DSR vs Triton vs any other?

Reeftang · Jan 14, 2018

Hi,

So im looking into converting my tank to one of these methods where there is no need for water changes, i just want to make sure i have all the options in front of me.

So right now i know of the DSR and TRITON method, Is there any other methods i should be looking into, and also whats the main difference between those?

FartyParty · Jan 15, 2018

I chose Triton some months back and the biggest headache for me was creating the space for the four-part dosing equipment. I also looked into DSR but ultimaltely choose Triton since i'd rather send in water samples for periodic testing rather than performing my own testing (i believe DSR does home testing) due to my very limited free time. Which version of Triton are you considering? The refugium method or one of the "other" methods?

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

I had no idea that triton has another method besides for the refugium method the main reason i was leaning away from triton method is because it was my understanding that you need to have a refugium and i dont have the place for that.

What method are you useing also regarding testing how does that work, you can send as many test as you want? also are the tests accurate after being shipped?

Finhead · Jan 15, 2018

I went with ATI Essentials since there is not requirements for a refugium and it's a 3 pack system so very easy.

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

Finhead said:
I went with ATI Essentials since there is not requirements for a refugium and it's a 3 pack system so very easy.

never heard of them before.

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

Finhead said:
I went with ATI Essentials since there is not requirements for a refugium and it's a 3 pack system so very easy.

How is it working out for you? Are you keeping any SPS?

FartyParty · Jan 15, 2018

Triton has "other" methods in case you dont use a refugium for nutrient export. the difference is it eliminates some base elements that macro use to thrive. i.e. you could use a carbon balls tumbler in place of a fuge in that method, etc. i treat my fuge like another tank and have 8 different kinds of algae so for me it keeps things fun.

The triton tests are quite expensive, at $50 per test but they test everything feasibly useful to a reefer. the idea is testing alk frequently at home then test water samples for everthing else once every three months with a comprehensive report. i find its more expensive per year than buying all the kits but if i save that time testing id rather pay the money. also BRS had some Triton tests on sale over the holidays for $35 and i bought a years supply. hopefully they'll keep doing that!

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

Where can i see their other methods?

FartyParty · Jan 15, 2018

Reeftang said:
Where can i see their other methods?

BRS stocks the other solution and did a video on it recently to sell more product. The triton website doesnt have a lot on it, maybe because they recommend a refugium.

Simply search BRS for "triton other".

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 15, 2018

To be fair, lots of “methods” can be used with no water changes. If that is the driving force, I’d just try it with whatever method you are already using, assuming the tank is thriving.

I think that with some of these methods, it is not so much a method that replaces water changes as a method that might get messed up with water changes (for example, if you are continually trying to control some element that is getting dosed or exported by water change in addition the the method supplements).

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
To be fair, lots of “methods” can be used with no water changes. If that is the driving force, I’d just try it with whatever method you are already using, assuming the tank is thriving.

I think that with some of these methods, it is not so much a method that replaces water changes as a method that might get messed up with water changes (for example, if you are continually trying to control some element that is getting dosed or exported by water change in addition the the method supplements).

Well said, I do have a tank set up with some soft corals I wouldnt exactly call it thriving nor successfully, due to being lazy and busy and neglecting water changes. That is why I'm looking for a method that would be less maintenance.

jda · Jan 15, 2018

People have successfully run softie/mixed tanks for a long time with limited/no water changes by dosing the big 3 and also using some kind of mixed-element additive with some of the more useful trace elements. I helped a family for years that used 3 part with driveway melt & baking soda and also Kent Essential Elements - they changed water about once a year at a decent clip like 50%.

FartyParty · Jan 15, 2018

Reeftang said:
Well said, I do have a tank set up with some soft corals I wouldnt exactly call it thriving nor successfully, due to being lazy and busy and neglecting water changes. That is why I'm looking for a method that would be less maintenance.

FYI, in my limited experience Triton has been by no means low maintenance. I do feel, however, that i traded an afternoon of making water and performing a regular monthly water change with more frequent small tasks such as DKH testing, doser adjustments, pruning macro algae, cleaning crusty doser lines, etc. I have no doubt that if i left it unattended for more than a week or two that my tank would go to hell quickly.

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

FartyParty said:
FYI, in my limited experience Triton has been by no means low maintenance. I do feel, however, that i traded an afternoon of making water and performing a regular monthly water change with more frequent small tasks such as DKH testing, doser adjustments, pruning macro algae, cleaning crusty doser lines, etc. I have no doubt that if i left it unattended for more than a week or two that my tank would go to hell quickly.

Again I don't mind being bz every day a little bit either testing or adjusting some stuff it's my hobby after all and I love doing it. Water changes however takes up a few hours and makes a big mess which my wife hates. And with the dsr method if not mistaken the most frequent test is once a week.

jda · Jan 15, 2018

Keep in mind that water changes can be skipped and missed when life happens... and you can catch up later. Dosing and testing in some of these methods are less forgiving in some cases.

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

jda said:
Keep in mind that water changes can be skipped and missed when life happens... and you can catch up later. Dosing and testing in some of these methods are less forgiving in some cases.

Thing is I never catch up lol.

Finhead · Jan 15, 2018

Reeftang said:
How is it working out for you? Are you keeping any SPS?

My tank is about 80% SPS and a few LPS and some softies I was given along the way. lol
http://atiaquaristik.com/en/?one_page_portfolio=ati-essentials

Reeftang · Jan 15, 2018

Finhead said:
My tank is about 80% SPS and a few LPS and some softies I was given along the way. lol
http://atiaquaristik.com/en/?one_page_portfolio=ati-essentials

Is
And when is the last time you did a water change? Also this link you sent me is that your tank?

Finhead · Jan 15, 2018

Reeftang said:
Is
And when is the last time you did a water change? Also this link you sent me is that your tank?

Lol no I was just directing you to ATI's site for info, they have a section here on the forum as well.

ATI Essentials have only been available in Canada for about 4 months ,I set my current tank up using it. I have not done a water change since setting up.

glennf · Aug 8, 2019

This is DSR EZ

Without anywater change done since 2015
With near zero maintenance. Autodosings and cleaning PF once every 2-3 days.
Minimal technical requirements, minimal testing.
http://www.DSRreefing.com/technics