noob question about sps system..
- Thread starter H.Veras
- Start date
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
all you have to do is manually dose calc. I would recommend the 2 part dosing of alk and calc
r-balljunkie
Registered Reefer
Sure, if you run NPV calcs, depreciation, and amortize your monies.
End of the day, you can keep sps w/o reactor.
i do, even though i have a reactor. If/when you get to totm status, and have staghorns growing out of your tank, get a reactor. In the interim, 2 part will do fine.
c
End of the day, you can keep sps w/o reactor.
i do, even though i have a reactor. If/when you get to totm status, and have staghorns growing out of your tank, get a reactor. In the interim, 2 part will do fine.
c
thanks tswifty... i guess some ppl is trying to sell me things that i don't need...
tswifty... check this out a could you give me a suggestions what else i need to put my tank together..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1620452
Henry Bowman
Reefing since '87
I posted in your other thread regarding Ca, Rx and part.
xJake
Active member
I just balance calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium using Randy's DIY recipe. Then I replace all of my evaporated water with saturated kalkwasser (lime water, calcium hydroxide, etc.). Kalkwasser adds calcium and alkalinity in balanced proportions, and the levels on my lab's 175-gallon system rarely fluctuate. Kalkwasser also has the added benefit of precipitating out undesirable molecules such as phosphate (PO4), as well as most heavy metals; however, this also can become an issue (in terms of magnesium levels).
The only problem with using kalkwasser so heavily is that you must monitor your magnesium levels quite frequently. Your magnesium level can easily be corrected as well using Randy's DIY magnesium supplement. Magnesium doesn't become an issue on my system until at least a month of regular kalkwasser use (after initial correction). Magnesium (if you didn't know already) plays an important role in how much dissolved calcium carbonate can be maintained in the water at any one time. If your magnesium level is not where it should be (1350-1500ppm), then many times you will run into issues with heavily fluctuating calcium and alkalinity levels (or very low levels).
So, to answer your question, NO, you don't need a calcium reactor to keep SPS. In fact, it can be easier and cheaper without one. Calcium reactors simply provide a bit more insurance that calcium and carbonate (alkalinity) molecules are being constantly maintained within the water column.
It really depends on how your system is set up. I would hazard a guess that many people could run their SPS systems without calcium reactors, but having one just means one less thing to worry about dosing. In cases of extremely high coral biomass and low water volume, then a calcium reactor may be essential; however, most of the time this is not the case.
The only problem with using kalkwasser so heavily is that you must monitor your magnesium levels quite frequently. Your magnesium level can easily be corrected as well using Randy's DIY magnesium supplement. Magnesium doesn't become an issue on my system until at least a month of regular kalkwasser use (after initial correction). Magnesium (if you didn't know already) plays an important role in how much dissolved calcium carbonate can be maintained in the water at any one time. If your magnesium level is not where it should be (1350-1500ppm), then many times you will run into issues with heavily fluctuating calcium and alkalinity levels (or very low levels).
So, to answer your question, NO, you don't need a calcium reactor to keep SPS. In fact, it can be easier and cheaper without one. Calcium reactors simply provide a bit more insurance that calcium and carbonate (alkalinity) molecules are being constantly maintained within the water column.
It really depends on how your system is set up. I would hazard a guess that many people could run their SPS systems without calcium reactors, but having one just means one less thing to worry about dosing. In cases of extremely high coral biomass and low water volume, then a calcium reactor may be essential; however, most of the time this is not the case.
Henry Bowman
Reefing since '87
Use the 2 part manually for the first 6 months. There is not a huge investment with this process. When you get a handle on it you will then have the information you need through experience to see which way you want to go.
Use a store bought 2 part like B-Ionic.
Use a store bought 2 part like B-Ionic.
imcosmokramer
New member
you don't need to dose 2 part until you see a drop in levels. Get some test kits, and when you see a drop in levels, start dosing accordingly.
Henry Bowman
Reefing since '87
There are online calculators to use for supplementation. There's one at bulkreefsupply.com and there's one in a sticky at the top of the reef chemistry page / forum.
