Calcium/Alkalinity questions.

[hansnfrans]

I've noticed that ALOT of reefers here use Ca Reactors. I have a 29 gallon reef and I wouldn't mind using one, but I don't want to have to pay for the whole CO2 setup.

I have a Kent Kalkwasser doser that I am going to hook up within the next week. Does this take care of the Ca levels or just the Alkalinity.

What about dosing that 2 part, B-ionic stuff? I have heard of dosers for for this, but is there a way to make a DIY doser for this? I don't wanna have to remember to dose it everyday.

 

[PSam]

You can DIY dose with a couple 2 liter bottles and air pumps w/ check valves on timers. I use ESV's 2part and swear by it. ESV's product does a great job by itself at maintaining my levels, though I do dose kalk ocassionally.

 

[hansnfrans]

So instead of a Ca reactor, I can just use a Kalk doser in combination with B-ionic?

Anyone have any links to a doser that is somewhat professional looking? I know that it shouldn't matter what the doser looks like, but for some reason I can't bring myself to use the 2 Liter bottles.

Psam- any details on your doser? Maybe I could just use Clear Acrylic Tubing DIY containers in place of the 2 liter bottles.

 

[PSam]

The 2 liter was an example. You can use whatever you want, I'm sure. I will find you the link, I think it was on OZ reef. You can DIY your own Ca reactor too. He's got pretty good ideas. Lemme find that link...

Here's the one ESV sells:

Very basic: displace liquid with air! Should be easy enough to DIY.

As for the DIY link,,, no dice. Can't find it.

 

[hansnfrans]

Thanks for posting that picture Psam. I didn't even know that the company made dosers for the B-ionic. This pic will be very helpful.

 

[rickyb]

It a 29G you may be able to supplement with water changes. A few sps will not deplete the calcium rapidly. Do some testing and you will know for sure.

 

[hansnfrans]

Ricky- I only keep LPS and Softies right now. Won't be ready for SPS until I move to a bigger tank. Too worried about the limited space in the 29.

Are ca/alk levels less important in a LPS/Softy tank than in an SPS tank?

 

[rickyb]

Far as I know, softies will not require as much calcium as the stony corals. Calcium depletion is dependant on the load you are keeping, the best way to really know is to do some testing and see how much you need to put back in a weeks time. Some salts have more calcium then others, pick the right one for you.