Sevitz5 Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 I currently have a 110 gal SPS dominant tank that I dose 90 ml/day of Alk and 90 ml/day of Ca. I’m using ESV b-ionic with a GHL doser and all is good, but I’m upgrading to a 180 in a couple months and worried the dosing is gonna get expensive. I understand the initial startup of a Ca reactor is expensive, but you can find used setups fairly reasonable. At what point dose a guy start thinking about switching to the reactor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 This is something I’ve been thinking about too. I have 500 gallons total but less coral than you do. Dosing is already seeming expensive! Looking forward to what people have to say! Sevitz5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Fraggenstien Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 I'd say whenever you're up to it! Won't take long to pay for itself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Fishman Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 I don’t even know when to start dosing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevitz5 Posted June 16, 2019 Author Share Posted June 16, 2019 5 hours ago, Dr.Fraggenstien said: I'd say whenever you're up to it! Won't take long to pay for itself Yea, it’s a little scary since I don’t know anything about them. I’m doing a lot of reading on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Invest in a good feed pump and co2 reg and controller (IF YOU DONT HAVE A APEX)and it will be a god save!!! Set it for get it for the most part as things grow or you add more sps you can adjust for the uptake or set a doser to add a little alk and calcium to make up the small difference which ever you prefer Get a good media like reborn doesnt plug up as easy as finer media does.i use arm extra course for this reason and i added magnesium chips so i dont have to dose any magnesium Once in a while you might have to dose a little for exra growth or more for new stock while you fine adjust the reactor I would never run another tank with out one just so much easier I use a geo 6x24 reactor with a carbon doser reg and a kromer feed pump and a co2 controller I can use my apex to shut down the feed pump as extra safety measures. The co2 controller keeps my ph at 6.5 in the reactor to melt the media any lower it shuts off the co2 Above 6.5 it turns on and allows co2 to enter the reactor .i have flow out of the reactor at 30ml and the co2 is at 3 bubbles per sec Really its that easy if you buy the right equipment at the start also pull through the reactor insteand of pushing thru it I also use kalk thru my auto top off that helps with the low ph of the effluent from the reactor output. Some use a second chamber to help use up any left over co2 left in the effluent this raises its ph a little My tank runs around 8.3 to 8.4 ph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 6 hours ago, Zaireguy said: Invest in a good feed pump and co2 reg and controller (IF YOU DONT HAVE A APEX)and it will be a god save!!! Set it for get it for the most part as things grow or you add more sps you can adjust for the uptake or set a doser to add a little alk and calcium to make up the small difference which ever you prefer Get a good media like reborn doesnt plug up as easy as finer media does.i use arm extra course for this reason and i added magnesium chips so i dont have to dose any magnesium Once in a while you might have to dose a little for exra growth or more for new stock while you fine adjust the reactor I would never run another tank with out one just so much easier I use a geo 6x24 reactor with a carbon doser reg and a kromer feed pump and a co2 controller I can use my apex to shut down the feed pump as extra safety measures. The co2 controller keeps my ph at 6.5 in the reactor to melt the media any lower it shuts off the co2 Above 6.5 it turns on and allows co2 to enter the reactor .i have flow out of the reactor at 30ml and the co2 is at 3 bubbles per sec Really its that easy if you buy the right equipment at the start also pull through the reactor insteand of pushing thru it I also use kalk thru my auto top off that helps with the low ph of the effluent from the reactor output. Some use a second chamber to help use up any left over co2 left in the effluent this raises its ph a little My tank runs around 8.3 to 8.4 ph This sounds about like the set up I have envisioned. I always hear great things about that Kamoer pump, and with the Trident finally avaliable adjusting dosing just got easier! Care to share associated Apex code? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevitz5 Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 7 hours ago, Zaireguy said: Invest in a good feed pump and co2 reg and controller (IF YOU DONT HAVE A APEX)and it will be a god save!!! Set it for get it for the most part as things grow or you add more sps you can adjust for the uptake or set a doser to add a little alk and calcium to make up the small difference which ever you prefer Get a good media like reborn doesnt plug up as easy as finer media does.i use arm extra course for this reason and i added magnesium chips so i dont have to dose any magnesium Once in a while you might have to dose a little for exra growth or more for new stock while you fine adjust the reactor I would never run another tank with out one just so much easier I use a geo 6x24 reactor with a carbon doser reg and a kromer feed pump and a co2 controller I can use my apex to shut down the feed pump as extra safety measures. The co2 controller keeps my ph at 6.5 in the reactor to melt the media any lower it shuts off the co2 Above 6.5 it turns on and allows co2 to enter the reactor .i have flow out of the reactor at 30ml and the co2 is at 3 bubbles per sec Really its that easy if you buy the right equipment at the start also pull through the reactor insteand of pushing thru it I also use kalk thru my auto top off that helps with the low ph of the effluent from the reactor output. Some use a second chamber to help use up any left over co2 left in the effluent this raises its ph a little My tank runs around 8.3 to 8.4 ph I’m starting to compile parts, I found a 20lb CO2 tank locally for $30 I’m going to pick up. Is there a particular regulator that you recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 If you want the best find a carbon doser ...its a electronic reg ....its has numbers on the dial and that is what you set the bubble count to They r expensive but you will not have to constantly adjust it like you do the other ones that are cheaper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 @Muttley000 here is some common code CaCirc_3_1 (physical circulation pump outlet)Fallback ON Set ON If Outlet CaRx_Maint = ON Then OFF If Outlet CaRx_FlowAL = ON Then OFFCaPump_3_4 (Physical feed pump outlet)Fallback OFF OSC 000:00/005:00/005:00 Then ON If pH > 6.7 Then ON If pH < 6.5 Then OFF If Outlet CaRx_Maint = ON Then OFF If Outlet CaRx_FlowAL = ON Then OFFCO2_3_8 (physical outlet for CO2 solenoid)Fallback OFF If pH_Ca > 6.50 Then ON If pH_Ca < 6.50 Then OFF If pH < 8.00 Then OFF If Outlet CaCirc_3_1 = OFF Then OFFIf Outlet CaRx_FlowAL = ON Then OFFIf Outlet CO2_Low = ON Then OFF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 If you have a trident and a dose.you can have the reactor do about 90 to 95%of the work and let the dose do the rest along with the trident testing.the trident will work with the dose to help keep your numbers where you want them(they call it controlled dosing) The best way to have your numbers as constant as possible.this way you dont have to worry about over shooting with your reactor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Fraggenstien Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 10 hours ago, Zaireguy said: pull through the reactor insteand of pushing thru it you using a peristaltic pump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaireguy Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Yes you use the peristaltic pump to suck water out of your sump /dt thru the reactor Most of the time you would use say a mj900 to feed (push)water into the reactor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 1 hour ago, Zaireguy said: Yes you use the peristaltic pump to suck water out of your sump /dt thru the reactor Most of the time you would use say a mj900 to feed (push)water into the reactor I think we are going to need some pics. Thanks for all the detail! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevitz5 Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 How big of a tank are people using? 5,10,or 20 lb? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinelife Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 You are ready for a CA Reactor when you feel you are spending to much on dosing supplies. How much is to much is up to you. I run a Precision Marine 6 X 24 Calcium Reactor W/Eheim Pump and feed from a line from my return pump. I have a carbondoser electronic co2 regulator and a 20 or 25 pound co2 tank, I can not remember now what size it is. The bigger the tank the less you have to get it refilled. I have no controller, I just go with my ALK tests to make my adjustments. Been running it this way since July 2004, The setup works other than the Eheim pump is glued to the reactor. To me this was a mistake Precision Marine made in the design. I have no way to rep[lace it other than break it off, I have found several videos on how to get it off. The pump is just now seeming like it needs some work done on it. I am currently waiting on a new reactor to be built. I ordered an 8" Automated Calcium Reactor from Aquarium Engineering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Fishman Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 (edited) I have a CO2 tank on an old Kegerator in the garage..... may even be full, if someone needs a tank (or a kegerator for that matter) Kegerator for coral has a nice ring to it Edited June 17, 2019 by Jon Fishman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Lol I still have my tank too, one less thing to buy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cptnspanky Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 @Sevitz5 I run a 10lb tank on my 300. Lasts me about 9 months generally. I also would not go with the carbon doser for concerns of failure/end of tank issues. For peace of mind I would always go with a dual stage regulator. once you get it set up pressure is stable and so is bubble count until the very end of the tank. but instead of dumping the remainder like a single stage would, it slows. if your using an apex, it will notify you of your ph being too high and your still safe. Honestly if you have the apex control your reactor ph, your bubble count is irrelevant as it will maintain it there regardless. Theres a thread around here somewhere where I did a write up about using a reactor. @Jon Fishman where were you a few weeks ago when I was hunting for a kegerator! already bought one now....got any fancy handles you wanna part with send me a pm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevitz5 Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 2 hours ago, Jon Fishman said: I have a CO2 tank on an old Kegerator in the garage..... may even be full, if someone needs a tank (or a kegerator for that matter) Kegerator for coral has a nice ring to it How close are you to Lima? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sevitz5 Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 3 minutes ago, cptnspanky said: @Sevitz5 I run a 10lb tank on my 300. Lasts me about 9 months generally. I also would not go with the carbon doser for concerns of failure/end of tank issues. For peace of mind I would always go with a dual stage regulator. once you get it set up pressure is stable and so is bubble count until the very end of the tank. but instead of dumping the remainder like a single stage would, it slows. if your using an apex, it will notify you of your ph being too high and your still safe. Honestly if you have the apex control your reactor ph, your bubble count is irrelevant as it will maintain it there regardless. Theres a thread around here somewhere where I did a write up about using a reactor. @Jon Fishman where were you a few weeks ago when I was hunting for a kegerator! already bought one now....got any fancy handles you wanna part with send me a pm! I do have an apex, so your saying I don’t need the expensive carbon doser regulator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinelife Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 I have been running a carbon doser for over 10 years without issue. Not sure what % fail but I know mine has been great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cptnspanky Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 1 minute ago, Sevitz5 said: I do have an apex, so your saying I don’t need the expensive carbon doser regulator? a good dual stage (not dual guage) regulator isn't a whole lot cheaper but yes and in my opinion a lot safer in the long haul Sevitz5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley000 Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 @cptnspanky any of this interest you? Old school Budweiser and bad frog beer handles, a tap and a thermostat (my fridge was in an I heated garage but the light bulb would keep it thawed. You can have any if you want. If he doesn’t and someone else does say the word! sorry, I know this is far off topic lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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