Doser vs Calcium Reactor

[gig]

There's no way you need a calcium reactor, and dosers may even be unnecessary. Manual dosing once or twice a week or just weekly water changes may be enough for your livestock.

agree, I never needed a CR on my 180 until the SPS hit a critical mass in growth (i.e. went from mostly frags to small or large colonies), then my alk/calc would get used up quickly and the Kalk drip and dosing was not keeping up anymore. I had a constant fight to keep my Alk above 8

 

[bryman]

I know what you mean Gig. My 90G mostly SPS was taking about 135ml each component per day and still not keeping up!

 

[gig]

I had my PM Kalk reactor on a solid drip, would change out the Kalk powder every 2-3 weeks and I would still need to add super buffer every 3-4 days to keep my Alk in line and I also do 15% water changes every two weeks. Changing out the Kalk every time was such a pain in the A.

 

[jfuka78]

I woould agree, no need for what you have. But if you want one or have a great deal on one then jump. I LUV my geo 818

 

[chrisneill1987]

dosing pumps more control IMO

 

[latinreefer]

Calcium Reactor !!

 

[bartek101]

Calcium Reactor !!

Agree. Calcium reactor is way to go for sps tanks

 

[BrentH]

I'm ready for a cr but I'm a little scared ... Im currently dosing 400ml a day on my 220 Gallon sps and its a little rediculous .... Are cr that difficult to dial in compared to dosers? I'm in the process of a 500 gallon sps tank and I'm thinking a dosing pump wouldn't even come close to being able to keep up on that once it gets going

 

[steve1986]

Subscribed cause I'm in the process of making a decision also.

 

[Edward Smith]

I have one for sale if you need one. Just let me know

 

[steve1986]

Pm sent Ed

 

[acasp4]

I feel like a I doser will be more consistent over a period of time because your putting in a concentrated solution and you just have to refill the containers when they get low.. A reactor has more variables like Co2, the media, ph, flow ect. That you have to maintain to work properly and accurately. Just my opinion.

 

[ct_vol]

You have to maintain and adjust both Calcium Reactors and Two Part. You get things dialed in perfect, your corals grow increasing consumption. You adjust. It's not all that different in that regard.

 

[dattong]

Using CR is easy. I've been running it for two years with no problem. I only have to refill once a year (depends how big your Reactor is). The key is you've gotta get a co2 controller. Never run CR without a controller. Set the pH from 6.5-6.9 range and adjust the effluent based on your tank need. I run mine at pH 6.5. Just get one you'll see how hassle free it is. I was worried at first too, but really it's not difficult at all.