Calcium Reactor vs Two-Part Dosing

[BassandReef]

My calcium reactor is really frustrating me. :headwally: Once I get the bubble count right. The unit stops outputting bubbles after the solenoid cuts the gas on after it has been off. I tried using the instructions from the Milwalkee web site, mine looks like a Milwalkee, but leaving the needle valve all the way open only gives me two options. No gas via the large knob, or way to much. I can't even get close to a slow bubble rate with the large knob. I have to manually start te gas going every day.

So I figure that I have a bad regulator. But I want to know if anyone prefers the two part DIY method over the calcium reactor. A two part pump will cost me the same as a new regulator. (or less if I sell my reactor) So I wonder if a two part dosing solution is better seeing that I will have more control over my alk.

What do you guys think?

 

[OneReef]

Where do you live? I can come over today and check it out for you if that might help... I'm no expert by any means but Ive been running one successfully for years.

 

[BassandReef]

Thanks Jay. I sent you a PM.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Sounds like you got a bad regulator,mine did the same thing.I had to buy a new one.

 

[coondog]

Just ordered my bubble magus automatic doser from memfish yesterday. Asking around and on internet, calcium reactor vs doser is a matter of personal preference. Seems as though it is really what you are comfortable with. There are pros and cons of both units. Reactor is dealing with ph issues. Dosing is dealing with keeping chemicals stirred or shaken and keeping chemicals stocked.

 

[BassandReef]

Jay came by today and found my problem(s). I had taken the check valve off of the system. I thiught it was clogged Also I had I had salt water in the bubble counter. After Jay clened everything out, setting bubble count is easy now. Thanks again Jay for coming by!! My effluent drip was too fast as well.

I am keeping the reactor.:celeb2:

 

[OneReef]

A quick reactor tune up, all for the low low price of one banana....

 

[nck1992]

Only one banana? It's really cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should buy an old calcium reactor to get Jay's cheap tune up service or carlii's.

 

[BassandReef]

I offered him a grape but he wouldn't accept it.

 

[neuroslicer]

Yup, I prefer the dosing. Add it every morning and forget it. Mix up 4 gallons of part A and part B each time and that lasts for about 6 weeks. Don't have to worry about the technology or the problems that come with dosing. I buy laboratory grade calcium chloride in 50 lb bags and that lasts quite a long time! get my magnesium chloride the same way. The other ingredients (baking soda and epsom salts.... magnesium sulfate) I get at Kroger's or Walgreens.

glad to see you're back up and running.

 

[OneReef]

Yup, I prefer the dosing. Add it every morning and forget it. Mix up 4 gallons of part A and part B each time and that lasts for about 6 weeks. Don't have to worry about the technology or the problems that come with dosing. I buy laboratory grade calcium chloride in 50 lb bags and that lasts quite a long time! get my magnesium chloride the same way. The other ingredients (baking soda and epsom salts.... magnesium sulfate) I get at Kroger's or Walgreens.

glad to see you're back up and running.

I was just thinking to myself that there is no way I would want to have to add that every morning, when a reactor does it all for you. But then I realized I have to feed everyday, and add aminos or OysterFeast everyday, so what's adding a little ca and alk....... Not much difference when I think of it that way....ha. But I still like my reactor, and I already own all the gear. I had taken mine offline for a few weeks since I had no coral left. But now that I just had an order of SPS come in, I'll be hooking it back up.

 

[Logiq]

hey so where can I get a bag of that calcium chloride from

 

[neuroslicer]

PMed you.