Higher Demand Tanks Running 2 part

[Beardo]

I have 270 gallon SPS dominant mixed reef. Still a lot of frags but some decent sized colonies as well. I'm currently dosing 350 ml/day alk (soda ash) and 380 ml/day ca (calcium chloride) along with saturated kalk in ato with about 3 gal/day evaporation. I've just recently started to super saturate the kalk with vinegar as demand continues to climb. I'm starting to consider going with a calcium reactor but haven't made up my mind yet. Just curious who continues to run 2 or 3 part with higher demand and why that over a Ca RX?
Pic of tank attached for reference.

 

[SeaDweller]

That's alot to dose. Once I hit that 1ml/gallon mark, in my 240, I switched to CaRx, its a no brainer. I'd switch if I were you

 

[Beardo]

That's alot to dose. Once I hit that 1ml/gallon mark, in my 240, I switched to CaRx, its a no brainer. I'd switch if I were you

Thanks for the response. I'm definitely leaning that direction, been researching different reactors. Just dosing is dialed in and easy to tweak, don't want to screw things up.

 

[SeaDweller]

Thanks for the response. I'm definitely leaning that direction, been researching different reactors. Just dosing is dialed in and easy to tweak, don't want to screw things up.

I noticed you're in SD, if you need some help, PM me. I was shown a way to dial in a CaRx by a member here and it couldn't have been simpler and my alk is rock solid using this method over, say using a controller like Apex, Milwaukee, etc.

 

[Beardo]

I noticed you're in SD, if you need some help, PM me. I was shown a way to dial in a CaRx by a member here and it couldn't have been simpler and my alk is rock solid using this method over, say using a controller like Apex, Milwaukee, etc.

Thank you. I may take you up on the offer when I am ready.

 

[Dlealrious]

I was dosing about the same ammount as you before I switched to calrx. Mixing 3 part really got old quick making 12lt a month was a chore. Best thing I did was get calrx. Super easy to dial in too i found.

 

[DarthSimon]

Calcium reactor all the way... More stability, and crushed coral media lasts a year or more.
My systems total water volume is 300 gallons, and calcium reactor keeps my alk and calcium ultra stable.

 

[Graffiti Spot]

I am suprised people don’t switch to reactors more often. They are so much easier and ime corals take off quick once it gets hooked up and continue to grow much better than with dosing.

 

[Beardo]

Thanks for the responses @Dlealrious, @DarthSimon and @Pedoconfuego, been unanimous on the CA RX. Won't be able to switch for awhile but that is the direction I'm heading.

In your opinion is a dual chamber better than a single chamber? Or not much difference besides higher effluent pH with the dual chamber units?

 

[SeaDweller]

You know I have an older Geo 618 and I was thinking of upgrading to a newer one with dual chamber, but I havent seen the need to do so since all seems to be working well now, extremely well. If I was in your position, I'd probably opt for the dual chamber, and get one from Geo. Their stuff is well made; the only other one I'd consider is that Deltec that isn't available in the States... its so nice.

 

[Beardo]

You know I have an older Geo 618 and I was thinking of upgrading to a newer one with dual chamber, but I havent seen the need to do so since all seems to be working well now, extremely well. If I was in your position, I'd probably opt for the dual chamber, and get one from Geo. Their stuff is well made; the only other one I'd consider is that Deltec that isn't available in the States... its so nice.

I have been looking at the Geo 612X2. Thanks for the feedback on the Geos.

 

[Hersheyb]

just switch to a calc reactor... before my tank upgrade (80 gal to 350 gal).. i was dosing 100ml of esv 2 part... after the upgrade it went up to almost 400ml a day even if I had the same amount of corals... calc reactor was a no brainer, much cost effective and less maintenance. GEO reactors are solid options but honestly most decent calc reactors will do the job, just invest on a good dual stage regulator and if u can step it up get a peristaltic pump.. this will keep your ph in the reactor solid... which equals to consistent calc/alk.

 

[Beardo]

just switch to a calc reactor... before my tank upgrade (80 gal to 350 gal).. i was dosing 100ml of esv 2 part... after the upgrade it went up to almost 400ml a day even if I had the same amount of corals... calc reactor was a no brainer, much cost effective and less maintenance. GEO reactors are solid options but honestly most decent calc reactors will do the job, just invest on a good dual stage regulator and if u can step it up get a peristaltic pump.. this will keep your ph in the reactor solid... which equals to consistent calc/alk.

Thanks

 

[Softhammer]

I use all three methods with about 250 gallons. Wish I didn’t. Dosing has major potential for problems. I have an older dual chamber Ca reactor but once my clams crossed the one foot mark it wasn’t enough. Now it’s a light duty doser with a balls to the wall Ca reactor and kalkwasser top off. I keep my whole setup concealed under tank but if I didn’t, it would be 100% big monster reactor. It’s a no brainer. Costs way more initially but the stability and chance for error is so minute. Maintenance is twice a year and overdosing is almost impossible if you set it up correctly.