Calcium reactor vs 2 part?

[AquamanE]

Calcium Reactors. Are they better than 2 part? If so, why?

I know for smaller tanks 2 part is a no brainer, but for bigger tanks with lots of SPS? Are they as finicky as some claim (and ive always believed)?

Ive used 2 part for many years. No nothing about CA rx but considering it.

200G tank with fully loaded SPS.

 

[reef life]

Calcium reactors are great for bigger reef systems. I was using 2 part and switched back to the Calc Reactor. PH controller or apex, etc. is a must for reactor to control the Co2 and balance your drip. JMO.

 

[reef life]

If you do make the switch make sure you start slow(co2 bubble every sec)(PH set 6.9-7. starting point depending on media used and lower ph setting for proper alk) and still do some dosing with 2 part until you ween it off(2 Part) to acheive alk. The best way to get the reactor consistent is to run the effluent at 40-50 ml's per min. If you use softer finer media, you might start ph higher.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There are pros and cons of each. Reactors can be cheaper in the long run and do not impact salinity. They lower pH.

Two parts are cheaper in the short term (especially if it is a DIY) or for mid to smaller tanks, and can help raise pH.

I compare methods here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION

 

[AquamanE]

If you do make the switch make sure you start slow(co2 bubble every sec)(PH set 6.9-7. starting point depending on media used and lower ph setting for proper alk) and still do some dosing with 2 part until you ween it off(2 Part) to acheive alk. The best way to get the reactor consistent is to run the effluent at 40-50 ml's per min. If you use softer finer media, you might start ph higher.

Yes I have a controller.

I have been running 2 part for quite a few years (~10). Some ups and downs with it like when consumption goes up (recently happened to me and lost a few corals) you dont know, even though im pretty thorough with testing.

Also like the idea of melting down of coral skeletons a plus. Who knows what we are dissolving that our tanks would appreciate, yet we dont know about.

ive heard some use peristalsic pumps to feed the CaRx. Ide like to use a manifold I have that is T eed from the main return. Is this an issue?

 

[AquamanE]

There are pros and cons of each. Reactors can be cheaper in the long run and do not impact salinity. They lower pH.

Two parts are cheaper in the short term (especially if it is a DIY) or for mid to smaller tanks, and can help raise pH.

I compare methods here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION

Im very familiar with the article Randy Holmes-Farley. Ive read all your articles. Im just trying to find another method that I hope will be as carefree as my AWC. No I wont stop testing, but looking to simplify my maintenance even more.

Its a 200G tank FULL of SPS.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I've not used a CaCO3/CO2 reactor, but many folks who have believe them to be quite easy once set up. Nothing much to do until the CO2 runs out, except some minor tweaking.