is a calcium reactor overkill for me?

[platax88]

I have been running my 90 with kalkwasser in a top off container with great results... But now setting up the 125, i decided that i was going to purchase a kalk reactor...

Well it turns out that i ran into a great deal! a dual cal reactor with tank, regulator, pump, bubble counter... everything needed for less than a kalk reactor would cost me.

Do you think i would be complicating my life with a cal reactor on my tank, or will the tuning process and maintenance be worthwhile in the end? ... it's a mixed reef, mostly LPS and softies with some SPS..

here is my tank a few weeks back so you can get an idea of my lifestock.

http://www.jb-portfolio.com/90_reef/

Thanks!
Jack

 

[gflat65]

I run quite a few SPS in my 125 and definitely need a calcium reactor. It just makes life easier when you aren't always around to do the things you need to (or motivated). It can be a headache setting it up, from what I hear, but then they usually do their thing with no outside influence, except changing media, etc. I want one, if that helps...

 

[eyebedam]

I dont know if it will make your life difficult or not but you got a sweet tank there.

 

[c_stowers]

Calcium reactors are dangerous if not used correctly since the reaction requires a much lower pH than the normal tank pH. But if they are used correctly then they can make life much easier. I dont think a calcium reactor would be overkill for you, but I would make sure that you use it correctly and monitor pH closely.

 

[platax88]

great! thanks for all the help! I guess i will get it and try it out. If i end up not liking it i can always sell it and get my money back to switch to a kalk reactor.

c_stowers - its got a second chamber that apparently is supposed to "degass" and prevent ph slumps... does that sound right to you?

eyebedam - Thanks for the nice words! Should be nicer on the 125 too!

thanks again! My girlfriend is getting it for me for my B-Day! we are picking it up tonight! I feel like a hunter-gatherer, just storing equipment till i close on my house!

Jack

 

[c_stowers]

The second chamber definately does help, but you can still make mistakes if you don't watch what your doing. Just remember that its better to use too little CO2 instead of too much.

 

[platax88]

thanks Chris... ive been reading all day about cal reactors... i am definately staying conservative with the C02 and i am getting a PH controller which will shut it off if ph drops to a certain value.

I just picked it up and this thing is bad azz! i am so excited! i actually have some good equipment, not the cheap crap i have used in all my 10 years in the hobby!