NavyReefer
03-04-2008, 9:56 PM
Product: CR-100 Calcium Reactor
Manufacturer: Octopus
Review Type: Initial Report
Overall Rating: NA
Pros:
Inexpensive, good quality, small footprint
Cons:
No instructions- Got a so-so picture of the setup that’s about it.
My take:
I initially was planning on getting the Coralife reactor setup from AquaBuys but was hesitant due to the poor reviews and complaints about the pump being underpowered. I personally did not even know Octopus made reactors but found it in my search for an alternative to the Coralife. The model I got (CR-100) is redesigned for 2008, they moved the CL from the top of the reactor to the side just below the lid and changed the lid from having 8 screws on top to a screw on lid.
Well I got the reactor set up Saturday after a lot of research and website browsing due to the lack of instructions. Overall I am very pleased with the unit and feel like I got a great deal when looking at other comparable units.
The setup and dialing in was for the most part pretty easy, the built in bubble counter and PH probe port made the whole process as user friendly as can be expected. I have had the PH in the chamber sitting at 6.5-6.6 for 4 days with little to no fluctuation (calibrated the PH probe just prior to setting the unit up).
One thing I like about the reactor is the self priming feed water tube. They put the john guest fitting just above the circulation pump so there is a natural suction created, no need for a feed pump and no bad saltwater taste in my mouth.
The only thing I can think to complain about is the length of tube provided for the feed (supply) and effluent tube. While frustrating because I had to make a trip to Home Depot not a big deal and a $5.00 fix.
Overall very nice reactor and great value, I would not hesitate to purchase it again and would recommend to anyone looking for a reactor.
Cost: Reactor: $200.00 after tax from AquaBuys (Free plug for a great Sponsor!)
5lb aluminum CO2 bottle: $60.00
SMS122 Controller: $70.00 (got it used about a year ago from Sal)
Regulator with solenoid: $40.00 used from SWC
Arm Media: $20.00
Total Cost: $390.00
Specs:
4" Single Chamber Reactor.
John Guest fittings.
Pump is included.
Manufacturer rated for up to 250 Gallons (I would say more around 125-150)
6-1/2-inch SINGLE chamber built in bubble counter
Reverse flow
Chamber holds 8 lbs of reactor media
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6" x 23.25" (l x w x h)
Similar Products Used:
NA
Aquarium Information:
NA
My first review! :yay:
Manufacturer: Octopus
Review Type: Initial Report
Overall Rating: NA
Pros:
Inexpensive, good quality, small footprint
Cons:
No instructions- Got a so-so picture of the setup that’s about it.
My take:
I initially was planning on getting the Coralife reactor setup from AquaBuys but was hesitant due to the poor reviews and complaints about the pump being underpowered. I personally did not even know Octopus made reactors but found it in my search for an alternative to the Coralife. The model I got (CR-100) is redesigned for 2008, they moved the CL from the top of the reactor to the side just below the lid and changed the lid from having 8 screws on top to a screw on lid.
Well I got the reactor set up Saturday after a lot of research and website browsing due to the lack of instructions. Overall I am very pleased with the unit and feel like I got a great deal when looking at other comparable units.
The setup and dialing in was for the most part pretty easy, the built in bubble counter and PH probe port made the whole process as user friendly as can be expected. I have had the PH in the chamber sitting at 6.5-6.6 for 4 days with little to no fluctuation (calibrated the PH probe just prior to setting the unit up).
One thing I like about the reactor is the self priming feed water tube. They put the john guest fitting just above the circulation pump so there is a natural suction created, no need for a feed pump and no bad saltwater taste in my mouth.
The only thing I can think to complain about is the length of tube provided for the feed (supply) and effluent tube. While frustrating because I had to make a trip to Home Depot not a big deal and a $5.00 fix.
Overall very nice reactor and great value, I would not hesitate to purchase it again and would recommend to anyone looking for a reactor.
Cost: Reactor: $200.00 after tax from AquaBuys (Free plug for a great Sponsor!)
5lb aluminum CO2 bottle: $60.00
SMS122 Controller: $70.00 (got it used about a year ago from Sal)
Regulator with solenoid: $40.00 used from SWC
Arm Media: $20.00
Total Cost: $390.00
Specs:
4" Single Chamber Reactor.
John Guest fittings.
Pump is included.
Manufacturer rated for up to 250 Gallons (I would say more around 125-150)
6-1/2-inch SINGLE chamber built in bubble counter
Reverse flow
Chamber holds 8 lbs of reactor media
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6" x 23.25" (l x w x h)
Similar Products Used:
NA
Aquarium Information:
NA
My first review! :yay: