Calcium Reactor vs. 2 part

[corbinwaltz]

I've been using my reactor for about 2 months now and so far i'm fairly satisfied. My calcium is always pretty consistent but I do tend to get some swings in my alk. I don't have a magnesium test yet so that could be low but even if it was, I wouldn't have anything to dose to bring it up. Im considering selling the reactor and replacing it with Bulk Reef Supply 2 part with dosing pumps. I think it would be easier to control my alk and magnesium as well as maintain my calcium. What do you guys think. My tank is only 30 gallons btw.

 

[chadfarmer]

how are you getting alk swings?

if you do 2 part you will have to test more

i had a reactor on a 29 gallon

what kind of reactor?

we need more info

 

[Poseidon]

I don't get much swing with my reactor, things are pretty much rock solid. What reactor, and what kind of demand do you have?

 

[corbinwaltz]

Im not sure what model it is but I know its the smallest Deltec they make. What I was trying to say my alk goes up and down irregularly... swings.

I figure I would have to test more with the 2 part but im fine with that as long as I can fine tune everything.

 

[corbinwaltz]

I don't get much swing with my reactor, things are pretty much rock solid. What reactor, and what kind of demand do you have?

Another reason im considering giving up the reactor. There isn't that much of demand. Right now the tanks only filled LSP and a select few SPS so I've toned the reactor down considerably low. I got it running perfect to where my calcium always stays around 400, but I just think its a little too much for my 30.

 

[chadfarmer]

i ran that reactor and hated it (it was a pain in the butt to run)


if you dont have a demand than you might get away with just dosing manually until you need the calcium reactor

 

[Poseidon]

You would be surprised what kind of demand you can generate in a small tank. What do you have planned? My reactor holds about 50 pounds of media when full, but my tank is a calcium sucking machine, with all SPS and some are very large colonies at that.

You already have the reactor, couldn't you add some dolomite to help with the Mg issue? That would be an easier solution then starting a brand new method.