Do you use a calcium reactor?

[iaJim]

If so, which one? Can you tell that it makes a difference in coral growth?

 

[PotRoast]

I use the MRC CR-2 (my reef creations)

Yes, I can tell that it makes a difference.

Not sure what else to tell you. I like my overall system as automated as possible, and a ca reactor really contributes to this.

 

[jbrunken]

Not yet, but hopefully soon when the budget allows.

 

[slovan]

I have used several but I wouldn't attribute a lot success to the reactor. If anything, it kept it stable and that probably did more for it than anything else. You could also keep it stable by dosing two-part or some other method. All you really need to know is your daily alkalinity consumption.

For a 58 gallon tank, it might not be cost-effective to use one. But then again, I cannot tell you how to spend your money.

 

[iaJim]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13918532#post13918532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slovan
I have used several but I wouldn't attribute a lot success to the reactor. If anything, it kept it stable and that probably did more for it than anything else. You could also keep it stable by dosing two-part or some other method. All you really need to know is your daily alkalinity consumption.

For a 58 gallon tank, it might not be cost-effective to use one. But then again, I cannot tell you how to spend your money.

That's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!

 

[PotRoast]

slovan,

how long does it take to get 3767 posts?

wow.

 

[iaJim]

Looks like five years......

 

[PotRoast]

ha ha. I see that now.

 

[phishcrazee]

I use limewater and vinegar for my top-off water on a 75g, the reservoir is about 20g. Seems to work fine, but it did take some tweaking to find the right amounts of each to add and when to add to keep things stable. Much cheaper than a Ca reactor, if you want to try it.

 

[iaJim]

What's your recipe for the limewater and vinegar mixture?

 

[phishcrazee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13920842#post13920842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by iaJim
What's your recipe for the limewater and vinegar mixture?

Approx. 20g of RODI water, then add 1C. Mrs. Wages Pickling lime and 1C. of white distilled vinegar, mix and let sit several hours.

I also have the pump raised above the bottom crud about 2" so it won't pump that stuff into the tank. Also, I have a tight fitting lid on the reservoir. It all lasts 10 days before I have to refill it.

You might want to read some info about it....... there are several articles in the reef chemistry section by Randy Holmes-Farley that are good.

Scroll down to the Limewater section.........

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605

 

[iaJim]

Thanks for the info! I'll take a look at that article.

 

[billbigsbe1]

Havent used a reactor, but I use a Midwest Aquatics Sulfur Denitrator. It removes the nitrates w/sulfur and releases Co2 which runs through some calcium bicarb/reactor media. Keeping my calcium @450ppm. Pretty easy w/no Co2 tank or bubble counters yet! Dave

 

[phishcrazee]

Just be careful.... my recipe works for my particular tank with a particular mix of coral; each tank will likely be different. Make sure to test pH, alk and calcium often when starting to dose with limewater.

Another good article in the same section:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

 

[Atticus]

I own a very nice never used Korralin reactor. As for effects on my tank, none. It sure does look cool though and I am sure my tank will benefit from increased stability when I finally plumb it in.