Calcium reactor vs dosing

[Willz]

Wow! Looks complicated at first, but worth it. Would you be able to show me everything I will need it? Will the sps corals be healthier? How long a co2 tank last? Maybe I get a good deal now on black friday lol

I recently bought a calcium reactor and had no clue what to get or what was required. I called Premium Aquatics (@Premiumaq) and their customer service was outstanding. They helped me pick the right size reactor, a quality regulator, pH probe and controller, even a new CO2 tank. I have a T off my return pump with a gate valve, but after researching I purchased a feed pump for it as well.

 

[Bpb]

I could definitely get away with kalkwasser alone. Easily. My tank is fairly light on sps with pretty low demand. But...I had many at one point, and big plans for a big upgrade so I got a big GEO calcium reactor as well. Tank crash happened shortly before setup and wiped out many many sps. Was devastating enough and really lost a lot of interest in going through a tank upgrade so I just set up the reactor since I had it. It's triple sized for what I need and I'm running like 80 ml/min and one bubble every 10 seconds so it's not contributing much...but since I already have it and have enjoyed how hands off it is ive decided to keep running it despite it being way overkill. I just like it better than 2 part and kalk overall for what my schedule and maintenance habits are like

Put it this way...there is more media in the reactor than there is sps in the tank. By a long shot. Like 20x as much

 

[Rick.45cal]

That's the same boat that I figured I would be in with mine. In my case I think it would likely be more work trying to get it adjusted for such a limited uptake in my system that I would be constantly fiddling with it. I think likely the most important factor to consider in this decision is based solely upon the operators abililties and experience level. Some people like to fidget with things, some don't. Some of us are a combination of both where adjustment is acceptable on occasion, but constant adjustment is annoying at best.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That hasn't been my experience thus far though. I imagine it has been at some point for some people.
1. Even with a single chamber reactor, my ph reaches 8.25 daily without using kalkwasser
2. Regular water changes keep my magnesium at 1350 ppm. I haven't had to dose magnesium specifically in over 2 years
3. You got me there. Simple isn't part of it, but once it's set it's simple as can be.
4. My regulator and co2 take up the exact same footprint under my stand as the dosing jugs and dosing pumps did. Space is dead even so that's no disadvantage

The pH is lower with a reactor. It may not be too low.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Right! The poll is for ME to know what people prefere, whatever they vote is probably what they use or have it. I believe the one with more votes is the better method meaning its the better choice.

But you are missing other, possibly better choices.

 

[Willz]

But you are missing other, possibly better choices.

Definitely. Depending on your demand you have a ton of options:

1: Really Low demand - water changes
2: Low to Mid demand - hand dosing <- This is a pain and involves me doing something, which isn't always possible if I'm not at home, etc.
3: Low to Mid demand - Kalkwasser <- I use and love this for a variety of reasons, but mostly it is cost effective and nearly hands off. If you are running a tank smaller than 75g you may be able to get by with just using Kalk via your ATO. This is based on evaporation rates which vary throughout the year.
4: Mid to High demand - Dosing pump <- Like this too since it is automated and doses at regular intervals.
5: High demand - Calcium reactor - I will be using this plus kalk dosing for my new tank. The tank is a 175g SPS dominated tank and needs stability, plus as Randy mentioned the Calcium Reactor will lower pH, so I want to run kalk through a doser since kalk raises pH.

I'm sure there are other methods and combinations.

 

[renato120]

I decided to go with a calcium reactor! Not sure if will be better or not. When I put something in my head I have to do it (not always a good idea) I hope I don regret it. I bought a reef octopus calcium reactor from BRS. Next week I will be buying the regulator, media, and whatever it needs it. Have to do it slow... the wife doenst need to know it
Im excited to change it a little.
Thanks for the help! You guys are the best!
Soon a new thread to help me set it up lol.....

 

[DeniseAndy]

AS others have said, it can depend on the tank needs and your willing maintenance. (Money options too). Love the 1-5 of demand as it is a good example of how you can do things in the tank.

I have a calcium reactor on my 210g display and could not go without it. I have had sps and clams, now it is all gorgs and clams, but my maintenance is a bit lacking.
On my 40 and my picos, I do not have a reactor nor do I dose. I use water changes.

Since you are getting it, use it. It can take a while to get it dialed in correctly. Don't get discouraged. Also, can change as demand changes, so be ready for that. Hanna checkers are great for alk.

 

[cprice]

Definitely. Depending on your demand you have a ton of options:

1: Really Low demand - water changes
2: Low to Mid demand - hand dosing <- This is a pain and involves me doing something, which isn't always possible if I'm not at home, etc.
3: Low to Mid demand - Kalkwasser <- I use and love this for a variety of reasons, but mostly it is cost effective and nearly hands off. If you are running a tank smaller than 75g you may be able to get by with just using Kalk via your ATO. This is based on evaporation rates which vary throughout the year.
4: Mid to High demand - Dosing pump <- Like this too since it is automated and doses at regular intervals.
5: High demand - Calcium reactor - I will be using this plus kalk dosing for my new tank. The tank is a 175g SPS dominated tank and needs stability, plus as Randy mentioned the Calcium Reactor will lower pH, so I want to run kalk through a doser since kalk raises pH.

I'm sure there are other methods and combinations.

THIS! Im saving it to show people who ask whether or not they should use a CaRx or not. I love mine and wouldnt trade it for any sort of dosing system!

 

[Willz]

THIS! Im saving it to show people who ask whether or not they should use a CaRx or not. I love mine and wouldnt trade it for any sort of dosing system!

I left out the tanks size aspect, since water changes on a SPS heavy pico would make more sense than a reactor for sure... haha....