2-part vs CA Reactor + Kalk reactor

kenargo · 04/15/2009, 05:09 PM

I apologize for the debate this question will likely cause but I'd like to know...

I am curious, more out of cost and benefit as I don't feel 1 method is generally any better than the other but I am open to discussion.

There are 2 (basic# methods of thought around maintaining tank CA/alk; reactors and dosing #2-part). I've run reactors forever but I am curious to hear, especially those who changed one to the other on why 1 method might be used over the other. For example, I've heard that in a heavy SPS tank that 2 part will not be able to keep up and if not watched could lower salinity. On the other hand CA reactors recirculate tank water but they also are not without issues.

My current setup includes a Deltec Fluidized CA reactor, managed with a LM3 and 100% top off through a PM Kalk reactor. The LM3 offers be the benefit to very accurately make changes to CA but then the same would be true using an LM3 and 2-part.

What, if any benefits/issues have people seen using 1 method over the other?

kenargo · 04/17/2009, 05:50 PM

No comments; can't be true...

Aquarist007 · 04/17/2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kenargo
No comments; can't be true...

I use only 2 part simply because I don't have the demand on calcium and alk. On a 225 gal water column I get away with using one gal of each of the two part for about 5 weeks. This seems economical to me
I prefer to dose 2 part each night and top up for evaporation myself as my sump and filtration system is in the basement. A quick glance keeps me in tune with the sitution and what is needed

04/15/2009, 05:09 PM	#1
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,151	2-part vs CA Reactor + Kalk reactor I apologize for the debate this question will likely cause but I'd like to know... I am curious, more out of cost and benefit as I don't feel 1 method is generally any better than the other but I am open to discussion. There are 2 (basic# methods of thought around maintaining tank CA/alk; reactors and dosing #2-part). I've run reactors forever but I am curious to hear, especially those who changed one to the other on why 1 method might be used over the other. For example, I've heard that in a heavy SPS tank that 2 part will not be able to keep up and if not watched could lower salinity. On the other hand CA reactors recirculate tank water but they also are not without issues. My current setup includes a Deltec Fluidized CA reactor, managed with a LM3 and 100% top off through a PM Kalk reactor. The LM3 offers be the benefit to very accurately make changes to CA but then the same would be true using an LM3 and 2-part. What, if any benefits/issues have people seen using 1 method over the other? __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

04/17/2009, 05:50 PM	#2
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,151	No comments; can't be true... __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.