Calcium reactor

[fancy_fish101]

I have a sps dominant tank. I want to use a calcium reactor for supplement.
Question is when should I start using a calcium reactor in the tank. My all consumption is around .1 almost a day.
I’m wondering if it’s better to get it setup early or if it doesn’t matter. Also what is the best calcium reactor to use?
And advice and suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[GARRIGA]

Never used a calcium reactor but have considered it and as such not something I'd have running until demand warranted it. Not saying I wouldn't have it up and ready to go but no co2 until either water changes no longer resolved or dosing became too costly. Since I don't do water changes. Dosing cost would be the lever for me weighted against the cost of replacing media.

Can't recommend which to buy but I'd be seeking one with all the bells and whistles so I can put it on auto and one less thing to mind. I'll be following to see suggestions just in case I go SPS dominant for which I've yet decided. Truth be told. The complexity of a well tuned reactor goes against my approach and dosing likely just easier implemented and maintained considering I'll already be there before needing a reactor.

 

[fancy_fish101]

Never used a calcium reactor but have considered it and as such not something I'd have running until demand warranted it. Not saying I wouldn't have it up and ready to go but no co2 until either water changes no longer resolved or dosing became too costly. Since I don't do water changes. Dosing cost would be the lever for me weighted against the cost of replacing media.

Can't recommend which to buy but I'd be seeking one with all the bells and whistles so I can put it on auto and one less thing to mind. I'll be following to see suggestions just in case I go SPS dominant for which I've yet decided. Truth be told. The complexity of a well tuned reactor goes against my approach and dosing likely just easier implemented and maintained considering I'll already be there before needing a reactor.

Good points, i am also on no water changes. Sounds like I will wait a while till I get one till my tank demands a lot.

 

[GARRIGA]

Good points, i am also on no water changes. Sounds like I will wait a while till I get one till my tank demands a lot.

One option being just set it up if that's ultimately the path and don't dose. Learn to fine tune it and since growth isn't overnight then you can adjust it slowly as time passes. My thoughts on doing that vs investing in a dosing system but more I think about it more I'm likely going to just dose as that's considerably easier and takes up considerably less space.

All For Reef my idea of a liquid calcium reactor plus already includes trace and mag. Second option being kalk slurry plus dosing trace and manually adding mag based on Randy's formula or just auto dosing that as well. All options for a no water change tank. All more costly however down the road if you have a full flourishing SPS dominated tank. Best know the options including Randy's two part plus trace although at some point the excess salinity needs to be resolved.

Lots of videos on setting up a calcium reactor. I'm sure it's not that complicated but to me probably more effort than wanted unless one has a monster tank. Dosing can get very expensive and kalk no practical based on needing excessive evaporation.

 

[GARRIGA]

Something I forgot to mention and heavily weighted due to my high room co2 being calcium reactors needing co2 might and likely will lower one's pH.

Much of what we do is like the medical field. Apply one medication then contend with the side affects of it and my approach to that being healthy living avoids most medications.

 

[fancy_fish101]

One option being just set it up if that's ultimately the path and don't dose. Learn to fine tune it and since growth isn't overnight then you can adjust it slowly as time passes. My thoughts on doing that vs investing in a dosing system but more I think about it more I'm likely going to just dose as that's considerably easier and takes up considerably less space.

All For Reef my idea of a liquid calcium reactor plus already includes trace and mag. Second option being kalk slurry plus dosing trace and manually adding mag based on Randy's formula or just auto dosing that as well. All options for a no water change tank. All more costly however down the road if you have a full flourishing SPS dominated tank. Best know the options including Randy's two part plus trace although at some point the excess salinity needs to be resolved.

Lots of videos on setting up a calcium reactor. I'm sure it's not that complicated but to me probably more effort than wanted unless one has a monster tank. Dosing can get very expensive and kalk no practical based on needing excessive evaporation.

Good advice, I do reef moonshiners do need supplement of alk and cal without trace elements

 

[Solo McReefer]

I already have a calcium reactor

Bought it years ago

I would do All For Reef first, today, if I didn't already have it

 

[helmsreef]

I didn’t switch to a calcium reactor til I was at about 200ml of each 2 part plus 40ml of magnesium daily on a full sps system. If you tune them properly your Ph won’t be very affected and if you place the drip before your fuge if you have one it will help grow your macro exponentially. But size your reactor correctly as I underestimated my consumption with my geo reactor and have had to supplement on top with more 2 part. My only regret is not buying a bigger reactor