Calcium Reactors vs 2 part??
- Thread starter AquamanE
- Start date
dadummy
Active member
Don't know which is better, never ran a ca reactor or dosing pump for that matter. I manually dose two part. Have heard to many bad stories of things going wrong with both.
However after reading these two threads, I am going to set up a ca reactor . I have most of the components, then the inevitable happened. I ran out of money, once again.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771&highlight=build+your+own+regulator
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2368618
However after reading these two threads, I am going to set up a ca reactor . I have most of the components, then the inevitable happened. I ran out of money, once again.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2461771&highlight=build+your+own+regulator
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2368618
JoeDaReefer
In Memoriam
I have a Maxima Clam and other Mg/Ca demanding SPS corals, and find that two part is enough.
However I don't test for anything, including Mg, Alk, Ca, PH, etc. I am planning on buying my first test kit this weekend at Exotic Aquariums since they have a sale, so that will be fun!
I wonder what my parameters will be with 2+ years of just bi-weekly water changes and two part! Cool, no?
However I don't test for anything, including Mg, Alk, Ca, PH, etc. I am planning on buying my first test kit this weekend at Exotic Aquariums since they have a sale, so that will be fun!
I wonder what my parameters will be with 2+ years of just bi-weekly water changes and two part! Cool, no?
nivram
New member
The biggest negative I've seen with the CaRx is the effluent line or valve getting clogged. Running it with the peristaltic pump overcomes this issue.
I will say that my ph has never been as high dosing two part versus running reactor. I also like the idea of dissolving coral skeleton (reborn media) into the water.
Eddie if you are going to go CaRx, also look into the aquarium plants Carbondoser.
Uncle Luke
Active member
You nailed it. For a smaller tank, dosing is the way to go. Larger tanks with high ALK CA requirements are easier with a reactor. I use a Geo with a AP Regulator and Masterflex Peri Pump. Rock solid.
AquamanE
Active member
Marvin- How does running a peristalsic pump overcome a a valve or effluent line getting clogged?
and yes, ive seen the AP carbondoser, it looks awesome, but MAN...$$$$$$
AquamanE
Active member
DoogyDoc- sure Kalk is fine since it doses both ALK/Ca equally, but at some point demmand on SPS tanks exceed its capability with just ATO additions.
AquamanE
Active member
HTML:
That would be constant, and gate valves (unlike Ballvalves) allow fine tuning. Just a though, I dont know either.
Aquamane, I use 2 part for my sps dominated 210 plus 29 gallon frag tank, I dose 100ml of each per day. I do 30 gallon water changes weekly. I have done it for over 3 years. I used a bubble magus doser and now use a jeboa dp4 that I check monthly for calibration. I only fill 2liter container to avoid issues if it get stuck on the on position. I also top off with Kalk. 4 gallon esv last me 5 months at $90 per refill. So about $200 per year. It's very true about keeping an eye on SG. It builds up fast.
I am planning an upgrade to 400+ and will have to switch to a reactor in near future.
I am planning an upgrade to 400+ and will have to switch to a reactor in near future.
AquamanE
Active member
How is that different than with a peristalsic pump? if pressure in the reactor changes even a peristalsic pump will need adjusting.
AquamanE
Active member
Thanks BigZman- I already dose 2 part and Kalk. Im trying to improve (hopefully) with a CaRx, if it is indeed a improvement.
rovster
New member
Dadummy is correct. As the pump gums up over time or whatever else your feeding with it changes the pressure may change. The consensus is you want as good a regulator as you can get your hands on or a peristaltic. The whole purpose of the Rx is to set it and forget it and eliminating all variables is key in being able to achieve that.
nivram
New member
Calcium Reactors vs 2 part??
Rogger can probably give you much better info around the valves. He's probably the person I know that's run a calcium reactor the longest. But in my short time using the reactor, I always have to open the valve to clear the effluent after some time. I'll set the effluent to a slight stream and notice it slow down to a drip over time.
With the peristaltic pump (you can even use a stenner) you avoid using a valve on the end and the pump is used to "dose" the effluent like Rovster mentioned. I'll try to find the thread where people are using this method. It basically works similar to how you'd use a mall reactor. You are pumping water into the reactor. The volume and rate you pump in gets pumped out.
Rogger can probably give you much better info around the valves. He's probably the person I know that's run a calcium reactor the longest. But in my short time using the reactor, I always have to open the valve to clear the effluent after some time. I'll set the effluent to a slight stream and notice it slow down to a drip over time.
With the peristaltic pump (you can even use a stenner) you avoid using a valve on the end and the pump is used to "dose" the effluent like Rovster mentioned. I'll try to find the thread where people are using this method. It basically works similar to how you'd use a mall reactor. You are pumping water into the reactor. The volume and rate you pump in gets pumped out.
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