Reeferon
New member
I am looking into getting the Shuran Pico Reactor, but I haven't heard anything about them.
Any info?
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=748
Any info?
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=748
Best CaRx for 40 gallon SPS tank?
- Thread starter Reeferon
- Start date
MrKite24
New member
I agree. 2 part is more than enough. On my 40 breeder I only have to dose 30mL/day of Ca and 8mL/day of Alk. Just hook it up to a doser and you'll be set.
There are a lot of problems you could have with a Ca Reactor on a tank that small.
MrKite24
New member
You would probably have to dose kalk along with the CaRx because the pH would drop so much that you wouldn't get enough calcium in the system. Even with a pH controller the reactor would be off too long to get enough calcium. I'd say if you have to dose kalk anyway, then why not just use a dosing system for calc and alk instead of a reactor? With the cost of supplements from BRS it probably would be equal in cost anyways.
Reeferon
New member
glennr1978
New member
I don't think anyone is trying to tell you that you can't use a ca rx, but that it's really not the most sensible option. Not only would dosing pumps be more suitable financially (especially since you already have a controller), but as previously mentioned they are a much safer, and allow you to keep a more stable system.
Reeferon
New member
In long term costs, a CaRx would be cheapest.
Initial costs a couple dosers would definitely be the cheapest.
So you can't really say that dosing pumps would be cheaper; it all depends on how long the set up will be in place.
I would say if the set up is going to be in place for 3+years, then the CaRx would end up being the cheapest.
Initial costs a couple dosers would definitely be the cheapest.
So you can't really say that dosing pumps would be cheaper; it all depends on how long the set up will be in place.
I would say if the set up is going to be in place for 3+years, then the CaRx would end up being the cheapest.
dan223
Custom User Title
Haa, this thread is funny, you ask for a recommendation on a reactor and others are turning it into whether or not you should use a cal rx or dosing pumps:lol2:. They may have a point and some speak from experience but those will vary. experiences more specific to your question of which reactor to use on a small reef that will be stable. Links to other sites not allowed~dcThat said I love my dosing pumps, the amount of money put into calcium chloride and baking soda is irrelevant to all the other expenses of the reef.
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prodman
Active member
Sorry for trying to help
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cthedaytrader
Active member
Hey Reeferon,
I have a 20G Long with 15G sump pakced with sps,
I added a Geo Ca reactor 612, although I love the reactor I have to say it was a pain to dial in on a tank my size, I had to dial it back to just a drip and even then I only run the reactor 4 hours in the evening and 3 hours in the morning, any more than that and my alk gets too high.,
I also use a Geo Kalk reactor which helps maintin my pH, without the Kalk reactor the Ca reactor drops my PH too much.
With that said once I had it dialed in I got great growth in my tank, but looking back a two part dosing system would have been much easier to dial in and stable on a tank my size.
I have a 20G Long with 15G sump pakced with sps,
I added a Geo Ca reactor 612, although I love the reactor I have to say it was a pain to dial in on a tank my size, I had to dial it back to just a drip and even then I only run the reactor 4 hours in the evening and 3 hours in the morning, any more than that and my alk gets too high.,
I also use a Geo Kalk reactor which helps maintin my pH, without the Kalk reactor the Ca reactor drops my PH too much.
With that said once I had it dialed in I got great growth in my tank, but looking back a two part dosing system would have been much easier to dial in and stable on a tank my size.
cthedaytrader
Active member
Sorry with that added that pico reacot may not have all of the problems I had since it is designed for a smaller tank and the 612 can handle a much bigger tank, but I always had upgrade in mind lol and I just got my 75G starphire rimless 
psykobowler
New member
I've done this before in a 40 breeder With a 20 gallon sump using an octopus cr70 calcium reactor. If you add a second chamber and/or drop your effluent directly in the refugium your ph would not suffer.
Ian
I <3 Corals!
People just want to see you be successful with your reef. Most Calcium reactors are designed to be used in large tanks because large tanks have a higher cal/alk intake as well as the fact most smaller tanks are better off dosing 2 part, whether it's manually or with a doser. It'll bevery tough to get your Carx dialed in, no matter which one you decide on, with 40 gallons of water volume.
If I start a thread asking which Bubble King is best for my 50 gallon aquarium, do you think people will suggest a specific BK or do you think they'll suggest a skimmer that fits the application?
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mr.maroonsalty
New member
Where do you come up with those numbers :fun5: How do you have any idea what this person's tank is using???
Looks to me only one small tank person answering here has ever used one and they like it. I would love having a CaRx on my tank, just always have items higher on my wants/needs list.
edit: ic
"With that said once I had it dialed in I got great growth in my tank, but looking back a two part dosing system would have been much easier to dial in and stable on a tank my size. "
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