Which Cal Reactor Media to get for a MRC CR2?

[crewdawg1981]

I have an 8lb jug of the regular ARM stuff, but someone mentioned that I should be using the large grained stuff... go on the website and it says you can use fine stuff...

so the question is... which stuff?!

Im trying to figure out if I need to buy two jugs of something else or if I can buy one of the regular ARM and be set.

 

[skriz]

The fine media is the best media to use. More surface area is what it's all about!

 

[crewdawg1981]

I was hoping you were on Raj

Thanks Brotha!

 

[skriz]

Anytime!

 

[gmpolan]

Grant, i use actually layers of both, like alot of fine, thin layer of larger pieces, etc....but honestly it was just left overs

 

[glxtrix]

I currently use the large media. Works nice for me. I may do fine media in the second chamber....seeing how the large media needs a little lower pH, perhaps the pH entering the 2nd chamber will be low enough to dissolve some of the smaller media? Wouldn't expect it to be as much as the 1st chamber, but a little would be cool.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Well I went ahead and got another bottle of the ARM since i wanted to get an order done through the BRS deal. I dont know if thats considered the fine stuff. I had one bottle of it already so I figured I'd get another.

 

[skriz]

The fine media is the most efficient and best media, if your calcium reactor is capable of handling it.

The coarse media give you substantially less surface area (essentially reducing the size of your reactor) and requires a lower ph to dissolve. The advantage of this media is that you can use a low power pump to circulate through this media. Using fine media with a low power pump creates channeling and reduces the effectiveness. The coarse media does look cool, though

Your reactor has a spraybar which forces the solution throughout the entire chamber of media, so you can use the better media.