Need input on 2 part / calcium reactor

[reefrubble]

I'm setting my tank up again , and I don't know if I should go with a calcium reactor again , or two part + mag . I would like some input , to help me decide . TIA Ted

 

[adnup]

From what little I know with a big tank its easier with the calcium reactor. As for cheaper, store bought 2 part is more expensive with a big tank, but if your going to make the 2 part its pretty cheap. I use 25ml per day for my 90 so your looking at more like 60 or so ml's per day.

 

[akwtampa]

It depends on what you're keeping, too.. My, mostly soft, tank only requires about 20ml of 2 part, and it's a 180.. And I've got 4 big clams in there..

I try to keep my Ca at 450 and Alk around 10dkh..

Personally, I see a Ca reactor as something afforded those who have a lot of expendable income.. *shrugs*

 

[sunkool]

Adnup
Do you use Randys 2 part?
if so do you use recipe 1 or 2?

 

[guntercb]

Ted,

Look at this months thread of the month on reefkeeping.com. They have a thread discussing this. I would go with 2 Part unless you are going to go for a well stocked SPS. I really like the 2 Part for my 120. I only use about 3 onces of each for the week. And it is cheap.

Or why don't you use kalk for top off and then make up the difference by using two part. Kalk is way cheap and with a peristialtic pump very easy to dispense.

BTW, I have never used a Ca Reactor so I don't know first hand the pros and cons of them.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10344777#post10344777 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sunkool
Adnup
Do you use Randys 2 part?
if so do you use recipe 1 or 2?

Yes I use Randy's but I dont remember if 1 or 2. I'll have to look at them and let you know

 

[reefrubble]

I have used 2 part , and a calcium reactor . I'm just not sure which I want to go back to . The 2 part I used was ESV B-Ionic , and I know I don't want to go back to that . It worked great , but with a large SPS tank Wow$$$.

 

[CMcNeil]

id say if you are going to have a large tank heavily stocked with sps then run a reactor.IMO it is much easier to maintain Cal and Alk levels with the reator.that and less worry if you leave town,i hated having someone dose my tank while on was on vacation.

 

[reefrubble]

Chris , Thanks for the info . I read that , and I still find it hard to decide .

 

[reefrubble]

checkinhawk , I know what you mean , about going away . I had a problem with Kalk , when I was away one time . That was a real mess .

 

[tmz]

I switched from 2part to a calcium reactor several months ago. It is not enough by itself without overdoing the co2.So I shut it off via timer at night for about 8hours when co2 levels naturaly rise and dose kwater over a 5 hour period during the night as top off.I also use opposite photo period refugia to offset co2 and ph variability. When I need to bump the calcium beyond what this system provides (every couple of weeks or so) I add calcium chloride and buffer(ie two part). I also check magnesium once a month and periodicaly add some to maintain it given the kwater dosing.

 

[dmbedard]

There's a calcium reactor in the TB forum for sale Ted. You might want to check on it. I'll try to find the thread. diane

 

[dmbedard]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1163830

look at #5-6

 

[reefrubble]

Diane , Thanks for the heads up , and the link . That's the reactor I had B4 . I need to go larger this time . Given the price of reactors , I think it's time to go DIY . That is if I go with a calcium reactor .

tmz, I don't want to have to go with both . That's why I would go with a larger reactor , if I go that way .

 

[tmz]

Reefrubble,
Many do use only a calcium reactor. Just to clarify. It's not only a size issue. I use a reactor rated for 450gallons on a 400 system. I don't run it hard and I shut it off at night because of the excess co2 it will put in my system if I drive it more.It also can depress my ph since the effluent runs in at about 6.7. The kalk runs in a 12. So the two can balance each other off. I also like to use kalk for some of it's other benefits such a phosphate percipitation.
Good Luck ,
Tom

 

[reefrubble]

Tom , Thanks for your input . You have been very helpful . Ted

 

[alfa1023]

Ted,

Are you still planning on doing a 100% NSW tank? And if so, how does that impact your plans on using either a 2 part additive and/or reactor?

 

[reefrubble]

Yes I'm still going with NSW , all the way , but that shouldn't impact anything , as far as 2 part , or calcium reactor . Ted

 

[reefrubble]

I have decided to go with the calcium reactor . I think it's the best way FOR ME TO GO . Thanks everyone for all the input . Ted