The Rx-Z zeolith reactor is one more feather in the cap of Vertex Aquaristik and its goal to (probably) make every kind of device that reef aquarists could ever want. Coming in two sizes, the Vertex Aquaristik zeolith reactor will come in a Rx-Z 1.5 and Rx-Z 3.0 which hold one and a half and three liters of zeolith media respectively. First teased at InterZoo 2012, the Vertex Rx-Z zeolith reactors are built with a combination of acrylic, abs plastic, red tubing and the best darn good looking CPVC valves we’ve ever laid eyes on.
The Vertex Aquaristik Rx-Z reactors are powered by Eheim compact 600 or 1000 pump which fit extremely snugly into the rigid tubing and against the base of the Rx-Z reactor to prevent unwanted vibrations and noise. The flow control of the Eheim compact pump can be adjusted right on the intake screen of the pump, but most users will be using that heavy duty ball valve on the way to the zeolith chamber. No fewer than three union valves give unprecedented serviceability to the plumbing end of the Vertex zeolith reactor, and a pressure-fit lid is sealed by a nice heavy duty O-ring. One of the most impressive features of the Vertex Rx-Z is the use of plastic welds where the tubing meets a surface ensuring the most durable and break-resistant connection possible.
We got a tiny bit of facetime with the Rx-Z at InterZoo in Germany but closer inspection of a sample sent to us back home revealed a build quality that borders on exquisite. The fine router work on the many parts of the Rx-Z reactor appear to come straight from the Royal Exclusiv factory although the box clearly states that this device was built and assembled in China, again with packaging that closely mirrors high profile electronic products from Foxconn. As with the magnetic probe and line holders from Vertex the Rx-Z uses only titanium screws in a couple places where the zeolith chamber needs to be accessed and where the handle for tumbling the stones attaches.
Vertex Aquaristik expects the Rx-Z zeolith recators to come online and available in the coming month with the Rx-Z 1.5 pictured here retailing for $189 and the double-volume Rx-Z 3.0 retailing or $229. It’s not hard to build a decent zeolith reactor, at least not a basic one with an easy shaking chamber but if you want the best materials and components available, and a device to match your fancy Royal Exclusiv or Vertex cone skimmers, the red and white motif and solidly built, plastic welded Vertex Aquaristik Rx-Z zeolith reactor has got you covered in form and in function.
