QDD Newbie to SPS - Basic Questions

[qualitydaydream]

Currently Running:

225 setup
SWC 300 Cone
Orphek PR-156W's+UV
70 Gallon Sump + Refug

Considering these Products:
- Vertex RX6 Duo Reactor for Calcium and other media.
- Do I need UV?
- Do I need Kalk Reactor
- Considering 40 gallon auto top off

As far as equipment goes what else do I need to grow top notch and rare SPS?


Also what are some of the considerations or things I can do to make going full reef easier?

 

[Logzor]

Get a top notch auto top-off, the best is the Spectrapure Ultra-Precise ATO (UPLC-II). This unit uses a pressure sensor and backup float switch, far more reliable than the competition which uses a laser (horrible idea due to salt creep).

For easy of use, I recommend getting 2-3 dosing units and dose 2-part, rather than going with a calcium reactor/kalk reactor.

No UV.

That's about it really, you might also want a dual reactor for Carbon and GFO down the road.

Sounds like you have a good skimmer and light, that's a great start.

Then there is flow, get a pair of MP60's and two battery backups.

 

[qualitydaydream]

great suggestions.

My concern about the the dosing units is that I'm horrible at math..lol Isnt a reactor less calculations?

I've seen the MP60 in person, its just loud! I'm currently running 4 Hydors and considering their wave maker, would that cut it? I would do MP60 if it was quiet.

Will check out the Spectrapure for sure man thanks!

 

[Logzor]

great suggestions.

My concern about the the dosing units is that I'm horrible at math..lol Isnt a reactor less calculations?

I've seen the MP60 in person, its just loud! I'm currently running 4 Hydors and considering their wave maker, would that cut it? I would do MP60 if it was quiet.

Will check out the Spectrapure for sure man thanks!

Why do math when you can use a calculator? Search in google for "reef chemistry calculator". Makes this very easy! I can almost assure you that dosing units will be much less hassle than calcium reactor.

Yeah the MP60 is pretty noisy! I love the flow that it puts out though.

 

[qualitydaydream]

Ok so that's one opinion about dosing. anyone else?

 

[power boat jim]

As for as a calcium reactor goes, there is nothing easier. I havnt had to adjust mine in over a year. Just pour in the media and forget it. If your going to run a 220 with sps the reactor will probably be cheaper in the long run. Mine cost me a total of 32.00 a year to run. That includes the CO2.

 

[EmDy]

+1 on the ca factor since it's cheaper on the long run for your 220. I used dosing and back to reactor and recommend Geo brand with coarse media.

You should start testing water (alk, ca, mg, no3 and po4). I like Lamotte for alk and elos for ca, mg and no3. Hannah for po4. Good luck.

 

[qualitydaydream]

Yea I heard great things about Geo.

what do you think of the vertex RX6 duo design?

 

[EmDy]

I never used it before so I don't know how well it dials.