Calcium Reactor Versus 2 Part

[WillH]

I have been looking into possible moving from 2 part to calcium reactor, but from what I can tell - it probably is not worth the money or the time to change. I have found good growth success with mediocre color, but I can't seem to get things to really pop with color. Do you find it easier to run a reactor to get more natural levels of trace elements? I am curious if I am missing key trace elements by only dosing ESV two part, and I can either dose those as well or move to reactor for more dummy proof results. Thoughts?

 

[P-Dub]

You absolutely can have excellent results with 2 part or even Kalk. I switched to a CaRx just to simplify my life. It really is a convenience thing. I keep calcium chloride, buffer, and mag on hand to adjust if need be. Some people run a reactor and keep the effluent at just below the demand to keep the lower pH of the effluent from wreaking havoc and supplement 2-part. I strictly run the reactor. IME your levels of these elements, so long as stable and within the required levels will not affect coral coloration appreciably. Trace elements, flow, and most importantly, lighting are the primary contributing factors influencing coloration. If you doubt this, see this post of my tank. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reboot-with-leds-after-many-many-years-out.344915/#post-5749121

 

[IKD]

There was a BRS video on that recently (link below). The size of your tank is a big part of the trade off decision.

How it works: Calcium reactors explained the easy way - Reef FAQs

At first glance, a calcium reactor can be a bit intimidating with a seemingly complex network of tubes and conflicting advice all over the internet. Explained the easy way, a calcium reactor is simply a device that is dosing calcium and alkalinity to your reef tank via a single concentrated...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

You may also find this discussion interesting on color vs growth

Correlation of Alkalinity and Nutrients (N and P) From My Experience

Unfortunately, I do not have pictures with results because this was back when I was 15 years old, with no social media accounts, and no knowledge of reef forums. Worst yet, I never had a phone until I became 18 (I'm 20 now). However, I did some experiments back in the day and it all started with...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[nezw0001]

I ended up going the other way. Switching from a CA reactor to 2 part. I got tired of managing the CO2 tanks and getting the bubble rate correct. With 2 part my ALK and CA are rock solid and growth, color and polyp extension have really taken off

 

[IKD]

I ended up going the other way. Switching from a CA reactor to 2 part. I got tired of managing the CO2 tanks and getting the bubble rate correct. With 2 part my ALK and CA are rock solid and growth, color and polyp extension have really taken off

Just curious, what size tank do you have and what CaRx setup? Did you use a pH probe, regulator to get a consistent pH?

 

[nezw0001]

I have a 450 gallon tank. Was using lifereef ca reactor rated for 500-600. Yes I was monitoring ca reactor ph but it was difficult to get stable as I could never get the bubble count stable. It would be good for a couple of weeks then I’d check and it wouldn’t be bubbling anymore. Messed around with pressures a ton. Never got it to work. Got irritated and switched to dosing. No more irritation