CaRx or 2 part required?

[PhantomHalo]

Are there any members who don’t use either of these on an SPS dominate tank? It may be a dump question, so I apologize. Lol I’m filling up my tank with frags, but haven’t seen much growth. Thinking I may need one or the other of these to help supply the corals with the building blocks. Just not sure which route to go since I don’t have a controller yet.

 

[jda]

You don't need a controller for either. If you choose CaRx, I strongly recommend not using a controller on it.

In any case, you will need something sooner or later. Kalkwasser reactor also is used by some.

Pros and cons to all of them. Buy good stuff when you do buy... nobody can afford to restock a tank because an $80 doser filled your tank with carbonate and your alk is at 30 now.

 

[reefwiser]

You will have to maintain an constant cal and all level and both methods work. SPS will remove the cal and all out of the water column rather quickly. An if they do not have it they can stop growing.

 

[Vette67]

I have been running a calcium reactor for over 20 years, long before there were controllers. So you can run a calcium reactor by counting bubbles of CO2 and watching the effluent drip rate. If you plan on having a lot of SPS, calcium reactor is really the best way to go, assuming you are talking about SPS frags. The up front cost is higher, but in the long run, they are cheaper to run than adding 2 part frequently, especially as your frags grow and consume more and more calcium. If you are handy, you can even build a reactor yourself. There's no rocket science to them. It is just a chamber that mixes CO2 rich water with calcium carbonate substrate.

If you don't want to go the calcium reactor route, you can always add Kalkwasser. There are plenty of write-ups about adding kalk to your top off water to raise your calcium level that way. But really, those are your only 3 options. Calcium reactor, 2 part, or Kalk.

 

[PhantomHalo]

Thanks all for the replies! Thinking a CaRx is probably the way to go for me. I forgot to mention, it’s a 300 gal DD. After reading more, I think the 2 part will add up quick too. Cost isn’t too much of a factor. Just want to make sure I get good quality stuff. What do you all recommend for a set up? I’d rather not have to count bubbles. Lol

 

[newjack]

if you don’t want to count bubbles, then you want to get an “aquarium plants carbon doser”. One of the best Co2 regulators for reactors. You just turn the dial and you’re done. No counting bubbles

 

[PhantomHalo]

if you don’t want to count bubbles, then you want to get an “aquarium plants carbon doser”. One of the best Co2 regulators for reactors. You just turn the dial and you’re done. No counting bubbles

Is there a best one or ones to stay away from?

 

[rossco]

I have been using Geo calcium reactors with Reef Fanatic regulators for over 11 years, both have been rock solid reliable for me. I've heard good things about the aquarium plants regulator, no experience with one though.

 

[PhantomHalo]

I have been using Geo calcium reactors with Reef Fanatic regulators for over 11 years, both have been rock solid reliable for me. I've heard good things about the aquarium plants regulator, no experience with one though.

How do you control/monitor it?

 

[X-37B]

Thanks all for the replies! Thinking a CaRx is probably the way to go for me. I forgot to mention, it’s a 300 gal DD. After reading more, I think the 2 part will add up quick too. Cost isn’t too much of a factor. Just want to make sure I get good quality stuff. What do you all recommend for a set up? I’d rather not have to count bubbles. Lol

I would look at a Tunze 3172 for that size tank.
I run a 3171 on my 120.
No feed pump needed.
Get a quality 2 stage regulator.
I would take a look at the no controler, no ph probe method.
Research running it by setting co2 bubbles and effluent rate.
This way you will understand what your tank is doing.
A properly run and tuned carx will keep your alk stable and not affect your tanks ph.

I setup mine 6 months ago and is a very straight forward and simple process.

No ph probe or controller to worry about.

You can find all the info on how to set it up right here on r2r.

 

[rossco]

How do you control/monitor it?

With an Apex for the range I’m looking for, then dial it in so the pH is steady and the solenoid doesn’t click on and off and then keep an eye on the Apex readout for any changes

 

[jda]

There is a link in my signature to some of collected thoughts and posts on Calcium Reactors... I was just typing the same things over and over, so I put them into one place.

 

[PhantomHalo]

There is a link in my signature to some of collected thoughts and posts on Calcium Reactors... I was just typing the same things over and over, so I put them into one place.

Do I just click on your picture to see your signature? I’m on my iPhone if that matters. I looked through your threads, but must have missed the calcium reactor one. I will look some more. Thanks!

 

[Vette67]

Signatures don't show up well in iPhone (I know). Here's the link to the post in his signature.

Calcium Reactor Thoughts and Tuning

Some copied and pasted stuff from over the years. I will try and keep this document green and updated from time to time. If anybody has any suggestions, send me a PM on RC or r2r - jda on both. Feel free to send this link to anybody who might need it. Preface: This is for people who want to l...

docs.google.com

 

[PhantomHalo]

Signatures don't show up well in iPhone (I know). Here's the link to the post in his signature.

Calcium Reactor Thoughts and Tuning

Some copied and pasted stuff from over the years. I will try and keep this document green and updated from time to time. If anybody has any suggestions, send me a PM on RC or r2r - jda on both. Feel free to send this link to anybody who might need it. Preface: This is for people who want to l...

docs.google.com

Thank you!!

 

[PhantomHalo]

I would look at a Tunze 3172 for that size tank.
I run a 3171 on my 120.
No feed pump needed.
Get a quality 2 stage regulator.
I would take a look at the no controler, no ph probe method.
Research running it by setting co2 bubbles and effluent rate.
This way you will understand what your tank is doing.
A properly run and tuned carx will keep your alk stable and not affect your tanks ph.

I setup mine 6 months ago and is a very straight forward and simple process.

No ph probe or controller to worry about.

You can find all the info on how to set it up right here on r2r.

Is the Tunze an in-sump reactor? It still requires the CO2 correct? I’m looking at pictures of it and looks like it is an out of sump one, but the pump being connected to it throws me off. Lol

 

[jda]

All calcium reactors require co2. I do not know of any of them that need to be in the sump, unless they start to leak as they get older and seals get hard (you can fix them).

 

[PhantomHalo]

All calcium reactors require co2. I do not know of any of them that need to be in the sump, unless they start to leak as they get older and seals get hard (you can fix them).

That’s what I was thinking. Just confused. lol I am thinking the Tunze 3172 is the best way to go. Found an accessory package that includes the tank, media, and regulators as well. Will try to get it by the end of the week. Any other key pieces of equipment needed for an SPS dominate tank? I have the basics of skimmer, GFO reactor, BRS carbon reactor, heaters, and of course lighting. Just keep running into things that I seems to miss that would definitely be helpful to have.

 

[Vette67]

Yeah, this hobby is a journey, not a destination. Over 20 years in, and I am still finding equipment that I "need". I just bought an RO booster pump last month, after not having one for more than 20 years. There definitely is equipment that is necessary, but there is plenty that can always be improved upon in time.

You seem like you're on the right track. A lot of things are a response to a problem. Just keep up with testing to make sure your water quality is good, and if you notice a problem, there are many people here to suggest equipment to solve that problem. Soon enough you'll be considering a refugium, algae turf scrubber or chaeto reactor, to limit your GFO dependence. There are many different ways to approach nutrient export, for example. You just have to find what works for you. And ask questions.

 

[PhantomHalo]

Yeah, I have a 100 gal sump/refugium. It’s a Rubbermaid container I converted. It’s full of rock and all my other equipment. Just want to ensure I’m not missing anything starting out. My sps so far are pretty pitiful. No growth and moderate color. New lights have been helping, but I think I need to ensure my water and nutrients for them are good to go too!