ANyone balling light for SPS

[skippyreef]

Looking into this as an option. Still in the research phase but from what I gather so far people are generally pleased with dosing the three part additives using a dosing pump. I have a profilux 3 head doser that can be utilized to automate this.

With a calcium reactor there is the issues of lowering the PH. I know this can be countered with a kalk stirrer (I have one) but that presents a problem of overshooting the alk and overshooting the PH. There is also the issue of buildup on pump shafts and other equipment from precipitate.

If you have a sand bed there can also be hardeneing from the rapid shifts that can occur. I am wondering with the three part if this system is measured enough to prevent these shift because the additions are made to manage the daily demand and not based in adjustments that can prove complicated with reactor adjustments, changes in evaporation rates, ect.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[SunnyX]

As you know I run a three part dosing system following the instructions of Randy's Two Part and have had great results thus far.

I ran a CA reactor along with a Deltec Kalk Stirrer and the Two part is much better. I no longer have to mess with the reactor setting or worry about PH fluctuations and Co2 getting into my system.

With your Profulix doser you should have no problems maintaining proper parameters.

The only thing you will have to look out for is the gradual rise of salinity form the dosing. I counter this by skimming wet and replacing the displaced water with RO/DI water.

 

[skippyreef]

I am also wondering about the phosphate additions form the media in the calcium reactors, but my biggest issues surround the swings in parameters like PH and even Alk depending on the evaporation rate and kalk additions. I am also considering putting sand (reef grade) again as this BB look is too hard to get used too

The profilux doser should make this more straight-forward.

 

[SunnyX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15316952#post15316952 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skippyreef
I am also wondering about the phosphate additions form the media in the calcium reactors, but my biggest issues surround the swings in parameters like PH and even Alk depending on the evaporation rate and kalk additions. I am also considering putting sand (reef grade) again as this BB look is too hard to get used too

The profilux doser should make this more straight-forward.

Good point on the media leaching Po4. I test water coming out of my reactor and there was Po4, just dont remember how much.

Caribsea Sealflor special grade will look great in your setup, especially with all those islands.

 

[lobsterotomy]

I run a Profilux doser with the Fauna Marin balling-light salts (Ca, Alk, Mg) plus the trace B solutions (Sr/Ba, I/F, heavy metals) and I couldn't be happier - my parameters are rock solid, and no pH swings. Adjustment is super easy too, and takes 20 seconds to get it exactly right with the doser.

You'll be a lot happier with the Dosing vs the Ca reactor/Kalk reactor combo. Also a lot less space for the balling set up, as well as much more energy efficient.

 

[skippyreef]

Thanks for the reply

I ordered the BRS chemicles for the macro elements and may well order the FM trace. Maybe simple is the way forward as far as equipment is concerned. I have always been a bit of a tech junky but I think being able to know to the mg what is going in will set my mind at ease. I often feel like I am flying blind with the reactor set up and hoping that things are working out.