Need help on CaRx vs Dosing 2-Part SPS Tank

[cprice]

I currently have a 150 gal DT with an additional 140ish gallons in my sump/fuge/frag tanks, so about 300g total.

(Build thread if interested:http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2559937)

I have a mostly SPS tank with about 30-35 different frags right now, most are 2-3 inches. I am getting to the point where I want to automate the supplements. I am just now setting up an APEX and would be using the APEX DOS if I decide to go with the dosing route. If I go with the CaRx I would probably be looking at a dual chamber Reef Octopus skimmer or something similar.

Dosing seems to be easy to dial in, can be controlled via the Apex or simply through the doser if I go with another brand of pump. My main concern with the 2-part method (or 3 part because I would does Mag) would be the recurring cost of the additives.

A CaRx is expensive to setup initially, but i have heard that in the long run, for a tank my size, it should cost less. I also don't mind the complicated setup as I enjoy complex systems and have a firm grasp on how the reactors work. I also like the idea that both Ca and Alk are added in the correct ratios, along with trance elements that may not be available in the 2-part. I also like the idea that I don't have to refill a reservoir each week or so with more supplement chemicals. I like "set it and forget it".

I also have a nice Kalk Reservoir with automatic stirring that I can use to supplement either method.


I just want to make sure that I thoroughly think this through before dropping some cash on a nice CaRx setup.


A few things about my system:

Heavily SPS stocked with a few nice Acan Colonies, Zoas, a Torch, Green Goni and a green/purple Hammer.

Total system volume: ~300 Gallons
New lights to be installed this week: 3 Radion XR15s and 4 T5 ATI bulbs
Chinese Blackboxes for my fuge and frag tanks
Bubble Magus Curve 9 Skimmer with auto neck cleaner
DeepWater DC12 Return
Chinese Blackboxes for my fuge and frag tanks
60 Gallon Fuge
20 Gallon Frag Tank
75 Gallon Sump

Current Params:

Temp: Daily swing from ~77.5F to ~79.5F
Calc: 445 ppm
Alk: 8.5 dkh
Mag: 1800 ppm (recently raised to kill of bryopsis. Worked! Will be bringing back down to 1450 ppm)
Ph: 7.7 (working on raising it to 8.3)

TIA!

 

[Pife]

So, I missed the point of your thread I think. Did you have any questions?

 

[cprice]

So, I missed the point of your thread I think. Did you have any questions?

I'm looking for suggestions that would point to either solution. Or suggestions for anything that I may not have thought of.


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[bshow24]

From what I've heard, the best monetary solution is a calcium reactor. Once your frags start to grow and use up a lot of calcium and alkalinity, you'll be spending a lot on the 2-part additives.

Choice, it's up to you. I currently use my APEX and the DOS, and it works great, but I have ~35 gallons total water volume and 6 or 7 frags. When I upgrade, I'll most likely go big and buy the best possible calcium reactor so it's one less thing to worry about.

 

[scar79]

With a tank your size, a calcium reactor will be the best long term solution. dosing 2-part is good with a new tank with a lighter load because it's so much easier to adjust. You can also dose 2-part on top of using the CaRx to fine tune your numbers. Basically what I'm saying is you could start with dosing pumps and 2-part and invest in a reactor when demand is great enough, eventually phasing out the dosers once the tank is filled in and mature. use the DoS for automatic water changes or dosing other additives.

 

[tommyboynj]

Get the calc reactor. You won't regret it when a reef that size grows out. Especially with a lot of sps. Yes, more expensive to set up but you get the benefit of dosing back trace elements in addition to alk and calc.

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[Wazzel]

I dose now on my 60, have great results, but burn through lots of two part. I have a doser so it is not a big deal to mix up the 2 part once a week. Once the 120 gets up and running I will transition over to a CaRX once funds become available.