Follow-up question to two port dosing

JVH · Aug 10, 2015

So if I do my two port dosing calcium and alkalinity and magnesium when necessary, should I still use the calcium reactor for daily levels? And if I do what product do you guys put in your reactor if you were dosing besides that..
This is for my 68 gallon mixed reef tank

Spar · Aug 11, 2015

i have a heavily stocked SPS 450g tank and solely use 2-part for Ca/Alk, and then periodically dose Mg (monthly at 100ppm or so). I have had no reason to supplement with a reactor.

back when I did use a reactor, i would still dose Mg on the side. just note that the proportion of Mg Sulfate to Mg Chloride is different considering whether you get your Ca/Alk from a reactor vs. 2-part. Some people also have to dose additional Calcium when using a Calcium reactor, as really Calcium Reactors are better geared for maintaining Alkalinity rather than Calcium... I have always thought they should have been called Alkalinity Reactors, not Calcium!

JVH · Aug 11, 2015

Spar said:
i have a heavily stocked SPS 450g tank and solely use 2-part for Ca/Alk, and then periodically dose Mg (monthly at 100ppm or so). I have had no reason to supplement with a reactor.

back when I did use a reactor, i would still dose Mg on the side. just note that the proportion of Mg Sulfate to Mg Chloride is different considering whether you get your Ca/Alk from a reactor vs. 2-part. Some people also have to dose additional Calcium when using a Calcium reactor, as really Calcium Reactors are better geared for maintaining Alkalinity rather than Calcium... I have always thought they should have been called Alkalinity Reactors, not Calcium!

Hum, Something to think about! It seems redundant to dose CA with a reactor but wasn't sure if it was necessary. I was looking for the best option. If I'm still dosing 2 part daily and it is giving me the numbers i'm happy with then maybe I should just forget the reactor.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 11, 2015

It is not usually "necessary" to dose anything else, except for occasional corrections to the alk/calcium balance, but many people add limewater (kalkwasser) in addition to the reactor to help offset the low pH that usually comes with a CaCO3/CO2 reactor.

I discuss methods and reasons for combinations here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION
https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/the-many-methods-for-supplementing-calcium-and-alkalinity

JVH · Aug 11, 2015

Thanks! Ill check it out!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 11, 2015

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

JVH · Aug 13, 2015

Happy Reefing.

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Randy, I realize there is no easy or quick answer to the Alk & CA dosing. Between all the option and methods its over whelming but I realize how important it is.. So I have printed your article which looks like it will be very helpful to me!
Until I read through everything and really do my homework and figure out what will work best for me and my tank, for now, do you believe me manually dosing the BRF Alk & CA daily is an ok system for now? I may get pumps eventually and possibly a reactor if needed... Also I have other Calcium products to use every other day which I have since stopped using since I'm dosing the 2 part..
Is that a good and most importantly SAFE option for my tank for now? (Using the BRS calculator for amounts as well..)

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 13, 2015

JVH said:
Until I read through everything and really do my homework and figure out what will work best for me and my tank, for now, do you believe me manually dosing the BRF Alk & CA daily is an ok system for now? I may get pumps eventually and possibly a reactor if needed... Also I have other Calcium products to use every other day which I have since stopped using since I'm dosing the 2 part..
Is that a good and most importantly SAFE option for my tank for now? (Using the BRS calculator for amounts as well..)

Yes, manual dosing of a DIY two part is a fine option. If you get to very high daily demand, you may split it over multiple doses (at least the alk part) or get a dosing pump.