Switching From Ca Reactor to LMIII Yes or No?!?

1SickReefer · 02/06/2007, 07:02 PM

Title says it all, anyone with exp switching from a reactor to what I believe is called the "bailing" method?

I want something that is precise, I can't stand the inconsistency of the drip on Ca reactors, I've tried a MJ1200, T'd off my return. If I need a peri pump to run a Ca Rx I might as well ditch the media and Co2 and dose Randy's 2-part. I already have more Dow and Mag flake than I could ever use.

How much solution could I make up at once? maybe 5g at a time? I'll ask the same in the chem forum if no one here knows. Does it have to be stirred before each use? If so I could use my ACIII to turn a pump on the container for a few minutes.

The LMIII is capable of precise dosing correct, like 50ml a day? and based on volume not time right?

Thanks for the help!
1SR

1SickReefer · 02/07/2007, 06:42 AM

^

Lutefisk · 02/07/2007, 09:43 AM

Yes, you can ditch the CO2 reactor and go to 2-part which can be simpler.

Randy has written a good article about Ca/Alk supplementation: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

You've got a couple factors to consider:
What are the calcium and alkalinity requirements of your reef? If you've got mainly softies it can make a lot of sense to go to 2-part. Judging from your lighting and other equipment you might have substantial SPS growth which tilts the economics towards reactors.

The complexity and reliability of the system you choose

The cost

I believe Randy's article will give you good insight and help you to make a good decision.

Personally, I run a CO2 reactor and kalk for make up water.

Paul

Lutefisk · 02/07/2007, 09:53 AM

BTW - The article was written before Randy published his "home-brew" 2-part recipes so it does not discuss them. Needless to say, they are far less expensive than the commercial products for which he discusses and calculates and estimated annual cost.

Paul

1SickReefer · 02/07/2007, 09:54 AM

Thanks Paul,

Yes mainly SPS here, reactor has been great thus far, but I'm always changing something

I run the same right now, Geo Ca rx and a kalk for topoff, tank PH usually around 8+

I need to get a quality needle valve for the reactor effluent. Maybe it would help keep a consistent drip. I know feed pressure is not the cause of the drip stopping, its T'd off my return.

I could see the entire reactor package for about 500, that would be the reactor, C02 bottle, JBJ reg and solenoid, and 2 of the GEN-X large grain schuran type media.

That 500 could buy me a new LMIII and extra pump. One for Ca and the other for Alk. Also I could Sell my IKS pump and add the third pump on the LMIII and have all my dosing needs handled by the LMIII.

Thanks for the reply, going to read that article now.

1SickReefer · 02/07/2007, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lutefisk
BTW - The article was written before Randy published his "home-brew" 2-part recipes so it does not discuss them. Needless to say, they are far less expensive than the commercial products for which he discusses and calculates and estimated annual cost.

Paul

Yeah I have 2 50lb bad each of dow and mag flake. I would never buy the store brand 2-parts. Like B-ionic the price is crazzzy for a stocked SPS.

02/06/2007, 07:02 PM	#1
1SickReefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Perryville, MD Posts: 1,048	Switching From Ca Reactor to LMIII Yes or No?!? Title says it all, anyone with exp switching from a reactor to what I believe is called the "bailing" method? I want something that is precise, I can't stand the inconsistency of the drip on Ca reactors, I've tried a MJ1200, T'd off my return. If I need a peri pump to run a Ca Rx I might as well ditch the media and Co2 and dose Randy's 2-part. I already have more Dow and Mag flake than I could ever use. How much solution could I make up at once? maybe 5g at a time? I'll ask the same in the chem forum if no one here knows. Does it have to be stirred before each use? If so I could use my ACIII to turn a pump on the container for a few minutes. The LMIII is capable of precise dosing correct, like 50ml a day? and based on volume not time right? Thanks for the help! 1SR

02/07/2007, 09:43 AM	#3
Lutefisk Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Oviedo, FL Posts: 1,686	Yes, you can ditch the CO2 reactor and go to 2-part which can be simpler. Randy has written a good article about Ca/Alk supplementation: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm You've got a couple factors to consider: What are the calcium and alkalinity requirements of your reef? If you've got mainly softies it can make a lot of sense to go to 2-part. Judging from your lighting and other equipment you might have substantial SPS growth which tilts the economics towards reactors. The complexity and reliability of the system you choose The cost I believe Randy's article will give you good insight and help you to make a good decision. Personally, I run a CO2 reactor and kalk for make up water. Paul __________________ lu·te·fisk (lôô'tə-fĭsk') n. A traditional Scandinavian dish prepared by soaking air-dried cod in a lye solution for several weeks, a process that gives the dish its gelatinous consistency. Current Tank Info: 155 bow front plus misc other tanks.

02/07/2007, 09:53 AM	#4
Lutefisk Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Oviedo, FL Posts: 1,686	BTW - The article was written before Randy published his "home-brew" 2-part recipes so it does not discuss them. Needless to say, they are far less expensive than the commercial products for which he discusses and calculates and estimated annual cost. Paul __________________ lu·te·fisk (lôô'tə-fĭsk') n. A traditional Scandinavian dish prepared by soaking air-dried cod in a lye solution for several weeks, a process that gives the dish its gelatinous consistency. Current Tank Info: 155 bow front plus misc other tanks.

02/07/2007, 06:42 AM	#2
1SickReefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Perryville, MD Posts: 1,048	^

02/07/2007, 09:54 AM	#5
1SickReefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Perryville, MD Posts: 1,048	Thanks Paul, Yes mainly SPS here, reactor has been great thus far, but I'm always changing something I run the same right now, Geo Ca rx and a kalk for topoff, tank PH usually around 8+ I need to get a quality needle valve for the reactor effluent. Maybe it would help keep a consistent drip. I know feed pressure is not the cause of the drip stopping, its T'd off my return. I could see the entire reactor package for about 500, that would be the reactor, C02 bottle, JBJ reg and solenoid, and 2 of the GEN-X large grain schuran type media. That 500 could buy me a new LMIII and extra pump. One for Ca and the other for Alk. Also I could Sell my IKS pump and add the third pump on the LMIII and have all my dosing needs handled by the LMIII. Thanks for the reply, going to read that article now.