SPS question

[dl1030]

CA reactor, kalk, lime water, they all do pretty much the same stuff right? I just need to pick one or the other, not mix and match right? I am looking for a replacement for the 2-part i am using right now, and a little less hands on time. I hear that dumping all the 2-part in all at once can cause spikes which is not good too. drip method is prefered.

And dosing times and frequency? as long as you are consistant, does it matter when you do it?

any good links about SPS care? water parms are in check and all the soft corals look good, even the two SPS corals i have right now are extending polyps and appear to be happy. But any extra reading I can do the better.


getting MH's just opened a whole'nother can of worms. I have been reading and reading, but everyone does something different. which is good, but, i need some direction. I have not found a good overview write up on SPS. I am only finding the 'name this coral and this is how i take care of it' types of threads.


This is what I am thinking about trying, or is it worth the money to go with the reactor? http://www.reefwebsites.com/agu/kalkdrip/

 

[Bullet]

IMO dripping kalkwasser is the most cost effective thing you can do for you tank! I think there are so many benefits from it that we are all not even aware of. The problem is that is is time consuming and dirty. Cheap though . I think the idea set up would be to get a calcium reactor and then get a kalk stirrer for you top off water. That way you get the stability you need from you CA reactor and the benefits from the Kalk without much work. It will cost some money though . Since I am handing out opinions here is what I would recommend for a CA reactor and a Kalk Stirrer:

http://www.myreefcreations.com/castandard.htm

The MRC Duel

http://www.deltecusa.us/kalkwasserstirrers/km500.php

Hands free! but not cheap. If you do not have much CA demand you could probably just get by with the stirrer.

 

[dl1030]

So you do need both, and both are pricey!! sweet! Looks like I will start saving again, you can never had enough money in this hobby.

Thanks Bob, you answered my question.

Off to look for DIY CA Reactors, anyone make one around here?

 

[Bullet]

You just have to check you water parameters. Without much demand you do not need both. You probably can get by now with the DIY kalk drip and use it for top off throughout the night. I would start there. Just keep an eye on your CA and Alk. They will tell you what you need. The nice thing about the CA reactors are they are plug and play. I love mine. Of all the things I have spent money on the CA reactor has given me the most bang for the buck!

 

[dl1030]

I might go the DIY kalk route for now. I will keep my eye out for a good deal on a reactor and once one comes up I will grab it.

North Liberty still sells the pickleing lime?

Bob, I am going to have to come over one of these days and look over your equipment again if you dont mind. I remembering seeing the reactor but i didnt pay close attention as SPS was out of reach at the time.

 

[dl1030]

I forgot I still have ThillT's book, Aquarium Corals by Eric H. Borneman. I reread the water chemistry part and I think I have a good grasp of where everything needs to be. That book is real good, lots of pics and tons of info!

 

[leeweber85]

I can't keep up with limewater and I only have a softy dominated 75g.

BOB, How long did you drip kalk before you went to a reactor? I'm wondering if I'm mixing too much or maybe my magnesium levels are too low.