Product Review- MyReef

[Mafiaman]

During the power buy I purchased a MR-3 calcium reactor with the center spray bar and a large Nealson reactor.
As I am not one to beat around the bush and give only the good side I will attempt to give a fair review of these products good and bad side. ( Andy forgive me. )

MR-3 calcium reactor:
Pros:This unit as advertised is pretty much plug and play.
It is made from thick cast materials.
The key holed slots make for easy access.

Cons: CNC work could have been crisper. (They offered to correct the one issue I had but I did it myself)
Acrylic - PVC connections make me nervous ( this may not be an issue and I think I would have same issue with any unit)
Large foot print.


Nealson reactor:
Pros: Pretty much the same as above.
Simplicity is this units greatest asset.

Cons: Care must be taken when moving or adding media not to sling mixing bar off.



Customer Service:
This is one of their strongest points, I've been buy the shop and watched the expressions when the phone rings, Andy personally handles every issue and answers every question.
I know he has heard just about every question a 1000 times but he never rolls his eyes or makes comments.
He is excited about the hobby and what he builds and it shows.
At this time they build orders as they get them, this takes time. When ordering if you are in a rush, better call to make sure they can do it.

Over all:
These units are Cadillacs and are priced as such, they are not cheap in price. ( or materials )
If you have doubts of your longevity in this hobby spend your money on beer, these units are built to last.
My system uses calcium like a southern boy drinks sweet tea, And my new reactors are keeping up with the demand, where my old ones could not.


I give'm a 4 and 1/2 stars **** 1/2

I hope no one takes offense to my review or my honesty.

[Mafiaman]

One other thing, It is known Andy and I are friends.
If you think that bought him any thing, you've never meet me!
As a matter of fact I may have been more critical because of it.

[wildernet]

Good review Mafiaman.

[wasabi]

i will chime in (andy used to be a friend untill i played golf with him). all i will add is i have had his mr2 skimmer , and his cr-3 reactor running for almost three years and it is the backbone of my system. here is the biggest pro i can think of whenever i have had any issues with his product, he has jumped in and taken care of it immediately...this is why i use him for all product purchases.

[Phantom Phish]

Originally posted by Mafiaman
Cons: CNC work could have been crisper. (They offered to correct the one issue I had but I did it myself)

I may be exposing my own ignorance with this question, but what does "CNC work" mean?

[Mafiaman]

It is a machine with a number of router bits that cuts all of the groves, keyhole slots and flanges. ( computer navigated controls)
I had one o-ring that was difficult to seat.

I want to go on the record saying I am very happy with my reactors and recommend them highly and the few cons I talked about in my review were in no way intended bad mouth MyReef.
Just an honest review hitting as many points as possible.

Speaking only from my experience I have seen none better.

I just don't believe anything is perfect and I personally disregard any review the does not explore cons.

[Phantom Phish]

Thanks for the expalnation Mafiaman.

I also have a couple of Andy's products, including a Nilssen reactor and a dual chamber calcium reactor. Overall, I've been very happy with both of them. I did have a problem getting the calcium reactor to seal properly, it kept leaking around the o-ring of the first chamber, and around the effluent John Guest valve on the 2nd chamber. I fixed the JG valve with a little extra teflon tape on the threads. But the o-ring leak I never could get to seal quite right. It was only a very slow leak, and eventually the salt pluged it. Maybe this was a CNC problem too.

Overall, I'd also like to say that I've been very happy with my MRC products, and would (and probably will) buy from them again. I only provide the above comments in case Andys looking for something to look at for QC.

[THE HIT MAN]

As I’m to understand it Andy is moving his Shop. And has Purchased his own CNC. I’m sheer if he knows there is a problem with the CNC work it will be repaired soon.If he can finger out how to run that complicated SOB Andy>>>

[alm502]

Thanks for the reviews here guys. This is really timely as I am considering buying a reactor from MRC very, very soon. (Soon as my bum of a brother pays me for that protein skimmer he "bought" from me!!)

I am putting together a 210 and was considering either the CR4 or CR6. My wife wants a few baby clams and I hear they can really eat up the CA. Also, the dual chambers would sure make life nicer with the added C02 burn off, more media, etc.

But, the last few days I have been wondering if a CR3 would not be the better way to go. I'd be lying if I said the cost difference wasn't one reason for the reconsideration, but if the larger systems are worth it, I'm ok with spending the money.

Any recommendations?


Tnx,
Rick

[wildernet]

alm502, I would talk to Andy at MRC if that is where you plan to buy. He has always been very helpful to me trying to figure out what would be the best for my system.

[seehorse]

I can say that I've heard a lot of positive things regarding his stuff. I often find myself talking to people about the kind of equipment Andy makes but since I don't get into that kind of production I very frequently turn people to other sources. I was actually hoping to send him business that I typically turn away because the positive things I've heard.