Triton Cost vs. Calcium Reactor & Water Changes.

[Breadman03]

I was running Triton for a bit just before "The Drought" and got my calcium reactor fired up again. Having recently refilled my CO2 and media, I got to thinking about cost efficiency. After having struggled for a long time, I began to experience growth and good coloration with Triton, but growth has slowed quite a bit since stopping. I haven't been doing water changes and assume there are some trace elements limiting my growth, so I plan on resuming weekly 10% water changes. This got me to thinking about operating costs over time.

The system has about 250 gallons in it and consumes about 0.5 dkh/day. Here is a quick breakdown of costs comparing what either Triton or CARX+WC will cost me monthly.

Cost of CARX+water change vs. Triton.

Assume no water changes with Triton and 0.5 dkh daily demand.

1. Costs

a. CARX+10%weekly water change
i. $15/bottle of CO2 (18 months)
ii. $35/bag of media (18 months)
iii. $55/bag of salt (monthly)=990/18 months
iv. Monthly cost-$58
v. $696/year

b. Triton
i. $52/elements set/40 days
ii. $39/month
iii. $468/year

Obviously, I'm ignoring other costs like RODI refills and testing, but I've always thought we paid a premium for Triton for good results. Is it possible that it is on par with or even less expensive than the king of long term economy, the calcium reactor?

 

[CMO]

Wouldn't the Triton option have more frequent ICP tests that increase the cost further or do you not plan on any difference there?

Also, what about a CA Reactor with minor element dosing instead of water changes? Or using something like reborn and remag with the CA reactor that supposedly will replace minor elements? I haven't done this just yet but currently building a system that will be a no water change CA reactor system. But then the cost of regular ICP comes back into the equation with no water change systems.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

What kind of salt costs 55 dollars/ 25 gallons?

 

[Breadman03]

I’m currently using Reborn, but should send in another ICP soon. I’m planning on quarterly tests along with testing alk every other day.

What kind of salt costs 55 dollars/ 25 gallons?

Instant Ocean is currently $55/200 gallon box, which would last about 4 weeks at 25 gallons per week.

 

[vanpire]

I’m currently using Reborn, but should send in another ICP soon. I’m planning on quarterly tests along with testing alk every other day.


Instant Ocean is currently $55/200 gallon box, which would last about 4 weeks at 25 gallons per week.

I think IO makes about 175 gallons at 1.026 but that will give you 7 weeks @25 gallons per week. I use IO also and I get about 170-175 gallons from a 200-gallon box.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Instant Ocean is currently $55/200 gallon box, which would last about 4 weeks at 25 gallons per week.

I change 25 gallons a week and a box lasts me about 7 weeks. I was just wondering, thought you must be using more expensive salt.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Oh, I don't see any testing on your budget, did I miss it?

 

[Breadman03]

I think IO makes about 175 gallons at 1.026 but that will give you 7 weeks @25 gallons per week. I use IO also and I get about 170-175 gallons from a 200-gallon box.

I suppose lack of sleep will do that to you

I’ll redo the numbers.

 

[Breadman03]

Fixed up the salt cost here. It looks like Triton is only about $27 more expensive annually.

Cost of CARX+water change vs. Triton.

Assume no water changes with Triton and 0.5 dkh daily demand.

1. Costs

a. CARX+10%weekly water change 78 weeks/18 months
i. $15/bottle of CO2 (18 months) $0.83 monthly
ii. $35/bag of media (18 months) $1.94 monthly
iii. $55/bag of salt per 7 weeks is $612/18 months or $34 monthly
iv. Monthly cost-$36
v. $441/year

b. Triton
i. $52/elements set/40 days
ii. $39/month
iii. $468/year

Obviously, I'm ignoring other costs like RODI refills and testing, but I've always thought we paid a premium for Triton for good results. Is it possible that it is on par with or even less expensive than the king of long term economy, the calcium reactor?