When should I install a C02 reactor?

[WVReefJunkie]

My system is about four years old, Iam currently using a Kalkwasser reactor. I don't personally like the Kalk, because it always seems to raise my Alkalinty higher than wanted levels. Before the reactor my dkh was dropping .3 daily. Would a C02 reactor keep my dkh more stable, or would it be overkill? Thanks, reefers!

 

[alten78]

My system is about four years old, Iam currently using a Kalkwasser reactor. I don't personally like the Kalk, because it always seems to raise my Alkalinty higher than wanted levels. Before the reactor my dkh was dropping .3 daily. Would a C02 reactor keep my dkh more stable, or would it be overkill? Thanks, reefers!

With only .3 daily I would look into a two part system which will be much simpler and cheaper to setup. I wouldnt think about a calcium reactor until my demand was too much for a two part system.

 

[WVReefJunkie]

I was concerned if I was away from home and could not dose 2 part would a c02 reactor be a good idea? Would it also be cheaper to run a c02 reactor, than dosing 2 part long run?

 

[alten78]

I was concerned if I was away from home and could not dose 2 part would a c02 reactor be a good idea? Would it also be cheaper to run a c02 reactor, than dosing 2 part long run?

A gallon of 2 part last me about a month on a heavily stocked sps 75g but every tank is different. Dosing pumps are the way to go, doing it by hand would be a chore.

Both have their pros and cons. Two part solutions can be very cheap to make, dosing pumps aren't terribly expensive (can be just like anything else), but you'll be mixing solution. Dosing will give you just as good results as a calcium reactor. You can buy the mixes in bulk and mix as much as you want...or as little.

The initial costs of a calcium reactor is typically much higher, much like everything else that can go wrong there is more room for failure IMHO. The cost over a long term I think is negligible.

I'm sure others will chime in as I have never ran a calcium reactor but both will yield the same results.

 

[foxt]

I just switched from dosing two part to a calcium reactor. I had no issues keeping the system stable with dosing, I just got tired of having to keep the dosing reservoirs full. With the carx, it has been set and forget. Too soon to tell if there is a significant difference in the health of the tank, but my parameters are stable. Initial cost is high, but I waited to buy used gear to help keep the cost down. Even still, it will be a while before this makes economic sense for me. On the other hand, I eliminated something that I did not enjoy about my tank, and that was worth it to me.

 

[vanpire]

My system is about four years old, Iam currently using a Kalkwasser reactor. I don't personally like the Kalk, because it always seems to raise my Alkalinty higher than wanted levels. Before the reactor my dkh was dropping .3 daily. Would a C02 reactor keep my dkh more stable, or would it be overkill? Thanks, reefers!

Why does it raise it higher than u expect? Use a little bit less or dose a little bit less.

I have a CARX and nothing beats one with a controller for stability and you can set and somewhat forget but it does come with two issues.

1. It has a higher start up cost, even used.

2. It lowers pH. Mine does anyway. My tank runs between 7.85 to 8.1 with the CARx.

I am planning on adding a Kalk reactor at night in addition to the CARx. Kalk alone is not enuf for me but I want to raise my pH. I am hoping get it to at least 8.1 at night and 8.3 day during the day.