2 Part or Calcium Reactor?

[Dtronic]

There was a long thread on this a while back. If I recall, the consensus was that people had better results going to a 2 part w/drew's dosers. It was more expensive though. The reality is, either will work just fine.

I think it was a thread of the month also.

Two part here.

 

[drparker]

2 part plus kalk for top off.

 

[sjfishguy]

I read any article somewhere that looked at cost and basically for tanks less than 150g two part is cheaper.

And I use two part, its nice to move things independently if you need to and don't have to worry about Co2

 

[cham]

Not very long ago the poll results would have been very different. Before bulk reef supply and Randy Holmes Farley this hobby was in a different place.

Every month people with CaRx discover the myth that two part is difficult and expensive.

 

[cham]

So in an automated 2-part scheme, how do folks get away without having to shake up the source containers all the time?

Instructions from all the two-part products I can find indicate to shake well before each dose.

Shaking every day/every dose doesn't seem very automated, and not shaking seems like it would remove some/all of the consistency you might get from2-part "continuous dosing".

What is your solution for keeping your 2-part solutions in solution?

-Matt

P.S. To me it seems like a calcium reactor - where running out of CO2 and media can be visually seen and planned for - would have to be the most "hands-off" dosing method. (YMMV on individual reactor models, of course.)

You don't shake the solutions, there may be some commercial two parts that say this but the stuff you get from BRS does not settle and you don't shake it.

I've been using automated two part for four years. I don't touch the system other than about every 2 or 3 months to refill the jugs with RO/DI, put in two cups of soda ash in one and 2 cups of ca in the other and shake until its all dissovled.

As demand increases I may add an extra second or two to the dosing that happens every 4 hours.

My DIY two part costs is less than $20 per year.

Seeing jugs getting empty can't be visually planned for? The two jugs below are my two part solutions.

 

[Pinkskunk]

Cham,

Can you please provide a link where i can get the BRS stuff you are using?

is that the same as your DYI part? if so please provide a link that would help me alot - THANKS!

 

[reidcrandall]

Cham,

Can you please provide a link where i can get the BRS stuff you are using?

is that the same as your DYI part? if so please provide a link that would help me alot - THANKS!

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Just got a big order from them. Their stuff is fantastic.

 

[cham]

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Just got a big order from them. Their stuff is fantastic.

Exactly. They are great to work with. We also owe them a debt of gratitude for giving us an outlet for our DIY products.

Yes pinkskunk, those are the DIY two parts that I'm using. Hop onto their site and start watching videos. You'll be amazed at how simple two part dosing is. There is an initial set up cost though.

Their Dual reactor for GAC & GFO is awesome too.

 

[Pinkskunk]

hi guys,

this is: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ium-and-alkalinity-total-package-large-1.html

what are other things that i need that you consider initial setup cost? you meant the auto dosing system?

 

[huskysglare1]

dosing pumps.

 

[LifeAquatic]

Used a calcium reactor for over a year. What a hedache. 2 part has made reef keeping enjoyable again. No more guessing bubble rates and drip count. No more waiting for the effluent drip to clog. No more inconsistancy.

 

[USNzifer]

I vote for ESV two part... best thing ever.. The calcium part even contains trace elements..unlike two part solution...

 

[jackson5]

Two-part with a litermeter is the best thing i have added to my tank.

 

[flamron]

If the cost of manufactured two part wasn't so prohibitive, I would have voted two part all the way.

However, I can't afford to buy as much as I use - so I use BRS. The cost isn't the problem for me. It is the time it takes to mix it up. I can use a gallon about every two weeks.

So, I will be moving to a reactor. I'm hoping I have success with it. If not, I may be moving back to two part.

 

[Nanook]

1200g system=calcium reactor

 

[MrKite24]

depends on the size of the tank. I'd say 75 and over should use a ca reactor. I've always had smaller tanks (30-40) so I always used 2-part

 

[jdhuyvetter]

You are missing and option.......I use both.

My total system is 700 gallons. 300 gallon SPS tanks, 165 gallon softie tank (soon to be 300), 100 gallon frag tank and a 150 gallon refugium/sump.

I have an undersized Ca reactor and scaled back the two part dosing. With just the Ca reactor, I could never keep the kH above 7-8. With both, not a problem.

 

[maysorum]

I voted 2-part.

If you're a gadget person and like to understand exactly how things work get a calcium reactor. But if you're not a gadget person and like simplicity go with 2-part. IME, 2-part is less stressful, really easy, and the coral seem to like it too.

The BRS stuff works great, BTW.

 

[alcove]

ever have any issues with the aquamedic dosers ive always heard mixed reviews

 

[Pinkskunk]

OK so hi everyone,

i have a CA reactor, i keep a lot of LPS such as frogs, torch and hammer and bubble...........

ok so they dont grow as much as i have seen from other people's tank. i have to admit i never adjust or care to test what my CA gives out. i want to supplement the 2-parts along with the reactor and i was wondering how many of you keep LPS and dose 2-parts and HAVE great growth?

acutally my lps dont grow at all but my SPS such as 1 birdnest and ornage cap grows but slow. what makes frogs, hammer and bubbles thrive and divide? Mag? CA? or other element?