Should I buy Reactors?

[crazymnkeyman77]

Im setting up a in wall 220 gal tank. I was planning on a mixed reef and lots of fish, so heavy bioload. Im going to get a regal 250sss skimmer to handle it, but I was wondering if I should buy any reactors that way I can plumb them to my return pump this weekend when I start. If I should buy reactors, what type should I buy, Like biopellets,calcium, kalkwasser? I wanted to know soon so I could take advantage of Marinedepots 10% for memorial day weekend. I appreciate all advice.

 

[dave.m]

Sounds like you need to buy some buy some books on running a reef tank. Start with Mr Saltwater Tank.

Dave.M

 

[reef1906]

Reactors are great I run them both carbon and gfo. But if I were to do it again I would do a Kalk reactor bc it does the job of both without the drop in ph.

 

[ADVRESOURCE]

I use a gfo and car on reactor and ca reactor. All peripherals run with smaller pumps not off the return. Better control that way. I also run a chiller using a dedicated pump. Don't want one pump failure creating a total tank crash.

 

[Ricardo18]

Reactors are great I run them both carbon and gfo. But if I were to do it again I would do a Kalk reactor bc it does the job of both without the drop in ph.

a Kalk reactor replaces dosing 2 part Calcium and Alk...it does not replace running your water through GFO and Carbon...different animal all together.

 

[ADVRESOURCE]

Kalk or calcium reactor? Which is better and why?

 

[elFloyd]

Kalk or calcium reactor? Which is better and why?

Run Kalk AND Calcium Reactor

 

[crazymnkeyman77]

Run Kalk AND Calcium Reactor

I bought a carbon and gfo reactor, but if i dosed kalk, wouldnt that increase calcium and alkalinity so I wouldnt need a calcium reactor right?

 

[ADVRESOURCE]

Why both? I've heard of people running calc and doing 2 part dosing.

 

[ezerasurfr]

I would not run anything until you see what your needs are. Putting something in your tank, just to put it in your tank will make you chase problems you wouldn't otherwise have. Running a calcium reactor on a tank that does not have the livestock to uptake the additives you're adding is just a waste of money. If you want to plan your plumbing accordingly to run off your return pump, a typical manifold has 3 valves. Just remember, you're adding head to the pump - so if you're already pushing the distance your pump can handle, I would not recommend running anything additional off of it. For the size tank you're putting in, the other advice seems sound - just run independent pumps for any additional reactors you add down the line. I would get used to testing your tank, and know how your tank utilizes nutrients before just throwing dollars into reactors. Every tank is different.