Calcium reactor or doser

willybub

willybub

New member
I am wondering what one would be a better choice. I'm hearing that a calcium reactor is like an old computer and a doser is the way to go. Would this be accurate?

Is there benefits to one particular system?

I currently have a calcium reactor and am leaning towards a doser because I like the idea of not adding c02 to the tank.

Can I get some input on the benefits and cons of both systems and what you prefer?

Thanks
 
What about Kalk reactors? Should those be thrown in for debate? I've ever run any, so interested in responses. Currently manually drip dose but assume my needs will grow as corals do.
 
There're about 852 links on that page.

But I did do a board search and it seems to be a religious argument about this, so ... hmm..
 
I can't speak on the calcium reactor, but I just recently setup a pair of dosers from bulkreefsupply and I couldn't be happier with the setup. I just used the plastic containers that they ship their dry mix in and drilled a hole in the center. I'm using their digital timer to dose alk 4 different times a day and the calcium on a mechanical timer once a day. My parameters have been extremely consistent and my SPS are finally enjoying some much needed stability. I like how little space this setup requires and the ease in adjusting my dosing amounts.

The only possible negative would be how much it would cost to run this setup on a larger tank with several SPS colonies. I only dose 15ml a day with a few small colonies to maintain about 9dkh and 430ppm calcium. I could imagine you would blast through a gallon mix pretty easily dosing 80ml+ daily.

Picture of the tank which I'm dosing. 24" x 24" x 14".
DSC07256.jpg
 
Squidmotron said:
There're about 852 links on that page.

But I did do a board search and it seems to be a religious argument about this, so ... hmm..
Click to expand...
Stick to the scientific arguments. Bookmark the page. Re-read articles when necessary. In order for me to keep up with alk and Ca demand in my personal aquarium I have to use a combination of calcium reactor, kalkwasser and two part dosing.
It's widely acknowledged that aquariums larger than 180 gallons containing calcifying organisms are most cost effectively supplemented with Ca/alk by use of a calcium reactor but smaller aquaria can benefit as well.
 
They are really just two different methods with pros and cons for each.

Reactors are more cost effective in the long run but cost a considerable amount up front. They take a while to dial in right but once it's done you don't need to do much till you need to refill. They are great for big tanks because they are much cheaper than chemicals for dosers. With their sensitivity on small tanks it's easier to have accidental alk swings.

Dosers are simple to set up, you just need to adjust the timer and it adjusts the dosing rate. Great for small tanks because they can be smaller in size than a reactor and easier to adjust and prevent alk swings. The cost of chemicals adds up on a big tank or a tank with very high demands.
 
I am looking at calcium reactors for my 200. Any recommendations?

Is the pH controller absolutely necessary? I'm taking it you test the pH a lot.
 
I run a Geo 818 reactor on a 400 SPS propagation system and I really like it. Look at Geo for sure. I would highly recommend that you get a PH controller to run a reactor.
 
DO NOT run a calcium reactor without a pH controller!
(How can I stress this enough?)

Better yet... get an aquarium controller. For around the same price as just a pH controller an AQUARIUM controller will handle MUCH MORE than just pH.

Calcium reactor is expensive up front but I can't tell you how nice it is!

I went for years dosing two parts and kalk... what a PITA.
 
Gary Majchrzak said:
DO NOT run a calcium reactor without a pH controller!
(How can I stress this enough?)

Better yet... get an aquarium controller. For around the same price as just a pH controller an AQUARIUM controller will handle MUCH MORE than just pH.

Calcium reactor is expensive up front but I can't tell you how nice it is!

I went for years dosing two parts and kalk... what a PITA.
Click to expand...

I am currently dosing two part (manually) and kalk. I hate it. I hate both, actually, if I'm honest.

I was initially a bit scared of the idea of a calcium reactor because it sounded technical (I'm like... CO2 canisters... ph Controller.. really? )


I'm looking at the Geo 612 reactor package that comes with the pH controller and everything necessarily. I read through the manual and it seems actually fairly simple.

It is rated for 300 gallons, so I'm assuming that's sufficient for 200 gallons. Maybe these things are as "off" in the ratings as protein skimmers seem to be.
 
I have been using 2 part and kalk in the past. I have just switched to a Calcium reactor and so far so good. Once it is in use for a few weeks I should have a better idea if it is better or worse.
 
I have been runnin my calcium reacto for about 2 years and I have never had it run with a ph probe. I test alk and adjust when needed. It drips 24/7.

I think I'm goin to strart dosing fauna marin ultra organic and see how the corals respond. This will be manual dosing because I do not own a dosser yet. Some day I would like to get the vertex doser...some day...
 
willybub said:
I have been runnin my calcium reacto for about 2 years and I have never had it run with a ph probe. I test alk and adjust when needed. It drips 24/7.

I think I'm goin to strart dosing fauna marin ultra organic and see how the corals respond. This will be manual dosing because I do not own a dosser yet. Some day I would like to get the vertex doser...some day...
Click to expand...

Im glad running it without a controller has worked for you however, I can not recommend anyone run one without one. Its just asking disaster. And with them only costing as little as 125.00 why risk 1,000's of dollars in live stock
 
fishyguy7 said:
Im glad running it without a controller has worked for you however, I can not recommend anyone run one without one. Its just asking disaster. And with them only costing as little as 125.00 why risk 1,000's of dollars in live stock
Click to expand...

A controller just makes them so much easier to use. If it is your first time with a calcium reactor, it is almost a must. I am sure it takes a lot more time to dial it in without one.
 
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