New Build, looking at Calcium Reactor VS Dosing

ShawnSaucier

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As the title says, I’m looking at implementing a Calcium Reactor on my new build. This is new territory for me as I have always dosed 2 part and Kalk.

My main reason for looking at this option is not laziness, I travel a lot for my job and my wife watches over the tank while I’m gone. Each system I have built, I try to make it easier for her to maintain and look to avoid any tinkering as much as possible. This gets tough when you are gone for 9+ weeks at times. Trying to get it down to: feed the fish, clean the glass, empty skimmer and harvest chaeto if needed. She has done an amazing job over the years, but I’m always trying to make it easier if I can.


The new system is around 220 gallons total with a Filter Roller, Ozone, UV, Skimmer, Cryptic Fuge and an Algae Reactor for filtration. The plan is to do a mixed reef with a heavy lean toward SPS in the upper half. Aquascape media is undecided. I’m am debating using the Tropic Eden Morraca Rock (90%)with some natural Australian or Jakarta (10%) to help seed or going full natural live. Sand will be a mix of Tropic Eden Reef Flake and Tamp Bay Saltwater Natural Reef Sand.


I would like to use the early days of the tank cycle to help dial in the Calcium reactor before I really add any livestock into the system. I would rather make mistakes then and hope to avoid any life loss. I would love any recommendations on equipment and redundant safety features I could use.


Currently looking at the Geo Reef Classic RX612x2 for the reactor with a 5lbs tank. Kamoer pump will feed the reactor.

Spacing is an issue with the new stand as I’ve chosen to stay within a 48x30footprint. Sump and ATO are a 44x26x18 footprint. I have gone to a 40” tall stand to help with gear management and in discussions with Harry’s Aquatics and Adaptive Reefs for custom mounting options that will be needed. So the Reactor I chose fit with my height restrictions as it will need to be over the sump and to still leave some wiggle room if needed.


I haven’t chosen any gear beyond the reactor and CO2 tank ( both yet to be purchased) and looking for recommendations for what is needed. Valves, auto carbon dose or needle wheel, etc. can you guys help lead me in the right direction???
 

CHSUB

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I’m going back more than ten years, however never had an issue with 8 years of use with an Aquarium Plants CO2 Doser and regulator. Cost a few $, but was bulletproof, imo. Also monitored pH in reactor and DT, if either got low could turn off co2 automatically with Apex.
 
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ShawnSaucier

ShawnSaucier

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I’m going back more than ten years, however never had an issue with 8 years of use with an Aquarium Plants CO2 Doser and regulator. Cost a few $, but was bulletproof, imo. Also monitored pH in reactor and DT, if either got low could turn off co2 automatically with Apex.
Will definitely look into this. Thank you for the recommendation.
 

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