I was running Triton for a bit just before "The Drought" and got my calcium reactor fired up again. Having recently refilled my CO2 and media, I got to thinking about cost efficiency. After having struggled for a long time, I began to experience growth and good coloration with Triton, but growth has slowed quite a bit since stopping. I haven't been doing water changes and assume there are some trace elements limiting my growth, so I plan on resuming weekly 10% water changes. This got me to thinking about operating costs over time.
The system has about 250 gallons in it and consumes about 0.5 dkh/day. Here is a quick breakdown of costs comparing what either Triton or CARX+WC will cost me monthly.
Cost of CARX+water change vs. Triton.
Assume no water changes with Triton and 0.5 dkh daily demand.
1. Costs
a. CARX+10%weekly water change
i. $15/bottle of CO2 (18 months)
ii. $35/bag of media (18 months)
iii. $55/bag of salt (monthly)=990/18 months
iv. Monthly cost-$58
v. $696/year
b. Triton
i. $52/elements set/40 days
ii. $39/month
iii. $468/year
Obviously, I'm ignoring other costs like RODI refills and testing, but I've always thought we paid a premium for Triton for good results. Is it possible that it is on par with or even less expensive than the king of long term economy, the calcium reactor?
The system has about 250 gallons in it and consumes about 0.5 dkh/day. Here is a quick breakdown of costs comparing what either Triton or CARX+WC will cost me monthly.
Cost of CARX+water change vs. Triton.
Assume no water changes with Triton and 0.5 dkh daily demand.
1. Costs
a. CARX+10%weekly water change
i. $15/bottle of CO2 (18 months)
ii. $35/bag of media (18 months)
iii. $55/bag of salt (monthly)=990/18 months
iv. Monthly cost-$58
v. $696/year
b. Triton
i. $52/elements set/40 days
ii. $39/month
iii. $468/year
Obviously, I'm ignoring other costs like RODI refills and testing, but I've always thought we paid a premium for Triton for good results. Is it possible that it is on par with or even less expensive than the king of long term economy, the calcium reactor?