The Reef Buyilders Studio is finally reaching a certain degree of completion to the point that we can start using ‘Big Boy’ reef gear. The first hot rod piece of reef aquarium equipment to get a proper showcase is the Deltec CR Twin Tech calcium reactor announced at InterZoo in Germany last year.
This heavy duty calcium reactor is practically a self-contained mini aquarium system unto itself with a controller to manage two DC pumps – one for the feed and one for recirculation – a float switch, a solenoid, a timer, and some programming to make it all work together. Although there’s a lot of bells and whistles on the Twin Tech, this device is fundamentally the same as any other calcium reactor, but how it handles CO2 injection is where it takes a different approach.
Instead of using a pH probe and controller to set the desired acidity of the water in the reactor, the Twin Tech uses the CO2-saturation approach and a float switch to determine when more CO2 is required. This is akin to how some other reactors like the DaStaCo & AquaCare operate, using a gassing chamber to drop the pH as low as the seawater will go. However the Deltec is a much more modern assembly with controllable pumps, quick access lid, and a more holistic design overall.
We’re just getting acquainted with how the Deltec operates as a nouveau calcium reactor but wanted to show you one of the first high capacity reef aquarium specific devices to get enlisted at the Reef Builders Studio. For updates on this calcium reactor and want to learn more about modern reefing, stay tuned to Reef Builders website and YouTube channel as there’s aways lots more content and videos in the pipeline.
