GHL Dosing Pump vs. Calcium Reactor

[GardenVariety]

I'm currently in the process of setting up 200 Gallon LPS (no SPS) tank. I haven't done a reef in 5 years. Given my situation, I'd like some opinions on which way to go. I don't care about saving money. I'm also looking into the possibility of controllers but would only want one that is extremely reliable. Any help is appreciated.

 

[solitude127]

any plans for SPS in the future? If so and money were no object and you want to do it right the first time, I'd go with CaRx. Get a nice dual stage regulator with a quality needle valve with a proven CaRx and you'll be set.

 

[Potatohead]

Just made this decision a few months ago and went with a dosing pump - But truthfully I wanted to go reactor but I decided against it because I don't have (nor really want) a controller.

So, to set up a reactor the way I would have felt comfortable I would have needed two PH controllers (or one controller and one monitor), plus obviously a quality valve, masterflex pump, recirculating pump, CO2 tank, etc. With my GHL doser, I just needed the doser and an iPhone. Also I have a lot more room in my stand and sump this way.

 

[gcarroll]

any plans for SPS in the future? If so and money were no object and you want to do it right the first time, I'd go with CaRx. Get a nice dual stage regulator with a quality needle valve with a proven CaRx and you'll be set.

Agree 100% with Mike here. Trying to dose a fully stocked tank of that size can be laborious. Work smarter not harder!

 

[Potatohead]

Also I tend to agree on a large tank like that with SPS you can eventually go through a ton of dosing salts.

 

[gcarroll]

So, to set up a reactor the way I would have felt comfortable I would have needed two PH controllers (or one controller and one monitor), plus obviously a quality valve, masterflex pump, recirculating pump, CO2 tank, etc. With my GHL doser, I just needed the doser and an iPhone. Also I have a lot more room in my stand and sump this way.

I can tell you that set up is way overkill. I used a maxijet feed pump, cheap aquatic life regulator, and never had an issue. In fact, I never even used a ph controller as I was patient enough to take the time and learn how do without. I can even show you a Tank of the Month that was run that way. Too many people are overcomplicating their reefs these days.

Although now that I think of it, when I started running a calcium reactor 15 years ago, no one used a masterflex pump, or carbon doser regulators. Heck, few even used a ph controller. Amazing how we were able to keep things going without the basic tools like a smart phone!

 

[d2mini]

Just made this decision a few months ago and went with a dosing pump - But truthfully I wanted to go reactor but I decided against it because I don't have (nor really want) a controller.

You don't need a controller.
My CaRx ran 24/7. Just keep an eye on Alk like you normally would with any system.

 

[ca1ore]

It's a trick question - the obvious answer is BOTH

Although, I do actually have both. CaRx for regular levels maintenance and 2-part doing for times when levels dip and need to be raised.

 

[Potatohead]

I can tell you that set up is way overkill. I used a maxijet feed pump, cheap aquatic life regulator, and never had an issue. In fact, I never even used a ph controller as I was patient enough to take the time and learn how do without. I can even show you a Tank of the Month that was run that way. Too many people are overcomplicating their reefs these days.

Although now that I think of it, when I started running a calcium reactor 15 years ago, no one used a masterflex pump, or carbon doser regulators. Heck, few even used a ph controller. Amazing how we were able to keep things going without the basic tools like a smart phone!

That's cool. Notice how I said "to set up a reactor the way I would have felt comfortable." You can also take a rowboat to Hawaii, but I'd prefer to get there with a safer, more reliable method.

 

[GardenVariety]

any plans for SPS in the future? If so and money were no object and you want to do it right the first time, I'd go with CaRx. Get a nice dual stage regulator with a quality needle valve with a proven CaRx and you'll be set.

I probably will never go with SPS other then Monte's. What is the highest quality CaRx you are aware of? I'll have to start educating myself on their use.

Just made this decision a few months ago and went with a dosing pump - But truthfully I wanted to go reactor but I decided against it because I don't have (nor really want) a controller.

So, to set up a reactor the way I would have felt comfortable I would have needed two PH controllers (or one controller and one monitor), plus obviously a quality valve, masterflex pump, recirculating pump, CO2 tank, etc. With my GHL doser, I just needed the doser and an iPhone. Also I have a lot more room in my stand and sump this way.

This is what made me originally lean towards a dosing pump. It's been almost 10 years since I've used a reactor and I can't remember exactly what was involved. I need to do more research.

Agree 100% with Mike here. Trying to dose a fully stocked tank of that size can be laborious. Work smarter not harder!

I agree. I need to make the best use of my time. It all boils down to what can get the job done the easiest.

 

[ca1ore]

What is the highest quality CaRx you are aware of?

Geo, MRC, Lifereef all make good options. I've been using the MTC ProCal for almost 20 years. Some hi-end versions available too at exorbitant prices.

 

[GardenVariety]

Geo, MRC, Lifereef all make good options. I've been using the MTC ProCal for almost 20 years. Some hi-end versions available too at exorbitant prices.

Great. Thanks for the info.

 

[d2mini]

as far as build quality.... bill wann is killing it.
https://www.aquariumeng.com/products/calcium-reactors

 

[d2mini]

a safer, more reliable method.

Is it really, though?
Or are you just relying on more components that could possibly fail?

A steady constant drip 24/7 is not going to suddenly spike any parameters.
As long as you are routinely checking on things, the tank should remain very stable and any shift will be slow and easily caught before it becomes a problem.

 

[Potatohead]

Is it really, though?
Or are you just relying on more components that could possibly fail?

A steady constant drip 24/7 is not going to suddenly spike any parameters.
As long as you are routinely checking on things, the tank should remain very stable and any shift will be slow and easily caught before it becomes a problem.

I don't know, I don't really want to argue, your tank is a billion times nicer than mine .

I don't think I added any equipment, just listed better equipment, other than ph controller I guess. You need a feed and recirc pump either way, if your feed pump is not consistent your parameters are going to move around. Hence why I would prefer to use a peristaltic pump. You are probably right if you use a good valve you don't need a ph controller but for $150 or whatever, I'd rather have one. If I was going to do it I would want to set it up, adjust a couple times over the next few weeks, and then not touch it for six months. If I have to fiddle with it weekly because my feed pump is inconsistent or my drip valve is clogging or whatever, it's going to drive me nuts and why I just won't entertain that option. I just don't feel comfortable doing things what I feel are half way. That doesn't mean another way is wrong or inferior. It's the same reason I have a GHL doser and not a Jebao.

 

[d2mini]

haha, yeah I'm not looking to argue either... It was a serious question. I'm always open to trying new things or doing something differently.

And I agree with your points about good equipment that gets you consistent drip rates and such. I was one who went with the CP pump and a custom dual stage reg. It was the ph controller I was mainly speaking to. I've seen people using them all the time, I just always felt like it adds an element of complication. I'm all for automation and safeties, I just don't see the advantage in this particular case.

I'm currently dosing on my current tank, but will eventually be switching back to a CaRx as demand pics up. Was planning on setting it up the same way where it just runs 24/7.

 

[jda]

Any CaRx that is reverse flow with an Ehiem pump will do. Regulator is more important. Good check valve is also really important to keep your nice regulator from rusting up.

I have 20+ years on my same Korallin with no issues - original Ehiem pump. I am on my third regulator since 1992 (I think, maybe 1993).

I have never used a controller and never will. Simply no need and I don't care to change another diaper just to do it.

 

[GardenVariety]

I don't know, I don't really want to argue, your tank is a billion times nicer than mine .

I don't think I added any equipment, just listed better equipment, other than ph controller I guess. You need a feed and recirc pump either way, if your feed pump is not consistent your parameters are going to move around. Hence why I would prefer to use a peristaltic pump. You are probably right if you use a good valve you don't need a ph controller but for $150 or whatever, I'd rather have one. If I was going to do it I would want to set it up, adjust a couple times over the next few weeks, and then not touch it for six months. If I have to fiddle with it weekly because my feed pump is inconsistent or my drip valve is clogging or whatever, it's going to drive me nuts and why I just won't entertain that option. I just don't feel comfortable doing things what I feel are half way. That doesn't mean another way is wrong or inferior. It's the same reason I have a GHL doser and not a Jebao.

I see your point as well. I'm still on the fence after doing much research last night. Every person I speak to says a GHL doser would be optimal and just as reliable without any of the drawbacks of a calcium reactor. I know I'm going with a GHL Profilux 4 controller but am still unsure about the other.

 

[Potatohead]

I see your point as well. I'm still on the fence after doing much research last night. Every person I speak to says a GHL doser would be optimal and just as reliable without any of the drawbacks of a calcium reactor. I know I'm going with a GHL Profilux 4 controller but am still unsure about the other.

From when I was researching a few months ago it really seems to me that Europe has pretty much abandoned reactors, while here in North America we still use them quite a bit. Over there they are seen as more of an old school method, but I suspect that has something to do with trying to use as little power as possible. There is no doubt they can both work well and create very nice tanks. Not even taking all the equipment into account, some guys prefer reactors simply because you are automatically adding calcium/alkalinity and trace elements in a balanced way without doing anything special. With a dosing pump you can get into more complete three part systems like balling or balling light, or you can use a simple two part without any extra elements, so another decision needs to be made there.

As I said I kind of wanted to go to a reactor for the cool factor but there were just a lot more cons for me. More energy consumption, more equipment to fail, less room in the sump, refilling CO2 containers, much more initial expense... It's important to note also that my tank is only 70 gallons and $120 worth of Fauna Marin dosing salts is a two year+ supply. With a tank three times that you would certainly spend more on salts and a reactor becomes cheaper overall eventually.

 

[jda]

There are many Euro tank posts and TOTM type of articles that use CaRx - you might be seeing what you want to see on this one. BTW - CaRx is very old school.. 30 years or more.

As long was we are talking old school, the only way to dose back then was with driveway melt and baking soda and places like BRS would not exist since folks knew where to get their supplements from the source and not pay many times more for the same thing. Do a search on kangaroo pumps for reef - there were really precise and awesome dosing pumps back then too. None of this is new school in any way.

Just know this - a failure on a dosing system can crash a tank. A failure on a CaRx will do nothing and you will have days or weeks to notice and fix it while your tank lives on. All of the posts about "emptied my entire alk reservoir" or "apex stuck my dosing pump on" should scare folks a bit. If you are lucky, a dosing system fails off and nothing dies.

Lastly, keep up on your water changes. Chloride ions can build up with all of the two/three part.