Best calcium reactor for a small tank

[Lonelyreef]

I have a total water volume of 100 gallons and actual tank size is 70 gallons I have been using a doser but all my friends get way better growth and results with a calcium reactor so I am seriously considering trying that out. The problem I run into is I just want to have a slow consistent stream. Not on off or weird drip happening. So what size reactor would I get with this size tank so that I'm able to have a pretty constant flow. I'm not sure what the best brands are for smaller equipment so let me hear your thoughts please.

 

[iReef86]

Not to side track your question or change your mind, but have you looked at what you were dosing? Maybe the answer is there? This hobby is absolutely all about finding what works for you. Your friends having good luck with a Ca Rx could be exact opposite for you. Same with my good luck with dosing and yours not. Take a step back and look at what you are dosing, how much, and everything you could possibly consider.

I have used the Reef Octopus Ca Rx, great craftsmanship and easy to use/clean etc.

 

[Lonelyreef]

I use the brs two part and it keeps parameters stable but not as good of growth wtc

 

[iReef86]

I use the brs two part and it keeps parameters stable but not as good of growth wtc

Consider trying a different brand? I have used the BRS products, but nothing worked better for me than when I used the Brightwell Aquatics products with Brightwell Aquatics Neomarine Salt, which was designed to be dosed with their products. Just a thought to consider. A much less costly way to change what you do is to switch what you dose.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, there's no reason that using a CaCO3/CO2 rector should lead to better growth. Nor is there a consensus that it does from the hundreds of thousands of posts I've read online. In fact, they usually result in lower pH, which may slow growth of some hard corals.

I use the brs two part and it keeps parameters stable but not as good of growth wtc

Do you use equal parts dosing and also use the magnesium part?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

... I used the Brightwell Aquatics products with Brightwell Aquatics Neomarine Salt, which was designed to be dosed with their products. .

Aside from a marketing gimmick, what could that even mean?

 

[Lonelyreef]

I'm pretty sure I do I maintain around 8.5-9 alk and 450 calc magnesium a kinda high around 1700. I think my biggest problem is my water is always very clean with no detectable nitates or phosphates I can rarely even get a test to show anything in my system

 

[spartanman22]

I'm pretty sure I do I maintain around 8.5-9 alk and 450 calc magnesium a kinda high around 1700. I think my biggest problem is my water is always very clean with no detectable nitates or phosphates I can rarely even get a test to show anything in my system

I had that problem as well. Params were rock solid but growth was slower and SPS were pale. I added more fish and increased my feeding regime. I also started dosing AAs. The increased introduction of nutrients really made a difference in my tank.

 

[hybridazn]

I'm pretty sure I do I maintain around 8.5-9 alk and 450 calc magnesium a kinda high around 1700. I think my biggest problem is my water is always very clean with no detectable nitates or phosphates I can rarely even get a test to show anything in my system

Sounds like you already know the answer to your question here. A ca rx will more than likely not speed up any growth from what you are already experiencing. I would try other things first like feeding the corals more and see if that helps.

When my tank was at full stride I would have put color and growth up against anyone else's who runs a ca rx. I use randys 2 part recipe.

 

[spartanman22]

I've also used 2 part recipe for years with wonderful results. No need to pay for the overpriced reef aquarium products when you can diy it for a fraction of the cost. Especially when you're a chemist by trade!

 

[chefjpaul]

Sounds like you already know the answer to your question here. A ca rx will more than likely not speed up any growth from what you are already experiencing. I would try other things first like feeding the corals more and see if that helps.

When my tank was at full stride I would have put color and growth up against anyone else's who runs a ca rx. I use randys 2 part recipe.

+1
Corals do need NO3 & PO4.
Balance this first.