Advice on buying a CR

[geno]

I think it's time to move on to a CR -- but reading about putting one together only confuses me. I think I'll look at a full package deal.

Would the following be considered a quality setup?

Korallin 1502 Package Includes: Korallin 1502 Calcium Reactor, Eheim 1048 Pump, JBJ Dual Guage CO2 Regulator with Solenoid + Bubble Counter + Check Valve, CaribSea 8 lbs Reactor Media and Realistic rating of 200 gallons. C-1502 - Rated for up to 400g. Reactor height: approx. 15.75"; Diameter: 4.5"; Ground: 6.25"; Filling amount to 3 kg. Eheim 1048 recirculation powerhead, bubble counter & brass check valve included.


The price would be about $500

Do you have any brand preferences?

Thanks!

 

[flyingarmy]

I am a big MRC fan, dual chamber really pays off!

 

[william1]

+1 Mrc

 

[skriz]

+2 MRC! The spray bar makes better use of CO2 and media saving you $$ in the long run.
You can get a nice dual chamber system for that price.

 

[dannybradley]

+3 MRC! A dual chamber system is the way to go if you want to avoid pH issues. MRC CRs can be dialed for high and low output. They also will not cavitate.

 

[reefer29]

ive been researching cr and im confused.. what is the over simplified description of one, and why would i want to get one.. thanks!!

 

[reefer29]

i guess... i understood that part.. i think ive found the right site to read about it

 

[sailfish]

Geo makes a good calcium reactor as well. It has been the most trouble free piece of equipment I own.

Joe

 

[FutureInterest]

I've heard nothing but good things about the geo units. They seem to be the preferred cr unit out there on rc. I however just use a lil coralife unit that works like a charm... and its cost effective. What is a ca reactor besides a clear tube with a recirc pump on it?

 

[derek_s]

+1 on the coralife and MRC, kinda.

I have a MRC CR2 and it works beautifully. I use to have a coralife, and it workd pretty well also, despite being of less quality build materials.

Unfortunatly i have no experience with GEO

 

[cameron]

Used... a calcium reactor is a surprising simple piece of equipment. Save some money and just look for a quality used setup. I would also run with a controller to monitor in tank pH that way if the reactor goes crazy for some reason you can shut the drip into the tank right off. I found a controller on the calcium reactor itself is nice, but not necessary.

 

[geno]

Hey Cameron -- good to hear from you again. I heard you had left the hobby (which was disappointing). I sure appreciated my visit to your house to see your setup many months ago. Everyone I know has always appreciated your contribution to this forum.

-gene