Vertex Aquaristik is not stopping their progression at the Royal Exclusiv built Alpha Cone Skimmers. Expect to see these new RX Calcium Reactors hitting retailers in the near future. First up is the smaller RX4 which looks like it has taken cues from successful European calcium reactors in the past. If you were to take [...]
Vertex Aquaristik is not stopping their progression at the Royal Exclusiv built Alpha Cone Skimmers. Expect to see these new RX Calcium Reactors hitting retailers in the near future. First up is the smaller RX4 which looks like it has taken cues from successful European calcium reactors in the past. If you were to take one part Schuran Pico and one part Aquacare Turbo Chalk Reactor, combined into one compact unit… this would be very close to what you would achieve.
Rather then mount all the individual parts to a board, a la Aquacare, I do prefer this compact rack design that these reactors utilize. The large bubble counter is a nice addition as well.
The RX-6 is noticeably larger allowing more media for higher calcium and carbonate demanding reefs. In addition to the larger media chamber the RX-6 sports two additional add on chambers. (The RX4 only has one.) Based on the design these could be used or adjusted for a myriad of things.
The most logical option would be a dolmite magnesium chamber to maintain that 1300ppm Mag that reef aquarists strive for. In addition to the magnesium, the other logical choice would be more calcium media to use up any left over CO2 that can cause frustrating pH suppression issues.
Based on the design is also looks like the last chamber could house aluminum based PO4 remover to absorb any phosphates that can be potentially released from the calcium media. Phosphate leaching does occur with most medias, but the amount is really dependent on the brand and quality. To be safe, soak new reactor media in 0TDS RO/DI water for at least 24 hrs. This will help leach out most of the phosphates that are bound within the aragonite or coral skeletons.
With the large bubble counter, CO2 recirculating design, add on media chambers and compact size these Vertex Calcium Reactors ought to pack as much punch as any Acropora nut can handle. As of now the only potential negative I can see is the pump utilized which looks to be a Resun model, like the standard Vertex skimmers utilize. In the end this less expensive pump will keep costs down and with todays economy and yesterday’s market performance, that may turn out as the biggest pro of the entire Vertex line.
