skimmer and new fuge from Jeff at Lifereef! I just watch the Dennis channel.
I am crazy tired of used tons of Randy’s Alk and zero Calcium. I wonder if it’s time for a reactor. Or does my imbalanced use of 2-part mean something else is off that needs to be fixed first?


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on my old 200g reef I had that problem where I was dumping in tons of alk compared to calcium (brs two part). Never understood why. Recently BRS put out a video explaining that sometimes if you are adding too much that can happen and you need to back off. But anyway, when I switched to a CaRx at that time, it all fell into place.

[Ssteve]

Why not go with a cole parmer/masterflex and lock in the stability? Also do you feel like this regulator will out perform a carbon doser regulator?

[cpllongjk]

Everything looking good. I love GEO CaRx! Nothing like a good ol' American Made Product!

Good to hear you survived the hurricane in one piece.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by Ssteve

Why not go with a cole parmer/masterflex and lock in the stability? Also do you feel like this regulator will out perform a carbon doser regulator?

Because they are huge, noisy and expensive. Fine in a fish room but under my stand in my living room, not so much.
I still have one from my last CaRx setup, but hadn't really had a need for it at that time. My little Rio feed pump was working fine. So I figure I'll see how it goes.
The AP carbon doser is a cheap single stage reg with a digital solenoid floating in a big empty plastic box.
For the same price, you get a dual stage reg that is just as easy to tune, uber stable, and will last forever.

Originally Posted by cpllongjk

Everything looking good. I love GEO CaRx! Nothing like a good ol' American Made Product!

Good to hear you survived the hurricane in one piece.

Thanks!
Only bad thing about the Geo so far is the worthless mini ball valve on the effluent line. It's either off or fast drip and shot my Alk up already. I had to order a precision needle valve.

[James404]

Originally Posted by d2mini

Because they are huge, noisy and expensive. Fine in a fish room but under my stand in my living room, not so much.
I still have one from my last CaRx setup, but hadn't really had a need for it at that time. My little Rio feed pump was working fine. So I figure I'll see how it goes.
The AP carbon doser is a cheap single stage reg with a digital solenoid floating in a big empty plastic box.
For the same price, you get a dual stage reg that is just as easy to tune, uber stable, and will last forever.


Thanks!
Only bad thing about the Geo so far is the worthless mini ball valve on the effluent line. It's either off or fast drip and shot my Alk up already. I had to order a precision needle valve.

Haha damn I just ordered a 612 with the AP carbon doser last night, I've always heard good things about it...will it last me a while at least? This will be my first carx, I've always done 2 part in the past...

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[d2mini]

Originally Posted by James404

Haha damn I just ordered a 612 with the AP carbon doser last night, I've always heard good things about it...will it last me a while at least? This will be my first carx, I've always done 2 part in the past...

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Yeah, it will be fine and its easy to use. I had one on my last setup before building a custom reg. I had no issues with the AP but thought it would be a fun project to build the custom dual.

I just think for the same price (or a bit more if you want to go all stainless steel), might as well go with the higher quality custom dual reg. The AP seems overpriced to me for what it is. But I guess you're paying for the ease of use.