Calcium Reactor or Dose

[kdblove_99]

I currently 2 part dose.

Wondering who has done both and what your experience is and what you prefer and why?

I have been reading a lot of Calcium reactors and they seem to be a pretty nice piece of equipment.


Thanks,

Davey

 

[kevin95695]

I used to dose dKh buffer and Calcium granules. Had to test often, and even still, was a little tricky and would find myself getting behind from time to time.

I don't have a reactor, but I mix a weakish kalkwasser solution (plus vinegar) and dose by using it as my top-off.

My numbers have been strong like bull ever since and it is less fuss.

 

[maxdout]

i been using the bionic 2 part. worked like a champ, plenty of pink coraline algae, sps growth was decent too. i switched to the calc reactor and will let you konw how that goes. from what i've seen, its easier with a calc reactor if you have a bigger tank.

 

[schrun209]

Save yourself time and money (in the long term) get a calcium reactor. When I get back in I think I'm going to invest in a Geo, Korallin is what I was running and I liked them too.

 

[kdblove_99]

yeah the GEO 612 package deal at PA is what i was looking at

 

[Jim_S]

What about the Aqua C? I've got my eye on that badboy now

 

[kdblove_99]

I'm Not a fan of Aqua C products. I would much rather have a GEO

 

[Jim_S]

Thats cool.

I like the looks because it holds more media, and you don't need to unscrew all the little white screws to get in.

I'm either getting the geo or the aqua c. I've also heard that the percision marine was a good unit too.

 

[jtarmitage]

The Aqua-C looks nice, but I'll stick with my dual chamber AO beast! Takes up more floor space, but I'm a fan of the dual chamber designs.

 

[kdblove_99]

yeah, I was looking at alot of the Tank of the Months really quick and seems like alot of people use Deltec or DIY/Custom. BUt still have alot of back issues to look through

 

[Unarce]

I've heard that Geo CaX are the easiest to set-up. The new AquaC models are pretty sweet. I believe Marko9 has one.

 

[jtarmitage]

The fact is that with dosing, you have to do it religiously, and too many people get out of the habit, which results in CA/Alk swings. With a reactor, once you get it dialed in, the only thing you need to do is periodic tests to be sure the levels stay where you want them, and account for any increases as needed by growing corals. I dosed for 14 years, and finally installed the reactor that was bought for my 250. I've got a kalk reactor as well, but haven't put that on the system yet as it just came out of the storage pod.

 

[kdblove_99]

What do Karl and Tim use?

 

[Nuuze]

I'm using the GEO 612 currently kdblove_99. So far so good, built solid. Still need to fine tune it once my new tank settles. I decided GEO calcium reactor since I also have the GEO kalk reactor without any problems. I hear good things with the dual chamber units too if you have the room.

I also dosed two part for about a year. For smaller tanks I say you're okay if you have the time to dose everyday. I dosed one part in the morning and the other at night. Not sure if I want to dose on a large tank though. Also two part always clogged up my pumps where I had to give it vineger bath every 3 months or flow would be reduced.

If you do decide to get the 612 kit from Jason @ PA, PM or email him for special kit pricing.

 

[jtarmitage]

Tim uses a Barr Aquatic, which is now made by AO(Austin Oceans), not sure about Karl.

 

[Unarce]

I'll probably be a lifetime doser

I missed my window to switch to a CaX. I bought a large one for my current system, but never got around to setting it up. After everything had grown out, I was too chicken to switch and risk losing everything, since it would have been my first time.

 

[Nuuze]

I know what you mean Karl! I been keeping a close eye on my Alk for several weeks now being a noob to calcium reactors. Testing Alk morning and night in case of any user error. :worried:

From what I hear and read, you just have to find the BPM/effluent for your tank. Not sure if there are any real BPM/effluent settings written anywhere.

 

[D&KSac]

I dose 2 part from bulk reef supply with a litermeter III and i love it. I set the base line value of how much to dose when i first put corals in the tank. It is so easy to maintain my lvls if my CA or KH has dropped a hair or is a bit to high i just hit a button and adjust my daily dose. Along with mixing a gallon jug up when i need it to me that just doesnt get any easier. Just stash the jugs under the stand and it doses into my sump. I love it. Im not the type that likes to constanly be fiddling with stuff though. If you like that sorta thing i hear a reactor is the way to go. Just my $.02.

 

[mpoletti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12328700#post12328700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Unarce
I've heard that Geo CaX are the easiest to set-up. The new AquaC models are pretty sweet. I believe Marko9 has one.

I had a geo and a PM. The new aquaC is hands down my favorite reactor for a single chamber reactor. I turned it on and the tank was at 8. I made two tunings over the next 24 hours and my tank has been stable at 9 for 3 weeks since. I will never mess around with plastic screws again.

This is a new product so the jury is still out, but when Greg Carroll was originally discussing this product with me, I was confident that this would handle my needs as it can hit a dkh of 65+, which rivals Deltec and schuran; and they set the bar in the reactor field.

I think the AquaC CA reactors are on a different playing field than the aquaC skimmers.

For a single chamber reactor, I am very happy with the ease of set up, the screw on lid and the fact that I loaded it with 8lbs of media.

 

[jtarmitage]

I've only got a measely 22lbs in mine.
I would also agree that the Aqua-C calcium reactor looks very nice, and if I had seen it before I bought mine, and decided to go single chamber, that's the choice I would have made.