Calcium Reactor Question..

[Budman's Corals]

Ok,Im dosing 160 ml a day calcium and 155 Alk via dosing pump. Would it benefit me buying a calcium reactor any so i can cut back on dosing(or do i quit calcium all together via dosing pump)


Im trying to figure out if The reactor is the next step i need to take and Im looking for one thats isnt going to kill the wallet.

Any suggestions or should i just stay dosing pump method.

 

[mtfish]

You either dose or go with the reactor, you do not need to do both. Initial set up for reactor cost quite a bit. Your tank (120) is borderline in size and could go either way. Over the long term the reactor will be more cost effective in my opinion. This all depends on the amount and kinds of coral you are keeping.

 

[powdermonkey]

If it isnt broken dont fix it...although us reefers dont follow that. If the cost isnt killing you I would just stick with 2part. If you decide to want a reactor, you cant go wrong with geo w/aquariumplants.com regulator. Or you can spend the big $$$ and go with DaStaCo.

 

[Budman's Corals]

If it isnt broken dont fix it...although us reefers dont follow that. If the cost isnt killing you I would just stick with 2part. If you decide to want a reactor, you cant go wrong with geo w/aquariumplants.com regulator. Or you can spend the big $$$ and go with DaStaCo.

I mainly have SPS and also have a 40g frag tank plumbed into one so total volume is 165 gallons With the 40g sump also
The cost isnt really a big deal on dosing ,Its just filling the freaking calcium up once a week,I just thought 160 ml a day was alot but I guess thats average

I did see a used reactor and the aquariumplant regular for 375 shipped in the forum here.but aren't they hard to dial in from what ive read.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Calcium reactors are almost set and forget.
Read the directions at www.geosreef.com , I would never ever go back to dosing.

 

[powdermonkey]

I had a geo 618 w/AP regulator. I switched to 2part and was much happier, it was just much easier for me. I was dosing 312ml a day before I recently nuked the tank. Anyway, some have no problems dialing in the reactors. But you will need to keep up on the maintenance, keep it clean.

 

[Budman's Corals]

I had a geo 618 w/AP regulator. I switched to 2part and was much happier, it was just much easier for me. I was dosing 312ml a day before I recently nuked the tank. Anyway, some have no problems dialing in the reactors. But you will need to keep up on the maintenance, keep it clean.

Dang 312ml Well like you said if it aint broke dont fix,idk if i just need to mix more then a gallon of calcium up and find a bigger jug so i can spread it out to every 2 weeks. What im looking at is a easy 750 bucks for the reactor setup and that dont include another ph probe for the apex. I sure could use that cash somewhere else, but just to make sure dosing and a reactor pretty much do the same thing,I would still have to dose Alk correct

 

[powdermonkey]

The biggest advantage about 2part to me is being able to bump the ph up. Really helps in the winter when the house is closed up.

 

[powdermonkey]

Correct they do the same thing. But no you would not have to add alk with a calcium reactor.

 

[Budman's Corals]

Correct they do the same thing. But no you would not have to add alk with a calcium reactor.

Oh so i can quit making alk and calcium solution and get rid of both my dosing pumps..hmmm

see i thought i had to keep dosing alk but i guess the co2 is whats adding the alk correct,
Sorry for all the questions Im just trying to figure out what would be best and less maintenance

 

[powdermonkey]

I cant begin to explain it as well as RHF, so here you go. Maybe you will even decide to go with a Cal Reactor and limewater, you decide....happy reading. bedtime

Chemistry And The Aquarium: How To Select A Calcium And Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog