CA reactor accessories ???

ok i've broken-down (that didnt take long) and i'm going to buy a CA reactor, but i was wondering what prices for these items were locally and where you guys have gotten yours from .. here are the prices i found online.

M3 Deluxe CO2 Regulator with Solenoid $144.95
Brand New CO2 Tank - 10 lb - empty $89.95
Milwaukee pH Controller $89.95
Maxijet 1200 Powerhead $19.95

thanks!

Corey,

That's alot of cash. I spent about $250 total for my setup inclugin Ca Reactor. I paid $90 dor my Milwaukee regulator w/solenoid, nothing for my tank except the gas (got a deal), not running a controller (who needs it unless the power goes out all of the time) and my reactor came with a recirc pump.

I am feeding my reactor off of my main return line. I did a saddle valve which gives it a pressurized feed that will stop in case of a power outtage. This will also stop any return to the tank from the reactor and eliminates the need for the additional feed pump as well as one of the reasons in using a controller.

I am also returning reactor effluent to the air intake of my skimmer. This allowed me to run a single chamber reactor saving space and $. I would also suggest a 5lb tank instead of a 10 unless you're going to run a lot of gas. And call around for a used tank, they're out there. When you take it in to PraxAir or wherever, they'll just give you a new one anyway.

Just some thoughts. 

Edited by Carl

corey,

Before you buy anything, you've got to come up and look at my reactor. Eric at Marine Aquatics built it and it ROCKS! The price was awesome too. I'll try and post some pics soon.
Also, I have a used regulator w/solenoid & bubble counter. It looks used, but it works. Probably save you $100.

A controller only turns the CO2 on or off.  It doesn't actually control pH.  It's just a switch that trips and closes the CO2 valve if the pH gets too low (whatever setpoint you desire).

Edited by jfinch

sounds like the controller is a very nice safety ... esp if you have some cash invested in your SPS. ya?

what controllers do people use? pinpoint, milwaukee, etc?

jfinch wrote: Where did you find a plastic saddle valve?  And where did you end up getting your CO2 cylinder?

Brass Baby, Brass! As long as the fluid keeps moving, it should be a LONG time before corrosion causes me to replace it. Plus, it's not exposed to atmosphere, so the effects of the O2 in the water should not increase the corrosion rate. And I got my CO2 tank from a friend in the business that had an extra lying about.

Carl, I would not use brass in contact with tank water.  IMO, you're asking for trouble.

Edited by jfinch

Shane H wrote: Before you buy anything, you've got to come up and look at my reactor. Eric at Marine Aquatics built it and it ROCKS!

 

Any idea if he builds add-on chambers??

Why do you think the valve won't leach copper and zinc?

You would not be the first to have problems with a brass valve.  Just do a search for "brass valve" on reefcentral.  Here's someone who did what you're doing:  http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&thre adid=149531

Look for a stainless saddle valve (even that is a bit iffy... I wouldn't use it, but it might very well be ok)

Got out of HD withoug spending over $3!  That is a new record!  

Here's how I will fix the problem. I will be removing that nasty old brass valve that intentionally wants to pollute my tank with nasty copper and stuff and replace it with a pvc "Saddle Tee". It is basically a saddle valve that stubs out to a 1/2" female. From there I will add a "1/4"x1/2"MIP. What this has is a 1/2" male with a 1/4" inserted compression fitting. Done! Total damage, $2.96.

These parts were found in the sprinkler section in case anyone needs them.