Lets Discuss Calcium Reactor Operation...

Horace · 05/09/2007, 10:10 AM

Hey guys, I recently got myself a CaRx for my 75g SPS tank. I am hearing many methods of how to run this thing and I am wanting to know how you all run yours.

I was advised to run it on a timer where the Co2 turns off at night, thus allowing the PH to rise and no longer dosing the tank. The theory is that the corals dont grow at night and thus dont use any Kh/Ca and there is no need to dose at those times. So if you do dose at those times, supposedly your Kh/Ca raise at night (this is all theory mind you). I have a Rk2 that has built in PH control but Im not using that feature at the moment. I am considering ditching the timer and just hooking up the Ph controller and seeing if I can get better results.

I have not been having luck with this method honestly. Im having trouble dialing in my CaRx. I seem to either dose too little or I overshoot. I think part of the problem is the fact that I am using a very large reactor for a small tank, but I still think I should be able to find the sweet spot.

Please let me know what method you use and why... Thx!

gcarroll · 05/09/2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Horace
The theory is that the corals dont grow at night and thus dont use any Kh/Ca and there is no need to dose at those times.

Funny thing is that I have always heard and observed the exact opposite from my SPS.

JRaquatics · 05/09/2007, 10:38 AM

Horace
You will find the above statement to be false. Test you cal. after your lights go off and and once again when the lights go back on. I know when I test I find that my calcium level has went down. I know many reefer, my self included, to run their cal reactors 24/7. FWIW I also dose Kalk to help with the PH.

Horace · 05/09/2007, 11:11 AM

Interesting to know....

Gcarroll, I am interested to know how you observe your corals growing at night, but thats a whole nother topic

.

05/09/2007, 10:10 AM	#1
Horace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5,009	Lets Discuss Calcium Reactor Operation... Hey guys, I recently got myself a CaRx for my 75g SPS tank. I am hearing many methods of how to run this thing and I am wanting to know how you all run yours. I was advised to run it on a timer where the Co2 turns off at night, thus allowing the PH to rise and no longer dosing the tank. The theory is that the corals dont grow at night and thus dont use any Kh/Ca and there is no need to dose at those times. So if you do dose at those times, supposedly your Kh/Ca raise at night (this is all theory mind you). I have a Rk2 that has built in PH control but Im not using that feature at the moment. I am considering ditching the timer and just hooking up the Ph controller and seeing if I can get better results. I have not been having luck with this method honestly. Im having trouble dialing in my CaRx. I seem to either dose too little or I overshoot. I think part of the problem is the fact that I am using a very large reactor for a small tank, but I still think I should be able to find the sweet spot. Please let me know what method you use and why... Thx! __________________ -Horace Pinker Current Tank Info: New 180g Mixed SPS Build in progress

05/09/2007, 11:11 AM	#4
Horace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 5,009	Interesting to know.... Gcarroll, I am interested to know how you observe your corals growing at night, but thats a whole nother topic . __________________ -Horace Pinker Current Tank Info: New 180g Mixed SPS Build in progress

05/09/2007, 10:38 AM	#3
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Horace You will find the above statement to be false. Test you cal. after your lights go off and and once again when the lights go back on. I know when I test I find that my calcium level has went down. I know many reefer, my self included, to run their cal reactors 24/7. FWIW I also dose Kalk to help with the PH.