Kshack Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I am thinking of switching from a calcium reactor to dosing using a tripple doser. The tank is 250 gal. I estimate around $130 (?) per year in chemicals, if I buy 5 gal supply from BRS. Possibly mere expensive than the reactor, but I think I might get better control. Has anyone made the switch, and would you do it again? How do you decide between recipe 1 or 2? With the Calcium reactor my PH is on the low side, but that should change when I start dosing... I would make up 5-6 gal at a time, which should last 60+ days. Thanks, Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandinga Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 The switch shouldnt be a big deal. The tricky part which is super important is getting the amout dialed in to where you feel comfortable automating the system. Personally I'd wait 3-4 weeks before fully automating the dosers. Test heavily during that time, making manual adjustments as you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I am thinking of switching from a calcium reactor to dosing using a tripple doser. The tank is 250 gal. I estimate around $130 (?) per year in chemicals, if I buy 5 gal supply from BRS. Possibly mere expensive than the reactor, but I think I might get better control. Has anyone made the switch, and would you do it again? How do you decide between recipe 1 or 2? With the Calcium reactor my PH is on the low side, but that should change when I start dosing... I would make up 5-6 gal at a time, which should last 60+ days. Thanks, Ken Just out of curiosity, why are you changing? I've kinda gone the other way. From Kalk to two part (manual but have pumps), to Ca reactor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I have run a CA reactor, and now a triple doser and like the doser better. There are just so many things that can go wrong with a reactor, and I was ALWAYS having to adjust it. With the doser, i just tested for a week straight to find out how much my tank was using, then used a reef calculator to figure out how much to dose per day. Since then my params have been rock solid and i've only had to adjust the alk dosing once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Electrokate Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Pretty happy with the 2 part DIY stuff myself, been doing it over 6 years. Like the idea of calcium reactors but I know when I am slacking on the morning dosing (get a nagging feeling all day), I think if I had to work on calibration and cleaning of a calcium reactor at recommended intervals I would start slacking and it would crash the tank as I have seen others do this. I use the recipe 1 as recipe 2 would slightly lower the ph and is for those whose ph runs high. Never had that problem... I am guessing if you are using dosing pumps and a calibrated reliable controller it would really not matter which recipe you use as it would be 24/7. Also guessing it would be good to make sure it dumps the buffer part away from the calcium part and that the buffer goes to a high flow area, like where the skimmer returns. Might be good questions for the guys at bulk reef supply. Perhaps one recipe is better on the pumps or less likely to precipitate out. Had a lot of trouble in the last year with 2 part dosing but then I realized it was my test kits so switched to LaMotte. Go figure. Got the go ahead to buy a reefkeeper and pumps myself so will be researching too. Probably will skip the magnesium part as it's never low in my tanks. Kate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I have run a CA reactor' date=' and now a triple doser and like the doser better. There are just so many things that can go wrong with a reactor, and I was ALWAYS having to adjust it. With the doser, i just tested for a week straight to find out how much my tank was using, then used a reef calculator to figure out how much to dose per day. Since then my params have been rock solid and i've only had to adjust the alk dosing once.[/quote'] I agree. Just when you think ya got her tuned in something happens. When it is running right it is great. I have an adjustable Masterflex pump that keeps my pumping rate rock solid. It is my Clipard needle valve that has been trouble. I just ordered (10 minutes ago) an Aquarium Plants Carbon Doser. Bigjonnwoddy loves his. No needle valve. Bargain Ca. reactor parts are not a bargain. Just ask me......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kshack Posted November 2, 2011 Author Share Posted November 2, 2011 Just out of curiosity, why are you changing? I've kinda gone the other way. From Kalk to two part (manual but have pumps), to Ca reactor. I have had some growth in the last 5 years and the daily needs change all the time. I THINK I can better fine tune the daily needs with the doser over the reactor. I have a Zeovit system and it is necessary to keep the KH around 7 (6.5-7.5)...that does not leave much room for error. If I want to adjust just a little, it is hard to go from 115 bubbles per minute to 118, or should it be 121, for example. Talked to BRS and recipe 1 is what most use. Recipe 2 is for high PH, like if you were dripping Kalk in addition to dosing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 I use Randy Holmes-Farley's alk recipe(WAY CHEAPER), and use the calcium from BRS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.