Should I swap to Calcium Reactor?

[C-Reefer]

Hey guys!
I've been dosing two part for a little over a year now and I'm getting good growth and stable parameters but I just got the chance to get a Korallin C1502 Calcium Reactor for $225. I already have a 7 lb CO2 tank, and high quality regulator and solenoid (used to be very into freshwater aquascaping before reefing). I would need to buy media and that's around $40.

I have heard that a calcium reactor not only is lower maintnence, it also maintains better parameters since it's exactly what the corals need balance wise, and is cheaper in the long run. My tank is packed full of frags and a few colonies and I'm expecting to keep this tank setup or upgrade to a 120 in the next year or two for at least another 4-5 years so lots of coral growth. If I upgraded would this be big enough? Is it worth it to switch? I buy two part as driveway ice melt and baking soda so it's pretty cheap. Mainly I'm wondering if it will be better for my tank. What's your guys thoughts?

 

[jda]

Mostly personal preference, but you do get more traces and stuff by melting natural media.

It takes a bit of a learning curve, but so did your 2part doser - they are on the same level with patience and learning.

Be sure and get a good check valve for saltwater use - it just takes one time with saltwater getting into your nice regulator to start it rusting.

 

[biecacka]

JDA do you have a picture of your set up. I’m interested in how you use that check valve. I’ve followed your opinions on setting up a reactor and mine currently is using the apex to run it via a ph probe in the lid but I’m slowly considering trying your method.

Corey

 

[C-Reefer]

Is a pH probe necessary and does it have to go into the reactor or could I have the effuluent run into a cup first and measure CO2 in the cup? Whats your thoughts on the korallin calcium reactors?

 

[jda]

I don't run a CaRx with a pH probe or regulator. They are a waste of my time. They are easy to learn how to tune by hand, so I quit using a pH monitor a long time ago since they cause more trouble than they are worth. Yes, you can use one, but I will argue that you are better off without it.

For the check valve, just between the output of the regulator and before the bubble counter.