calicum reactor vs dosing pumps

parkenher · 07/12/2009, 03:05 PM

which one would be better for alk and calicum, because I have to dose daily by hand. So I cant go anywhere for more than day. i also cant seem to get coraline growing with the levels going up and down.What are the pros and cons of both?

aztank · 07/12/2009, 03:50 PM

ive been dosing for few years and just switched over to a calcium reactor and love it. true it takes a few weeks to set it up and everything but after that u set it and forget it lol i dont think i will ever go back to buying dkh and calcium to dose every week

BigJay · 07/12/2009, 03:55 PM

There is no difference really. Dosing is a bit cheaper to setup initially, but they both still require maintenance. You can get stellar results either way.

If you consider using dosing pumps however, look into the ballling method light. It's the same as regular dosing, except you add some trace elements as well. It's all the rage in europe.

Calcium reactors already add some trace elements as the coral skeleton media dissolves.

James77 · 07/12/2009, 05:08 PM

I've switched between the 2 several times, and prefer the 2-part. I found the control to be more precise, i can time the dosing down to the second. As BigJay mentioned, 2-part is cheaper to setup, about $250 with dosers VS $450-$750 for a calcium reactor. The CR will cost you less over the long run, mostly due to not having to buy Alk/Calc/Mag mixes- although you can find this exrtremely cheap. As the size of the tank gets larger, the calcium reactors become the better option.

I mix 5-gallon jugs of 2-part, and it can last several months. Both work very well.

skey44 · 07/12/2009, 06:37 PM

everyone always forgets about the sodium chloride residual using two part or balling supplements. Calcium reactors provide only what corals need calcium, carbonate, and the other minerals. Two part includes residual sodium and choride ions that cause your salintiy to rise and could eventually lead to an imbalance without the proper precautions.

Don't forget kalk in a rxr or for top off purposes, this is the most tried and true, cheapest form of ca kH addition available and so many forget about it as an option, especially in a modestly stocked tank.

James77 · 07/12/2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by skey44
everyone always forgets about the sodium chloride residual using two part or balling supplements. Two part includes residual sodium and choride ions that cause your salintiy to rise and could eventually lead to an imbalance without the proper precautions.

The proper precautions being simple, regular water changes- which should be done anyways to any aquarium.

Here is an article weighing the pro/con of each system.

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/two-...ch-is-for-you/

07/12/2009, 03:05 PM	#1
parkenher Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lincoln ca Posts: 15	calicum reactor vs dosing pumps which one would be better for alk and calicum, because I have to dose daily by hand. So I cant go anywhere for more than day. i also cant seem to get coraline growing with the levels going up and down.What are the pros and cons of both?

07/12/2009, 03:55 PM	#3
BigJay Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southlake, Texas Posts: 1,872	There is no difference really. Dosing is a bit cheaper to setup initially, but they both still require maintenance. You can get stellar results either way. If you consider using dosing pumps however, look into the ballling method light. It's the same as regular dosing, except you add some trace elements as well. It's all the rage in europe. Calcium reactors already add some trace elements as the coral skeleton media dissolves. __________________ PBITAWA

07/12/2009, 05:08 PM	#4
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	I've switched between the 2 several times, and prefer the 2-part. I found the control to be more precise, i can time the dosing down to the second. As BigJay mentioned, 2-part is cheaper to setup, about $250 with dosers VS $450-$750 for a calcium reactor. The CR will cost you less over the long run, mostly due to not having to buy Alk/Calc/Mag mixes- although you can find this exrtremely cheap. As the size of the tank gets larger, the calcium reactors become the better option. I mix 5-gallon jugs of 2-part, and it can last several months. Both work very well. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

07/12/2009, 06:37 PM	#5
skey44 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Taylors, SC Posts: 929	everyone always forgets about the sodium chloride residual using two part or balling supplements. Calcium reactors provide only what corals need calcium, carbonate, and the other minerals. Two part includes residual sodium and choride ions that cause your salintiy to rise and could eventually lead to an imbalance without the proper precautions. Don't forget kalk in a rxr or for top off purposes, this is the most tried and true, cheapest form of ca kH addition available and so many forget about it as an option, especially in a modestly stocked tank. __________________ Just trying to enjoy a delicious slice of reef pie in the suburban jungle. -Scott Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder Dining Room Tank- 2 Kessil A160, Vortech MP10, Tunze Nanostream, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Marineland HOB, Eheim heater 34g Office Honeymoon Shallow Reef

07/12/2009, 03:50 PM	#2
aztank Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: az Posts: 1	ive been dosing for few years and just switched over to a calcium reactor and love it. true it takes a few weeks to set it up and everything but after that u set it and forget it lol i dont think i will ever go back to buying dkh and calcium to dose every week