Calcium reactor bet option?

[m.kristoff]

I just bought a Reef Octo Dual chamber 7" reactor for a great price from BRS.

I am questioning if this was a smart purchase vs other method's that might be better options. I have never ran one before but I get the process .

Tank Info:

155 + 25 gallons of sump volume
Apex controlled with the Trident
I plan to add another 20ish gallon frag/holding tank
so close to 200 gallons of water volume
PH is pretty steady @ 8
Alk 8.42
CA 388
MG 1176
these readings are with no dosing or any other additives. This is also a new tank build so no load on it.

Near Future addition will be a clearwater scrubber.

I started the tank with the intention of dosing and using the Trident to control it

I have been reading more about Kalkwasser and wonder if that would be a better option. I picked up an open box calcium reactor for a great price but still need to buy a Kamora pump, carbon Doser, CO2 tank, PM2/ PH probe and media. so still plenty more $$ to spend

I am questioning if this is the best direction. The tank will be mixed but mostly sticks. It is a new tank, so I won't have a heavy demand anytime soon. The thought process was to grow with the Calcium reactor and adjust as I go. But is that really the best way? My tank is in the basement with a sump room under the stairs.

I do plan to use the Apex to automate these methods

I am a subscriber to the high steady PH that Kalk offers- but still have a lot to learn about it.

Opinions are welcome

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ca reactors are great as long as you have them properly dialed in

 

[m.kristoff]

Ca reactors are great as long as you have them properly dialed in

I believe that, but!
I am concerned about reducing my PH from effluent. I know some add kalk to fix that. But if I'm adding kalk for that, why not just run Klak alone for the almost the same benefit? I really don't know that answer.

 

[jmichaelh7]

I plan to have nothing but sticks so I planned for carx right away and ditched the dosing.

 

[jmichaelh7]

I believe that, but!
I am concerned about reducing my PH from effluent. I know some add kalk to fix that. But if I'm adding kalk for that, why not just run Klak alone for the almost the same benefit? I really don't know that answer.

Run a co2 scrubber to help with that

 

[m.kristoff]

Run a co2 scrubber to help with that

I have a BRS one but currently not using it

 

[jmichaelh7]

I have a BRS one but currently not using it

With sticks I think you’ll find carx is more stable thank kalk in regards to dkh stability. The supply and demand just makes more sense when your tank becomes grown out

I hear you though on the ph. I run a refugium 16 hours to help with that + co2 scrubber. Not a issue

 

[PeterC99]

Both are great options with their trade offs. No right or wrong, best answer. Kalk will be the cheaper option but requires some upkeep. Calcium Reactor is more expensive, steep learning curve, but almost set and forget once established. I run a calcium reactor but also a CO2 scrubber to keep my pH up.

 

[m.kristoff]

co2 scrubber

The BRS Co2 scrubber seems to choke out my skimmer- boiling water. Its a Bubble king 200 so I disconnected it

 

[m.kristoff]

No right or wrong, best answer

that's for sure. Just can't figure out the best option

 

[HuduVudu]

If your CaRx is dialed in properly you should not have issues with Ph.

EDIT: It is VERY important that you understand how to dial in a CaRx. This can not be emphasized enough.

 

[DeniseAndy]

When I ran sps, I had a calcium reactor and once dialed in was great. Never worried about dosing. My pH was never affected by it either. I have clams so still run one. I just like that they will realease so many elements to the water, not just mg and ca.

 

[m.kristoff]

I just like that they will realease so many elements to the wate

What media are you using?

 

[ReefGeezer]

Check this out. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VVDp1UOhxK1by9ofK0K83q2RyArEAEYtueOuUFy4SzI/edit
This is a bunch of notes from JDA, a R2R member, concerning dialing in a reactor. It explains a good method.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have used the ARM, but I liked Reborn better and what I am currently using.

 

[jmichaelh7]

I have used the ARM, but I liked Reborn better and what I am currently using.

Second on ARM

 

[m.kristoff]

Finally delivered. I thought that it was a good deal from BRS $560.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Finally delivered. I thought that it was a good deal from BRS $560.

The expensive toys in this hobby … besides the fact … that’s one sweet carx

 

[PeterC99]

Finally delivered. I thought that it was a good deal from BRS $560.

What pump did it come with?

 

[m.kristoff]

What pump did it come with?

water blaster 3000