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Depends on your system demands and goals. For e.g. to absorb phosphates you might want to run a simple fluidized reactor with granular ferric oxide(GFO). sulphur denitrators do something similar but are more for nitrate control. calcium reactors are for if you have a high stocking of hard coral(or if you want to grow them faster) that need the extra oomph to thrive in a system where water changes alone won’t be enough to maintain those levels. Biopellets in a biopellet reactor host bacteria that reduce nitrates(also similar to sulphur)but be careful using these as suddenly shutting it off could cause major stablity issues in your system. if nitrates and phosphates are constantly an issue in your system and you’re looking for more compact options that don’t require additional space(and lighting) for a refugium to grow macroalgae as nutrient export, these reactors can be a great help when implemented to reduce and/or control nitrate levels in particular. as for calcium reactors.. potentially a staple if you’re into keeping a lot of hard coral that need calcium to grow. cheers Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app

First off, Dechlorinated water vs. RODI.... We are so lucky in Singapore to have some of the cleanest water available, but it still contains various elements that you wouldn't want in a reef tank! RODI systems firstly remove sediments, silt, clay... (it's amazing just how dirty my sediment filter gets from tap water!). The carbon filter and RO membrane remove any unwanted chemicals like chlorine, chromium, pesticides. Whilst the DI resin typically focuses on the removal of heavy metals like copper. Combined they remove impurities, microorganisms, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, and even naturally occuring radioactive nuclides! Now whilst Declorinated tap water is okay to use short term all the above elements even in extremely small ppm/ppb will build up over time (Silicone even absorbs heavy metals). This will start to cause issues for you. Tap water vs. RODI... imho It's the difference between breathing in the haze and clean fresh air. Both will keep me alive, but I know which one I would prefer. Where to learn about corals??? YouTube is excellent. BRSTV is fantastic at putting together informative videos about gear and how best to implement a successful reef tank. For Corals specifically look for videos from "Tidal Gardens". Than Theim with his smooth voice will teach you everything you need to know about each different type of coral and much more.. Reefbuilders is another good website and YouTube channel. If you want I know "Reefbum" on youtube even has a subscription tutorial along with a book which is step by step guide to setting up and maintaining a successful reef tank. Reefdude, Reefnerd, reef dork, Reefman, Milehighreefers, Parker's reef, Aaron's aquarium, Fishofhex, americanreefchannel, and inappropriate reefer are all interesting channels to name but a few. Reef2reef is a great resource on every topic, from quarantine through to programming your Apex or GHL. Brands.... I have honestly wasted thousands buying cheaper gear, killing corals and fish, then slowly upgrading (please dont tell the wife). My advice to you is get the best from the beginning. If i was starting out again i wish i had gone with an established package (like a red sea ref tank.. plus all the trimmings) from your LFS. Or pick up a decom system here! If you want to build it up yourself BRSTV did a 'best of 2019' series, it's a good place to start to figure out what is what. Good luck. If you need any help just ask here there are many reefers here willing to help and guide where we can. Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app