Calcium reactor for 425xl

m0jjen · Dec 23, 2016

Hey!

Got a sweet deal on a Grotech HCR110 setup for my upcoming tank. The reactor is specified for up to 2000L which i doubt it would handle.

The reactor takes 1.8L of media and im thinking of getting it for my new reefer 425XL.

Its gonna be feed by a peristaltic pump and controlled by my apex and ph probe.

Any input on this? Would it be a good investment?

mcarroll · Dec 24, 2016

Instead, use the peristaltic pump to dose kalkwasser – either from a reactor, or from a still-reservoir if you have space to hold a good amount of kalk makeup water. Use the pH control to eliminate possible over-doses.

Much cheaper, about 1000% simpler.

I wouldn't do a CO2 reactor without a top-flight regulator and digital carbon doser....can be >$1000 for a really trustworthy setup.

m0jjen · Dec 25, 2016

The question atm is not involving kalkwasser at all. Its a questioning if the setup is a worthwhile investment for the tank of if i should keep doing balling.

m0jjen · Dec 25, 2016

Noone have any input at all regarding reactor vs doser for this system?

griff500 · Dec 26, 2016

I'm a fan of reactors and I have previously used dosing. I use a Dastaco and it couldn't be simpler.

Reefcowboy · Dec 26, 2016

Im also considering doing a reactor on my next 150 gal build. If you are gonna stack on sps, a Ca reactor seems like a good option vs dosing.
I have a 57 gal loaded with sticks now and the alk/Ca consumption is off the hook. I cant immagine tripling it on a bigger tank as refilling the containers would be a big hassle. 1.8 l of media on your tank would be a bit overkill, but on the other hand, it would last a long time. I say go for it.

Little by little you get the swing and it pays for itself long term.

m0jjen · Dec 26, 2016

Atm im dosing 100 ml daily of aquaforests balling. Ny load is mainly frags tho and in gonna stock the upcoming tank quite heavy with atleast one clam and loads of sps.

That said i know a reactor will be overkill in the first few months but id rather start the setup with one over transitioning later i guess

griff500 · Dec 26, 2016

Most of the best SPS tanks in Europe, and especially larger ones, seem to be using reactors.

m0jjen · Dec 26, 2016

griff500 said:
Most of the best SPS tanks in Europe, and especially larger ones, seem to be using reactors.

The majority of the really nice tanks in sweden are using one atleast

andrew james · Dec 26, 2016

This is just my experience, right or wrong. I quit putting carx on smaller new tanks its too much of a pain and you alway have to adjust them due to constantly changing coral growth. I was running a masterflex and id still have to dial it in once a month or more. Id use a cheaper doser for the first year or so then add the carx. Once the carx is online after that use the doser to stabilze nutrient

Reefcowboy · Dec 26, 2016

griff500 said:
Most of the best SPS tanks in Europe, and especially larger ones, seem to be using reactors.

Very true, I think reactors will become more of a trend vs dosing two part/balling.
The fear of "way complicated" is getting behind as more precise monitoring is becoming more available. How sweet would it be if one could controll through an Apex/other comtroller the CaRX dosing while also monitoring a Kh monitor keeping everything stable... it would be heaven

griff500 · Dec 26, 2016

On a larger tank it would seem a false economy and the output from a reactor is balanced. I'd go for a reactor from the start but make sure it is suitable for your system size. If you got a Dastaco that was overrated then you might not be able to run it low enough (although you could run it only during photosynthesis hours if necessary).

griff500 · Dec 26, 2016

Reefcowboy said:
Very true, I think reactors will become more of a trend vs dosing two part/balling.
The fear of "way complicated" is getting behind as more precise monitoring is becoming more available. How sweet would it be if one could controll through an Apex/other comtroller the CaRX dosing while also monitoring a Kh monitor keeping everything stable... it would be heaven

I think it's close now with the kh monitors that are coming to market. We just need economies of scale and some time being used to iron out any kinks and establish reliability.

m0jjen · Dec 26, 2016

Well. I will transfer my current livestock to the new tank and will have a load. Quite near the start ill pick up quite a few sps from a friend and my load will double with ease. The reason im concidering a CaRx atm is the fact that in getting a 500$ discount (almost half the price) of a new setup with ph probe, pump, tube, reactor media and all.

griff500 · Dec 26, 2016

Given what you are starting with I'd just go for it. It seems like a no brainer and especially with that discount.

Make sure the pump and the non-return valve for the CO2 are good quality.