surfjeepzx
New member
Like you I also looked into many of the choices out there and decided to keep it simple. When I had my 40 gallon reef tank I used a 5 gallon bucket of RO with the KW mixed in tied to a float switch in the sump. It lasted for about a week.
Then I got my 135 and started looking at all the high dollar stuff to make it more automated. Eventually I just settled on the same system I used in my 40 but with a few upgrades. I now have an RO unit supplying the sump refill bucket where I add the KW manually. I still use a float switch. The only thing that has changed now is I have a lot of acros and the CA & ALk levels are more important.
Even with the KW added via a refill bucket that I keep adding KW into, I still have to supplement with Randy's 2 part. The Acros are growing well and I really like the simplicity of the set-up.
Baking soda is cheap and easy to prep for the Alk. I bought a 50 lb bag of calcium from a pool supply house for $13 that will last for years at the rate I'm adding it.
I don't care how simple or difficult or automated or anything else you want to call it. The nature of a saltwater reef demands constant vigilance over the water parameters and by the nature of the oversight you should be checking levels frequently.
Even if you employ a CR you'll still be checking CA levels, ALK, & PH as your basics.
Then I got my 135 and started looking at all the high dollar stuff to make it more automated. Eventually I just settled on the same system I used in my 40 but with a few upgrades. I now have an RO unit supplying the sump refill bucket where I add the KW manually. I still use a float switch. The only thing that has changed now is I have a lot of acros and the CA & ALk levels are more important.
Even with the KW added via a refill bucket that I keep adding KW into, I still have to supplement with Randy's 2 part. The Acros are growing well and I really like the simplicity of the set-up.
Baking soda is cheap and easy to prep for the Alk. I bought a 50 lb bag of calcium from a pool supply house for $13 that will last for years at the rate I'm adding it.
I don't care how simple or difficult or automated or anything else you want to call it. The nature of a saltwater reef demands constant vigilance over the water parameters and by the nature of the oversight you should be checking levels frequently.
Even if you employ a CR you'll still be checking CA levels, ALK, & PH as your basics.
