led or calcium reactor?

[diablo30xp]

I currently have metal halides and dose 2 part. I am thinking of going echotech radions or calcium reactor. Wanted to know what would be better?
Need some adivce what to choose.

 

[heathlindner25]

go with the calcium reactor let the LED's technology improve a few more years. metal halides have been proven to work.

 

[gchaney]

I too would stick with a calcium reactor. I keep thinking about getting leds but everytime I do i hear news something new is comming out.

 

[RobinsonFam1]

reactor all the way!

you will be amazed at coral growth and tank condition overall. cheaper in the long run vs dosing too! no more 2 part or mixing powders etc.....its a huge step in the right direction!

 

[BigAl2007]

What is your current coral list?

How much are you dosing?

Have you considered Kalk as part of your ATO?

I've been LED for several years now (DIY on one tank and ModularLED on the other) and can tell you hands down I wouldn't go back to anything else. Granted LED has come a LONG way since I first did DIY 4 years ago but even with my old DIY unit I have great color and very good growth. If I were going to worry about lights again right now I know for a fact it would be GHL Mitras (I actually have one I just need to find a tank to put it on LOL).

Don't be afraid of LED.... many of us saw this same problem a few years back when T5's started really taking hold. Many nay-sayers doubted they would be around or able to color and grow coral but we ALL know different now. Time will show you that LED are here to stay.

 

[kenc87]

I'd go with the calcium reactor, I'd wait until all the bus have been worked out of LEDs. A calcium reactor is way more convenient than dosing 2 part IMO. I ish I could switch but can't justify the cost yet.

 

[ridetheducati]

Strong recommendation for calcium reactor. I have been in the hobby over 20 years and the Ca2Rx is arguably the best equipment purchase ever.

 

[RobinsonFam1]

your lighting that you have is great. maybe needs new bulbs i dunno but halides are proven over and over......you dont "NEED" led's. however you do have a demand for a consistent Ca dosing.

reactors do more than just Ca: PH, Alk, Mg as well. all are buffered/dosed to a certain degree.

hands down winner of reactor vs led: CaRx

 

[RobinsonFam1]

your lighting that you have is great. maybe needs new bulbs i dunno but halides are proven over and over......you dont "NEED" led's. however you do have a demand for a consistent Ca dosing.

reactors do more than just Ca: PH, Alk, Mg as well. all are buffered/dosed to a certain degree.

hands down winner of reactor vs led: CaRx

 

[reefgeezer]

If you already have the equipment for dosing two-part, why spend all that money on a CA reactor set-up? If your lighting is sufficient now, why change? If it is not sufficient, there are some LED options but you must do your homework.

 

[Lonestarcep]

If you already have the equipment for dosing two-part, why spend all that money on a CA reactor set-up? If your lighting is sufficient now, why change? If it is not sufficient, there are some LED options but you must do your homework.

Ding ding! I stronly support this approach.
Depending on the OP's water volume,i would get a decent Kalk RX instead of Calcium.
am starting a 180 myself and will ugrade to the CaRX only when consumption becomes unmanageable with ATO/ Kalk RX- had great results before with Kalk and that is my default approach:rollface:

 

[Steve175]

My calcium reactor took my tank to the next level. I have lost no SPS since getting it dialed in.

 

[downbeach]

Financially, saving on the cost of both operating and periodic replacement of your MH lamps and other tubes, etc., in the long run, would offset the price of the LED fixtures,and provide additional revenue for other equipment. Although I didn't buy Radion's, I would vote for the lights, then the reactor, as long as your two part is working.

 

[JAustin]

Reactor, LEDs aren't there yet and were paying for all the R&D out of our pockets. Stick with halides and get a reactor. Get an aquarium plants regulator and you can't go wrong.