Buffering ph in a Ca reactor tank

kevensquint · Sep 30, 2015

Hi, I have be dosing 2-part for about 10 years now. In my next build I have incorporated a GEO Ca reactor to take my auto dosers place. However, I don't like the idea of running a low ph system, my plan is to use my current doser to dose saturated lime water and my Ca reactor to also dose. But to let them both share the Ca/Alk buffering job to hopefully get the best of both worlds. As in recycling coral skeleton and maintaining a higher ph than with the reactor alone. Is this a reasonable plan ? Or am I mistaken? Thanks

Randy Holmes-Farley · Sep 30, 2015

Yes, that is a fine plan and many people with CaCO3/Co2 reactors do it for exactly the reason you propose.

kevensquint · Oct 1, 2015

OK, good. As for my Mg buffer which I will also rig to an auto doser to match my systems usage. Which type would best suit my Ca reactor/limewater regime? Magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride or the combo?
The reactor media is reborn, or actual coral bits. Thanks.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 1, 2015

kevensquint said:
OK, good. As for my Mg buffer which I will also rig to an auto doser to match my systems usage. Which type would best suit my Ca reactor/limewater regime? Magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride or the combo?
The reactor media is reborn, or actual coral bits. Thanks.

Optimal is a 10:1 combo, chloride to sulfate. Second best is chloride alone. Worst would be sulfate alone.