Can somebody convince me to use my Calcium Reactor?

[hansnfrans]

I have a full Calcium Reactor setup (minus PH Controller) sitting here and I really don't know if I should use it or not. Can anyone provide a convincing argument on behalf of Calcium Reactors??

I figure, if Rod can run his system on Kalkwasser, why can't I?

Right now, my Calcium Reactor just appears to be yet another unnecessary piece of equipment to worry about.

BTW: The tank that this is/was intended for is a 120gal mixed reef (1/3 SPS, 1/3 LPS, and 1/3 Softy).

Thanks,
Garen

 

[NewSchool04]

Why even think about it if you can keep up with Kalk? If anything keep it in the closet till you think you need it.
What brand reactor do you have?

 

[reefkeeperrut]

you can maintain Magnesium levels with your Calcium Reactor with a cup of Dolomite on top of the media; 1 thing the Kalk can't do. Much less maintenance as well.

Why not run them both with the Kalk reactor only going at night to maintain pH?

 

[hansnfrans]

NewSchool04 - It is a DIY that was made by Highlander, it has a secondary chamber and was used on a 300gal SPS system w/out a problem. I am thinking about selling it so that I can get a LiterMeter III to dose my Kalk.

reefkeeperrut - I was thinking of dosing B-ionic's Magnesium Supplement to maintain Mag levels instead. The reason that I am not crazy about running both is because I am going to be away at school and will only be able to check on the tank once a week and I figured that a Ca+ Reactor would just be another piece of equipment to worry about malfunctioning.

 

[hansnfrans]

reefkeeperrut - How do you figure that this "extra" piece of equipment will reduce maintenence? I am curious b/c that is my main goal here. Thanks.

 

[NewSchool04]

Wow, that LiterMeter III is expensive. I use the Nautilus II, works great for dosing Kalk water to the sump to make up for evaporation.
http://www.innovativeaquatics.com/

 

[hansnfrans]

Thanks for the link Pat. I am not totally sold on the LM3 yet. I just want something that is very reliable. I was going to get a Reef Filler, but I hear that they are extremely noisy, so I scratched that. Is your Nautilus quiet?

 

[Sullyman]

Once you set up the reactor and it's set, checking it once a week will be fine. I'm not trying to convince you, you've got to make that decision based on the needs of your tank.
From what you're describing, though, I don't think you need it, now. If you start going more sps, then I'd set it up.

 

[NewSchool04]

Yeah Garen, it's pretty quiet. I have mine on my window sill in my bedroom and hardly notice it.

 

[reefkeeperrut]

I don't know that both the Kalk reactor and calcium reactor would reduce maintenance. IMO the calcium reactor requires less maintenance than the Kalk reactor though. The Nautilus pump mentioned above is a very good rotary peristaltic pump typically adjustable to around 5 g/day which is more than enough for most systems.

Also I've seen Highlanders old DIY calcium reactor in person and can tell you the design and craftsmanship are top notch.

Dosing supplements is fine however maintaining calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels is much easier with a reactor IME.

HTH.

 

[reefkeeperrut]

btw - check e-bay for Nautilus looking pumps. From my understanding the owner of the company sells the Nautilus series on e-bay for much less than what you will see listed at Marine Depot or Premium Aquatics. On e-bay however they go by different names but look pretty much identical.

 

[hansnfrans]

Thanks for the tips on the Nautilus Pumps guys, I'll definately look into those. As for the Calcium Reactor, I guess that I'll just keep it in storage and see how things go with the tank over the next year, and then make my decision on whether to use it or not. Thanks.