Looking to switch to Calcium Reactor

[Billldg]

Can a Calcium reactor precipitate the same way that 2-part can? I have no problem raising my PH to 8.3 with the help of a C02 scrubber, the problem is that when I do my Alk and Cal precipitate badly. I have not been able to find a solution to this and thought that maybe by switching I would be able to run higher PH and maintain a Cal of 420 and above if needed. Currently I have a hard time getting me Cal above 400. Would a Calcium reactor solve all these problems. I don't really have an issue spending the money on a Cal reactor and equipment needed, but I don't want to waste the money if it will not work. Thanks.

 

[ReeferBud]

Calcium reactors work! I’ve never had issues with precipitation but your pH will likely decrease a bit due to the low pH of the CaRx effluent. My tank’s pH fluctuates between 7.9 - 8.1

Get a good quality unit and recommend a continuous duty peristaltic pump like the kamoer.

 

[Billldg]

Calcium reactors work! I’ve never had issues with precipitation but your pH will likely decrease a bit due to the low pH of the CaRx effluent. My tank’s pH fluctuates between 7.9 - 8.1

Get a good quality unit and recommend a continuous duty peristaltic pump like the kamoer.

Its funny, that is actually the pump I am looking at. PH really isn't an issue, the problem is mainly that I can't get my cal above 390 to 400 unless I do big water changes constantly. My 2-part precipitates if I try to raise cal with a PH above 8.2. A PH of 8.1 would be fine for me if I can get my cal to or above 420. The extra benefits of a Cal reactor, like dosing trace elements r a plus. I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't precipitate like 2-part does. Looking at getting a Reef Octopus CR140, I only have a 120 gal tank that, when it grows out, will be a sps dominate tank.

 

[ReeferBud]

What is your Mg value? If it’s too low, you won’t be able to increase Ca or Alk. My guess is that’s your problem.

I have the reef octopus SRO-CR5000D on a 450 gal fully stocked sps reef and it’s been going strong since 2012. Highly recommended although there are other good options too.

Read the Mg section of this article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[Billldg]

What is your Mg value? If it’s too low, you won’t be able to increase Ca or Alk. My guess is that’s your problem.

I have the reef octopus SRO-CR5000D on a 450 gal fully stocked sps reef and it’s been going strong since 2012. Highly recommended although there are other good options too.

Read the Mg section of this article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

1400 mag, my sand turns to concrete because of the precipitation.

 

[ReeferBud]

That seems really odd... I’d check with another test kit. Is it expired by any chance?

 

[Billldg]

That seems really odd... I’d check with another test kit. Is it expired by any chance?

LOL, funny you mention that, it wasn't, but I bought another refill kit, both red sea, and both showed 1400 to 1500 over the past 2 months. When I added the C02 scrubber I was running my PH to 8.3, but my alk and cal consumption went from 50 ml alk and 40 mil cal to 120 ml alk and 110 cal and my readings were 8.5 alk and 400 cal. My sand turned to concrete. So I lowered my PH to 8.0-8.1 and dropped my alk and cal back to normal and now my reading r 8.8 alk and 380-390 cal. I did all this after I busted up the sand and stopped dosing for a week.

I agree, the readings and actions were odd.

I do run a carbon reactor and heard that can add mag to a tank, not sure if this is true or not though.