Necessity of Calcium Reactor? 40 Gallon

[paulsz]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, and to saltwater tanks in general. I have done research for quite a few months now, as well as have seen plenty of videos, so I think I am ready to take on the challenge. I do also have a couple of years worth of experience with freshwater, and as much as I do know that SW is a completely different ball game, it doesn't hurt to have this fishkeeping experience.

My plan is a 40 gallon breeder (or anything in the 36- 40 gallon range) with a 20 gallon high sump. At first it will be a FOWLR tank (stocking yet to be decided), but will eventually dive into soft corals. As I started making my list of required equipment, I've stumbled upon the need to maintain calcium and alkalinity (especially in reef tanks). My question is, is a calcium reactor necessary? How do you guys go about maintaining calcium/alkalinity? Furthermore, will maintaining the calcium/alkalinity be necessary in FOWLR, or only in reef tanks?

Thank you,

Paul

 

[billdogg]

With soft corals, and even some LPS corals, regular water changes will be more than enough. Just use a decent salt (I use IO or IORC) for my SPS dominant 120. I use BRS 2part for Ca/Alk

 

[Clowning_Around]

Fowlr, not necessary.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[paulsz]

Thank you for the quick replies. If I do end up using the BRS 2 part, how will I go about using it? Is it okay to prepare a week's worth and just dose it equally for each of the 7 days? or must it be prepared daily?

 

[billdogg]

I mix it 10g at a time and store it in potable water just gave. Lasts me a few months that way

 

[Sk8r]

Even for a packed stony reef, kalk in the topoff water should handle calcium needs for a 40 gallon, given a gallon a day evaporation rate.

 

[heathlindner25]

I have a 40 sps tank and dose alk every day and calcium every other day.