two part reactor

[Firstman]

Has anyone ever made their own calcium reactor or tried making out of the jugs it has come in. Is it sucessful, if so what are the reqiuerments or materials I would need. I need a drip action; I have been dosing to long I dont have to much time for it anymore so If anyone has suggestions bring them on. oh yes its for a 220 gal.

[ErikH]

You need dosing pumps, aka peristaltic pumps. BulkReefSupply sells them and so does AD here locally. You need to monior how much your system is using daily, and then hook the pumps up to your controller. Monitor how long it takes to fill your measuring cup to your desired level, what you dose daily, and from there you set your controller to match that time wise.

[SirReal63]

I have done the two part dosing and used a calcium reactor...calcium reactor hands down for a tank that size and limited time. Both will work but the calcium reactor is just easier, especially as the tank demands change.

[jesserettele]

I have a PM calcium reactor and have been trying to decide if I should get rid of it and just start dosing like everyone else (since these dosing pumps have appeared to make it more of an exact science), or just stay with the reactor. Can you recomend a link or a good read that I could take a look at that explains in detail what you mention below? Thanks!


I have done the two part dosing and used a calcium reactor...calcium reactor hands down for a tank that size and limited time. Both will work but the calcium reactor is just easier, especially as the tank demands change.

[SirReal63]

As with everything, it is a matter of preference. I was a fan of the RFH two part dosing long ago and it does work. As my tank matured and my Ca, Alk and Mg needs grew I found I was spending too much time adjusting the dosing to keep the parameters stable. The tank was 125 gallons, heavily sps dominated and was consuming a large amount of time. I bought my first reactor and less than a month later everything stayed stable and my corals grew like never before.

The old tank...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/sirreal63/125/125fts7-15.jpg

Some people prefer dosing, but as the tank gets larger dosing gets more expensive. I have a couple of MityFlex industrial dosing pumps still but they have other uses now in my system. The biggest drawback with calcium reactors...the needle valve on the regulator, it tends to need help and monitoring. I solved this with an electronic one that is precise and stays precise.

Do what you are comfortable with, neither is right and neither is wrong.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1652617&highlight=calcium+reactor+vs+two+part&page=2

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/44-calcium-reactors-in-out-and-everything-in-between-part-1

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/two-part-and-calcium-reactors-both-are-here-to-stay-which-is-for-you/

[jesserettele]

Excellent links, thanks! which electroni needle valve regulator did you use?

[SirReal63]

The Aquarium plants one, fine pc of equipment.

[Firstman]

thanks for all the help, will look out and keep all this in mind. that was a nice tank 63, and I know Erik has a great tank so I will take all this advice to mind; thank you everyone.

[jesserettele]

The Aquarium plants one, fine pc of equipment.

this one?
http://www.marinedepot.com/AquariumPlants_Electronic_CO2_Regulator_w_8_digit_ LCD_Counter_CO2_Regulators_for_Aquariums-AquariumPlants.com-XQ1113-FICORE-vi.html

[SirReal63]

That's it, you could pay more at MD or get it from the people who actually make it.
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm

[CoryDude]

The only thing, and I mean the only thing I prefer about 2 part dosing is the ease at which you can adjust your levels. Fine tuning my knop reactor took more time, and was usually more of a reactive adjustment instead of proactive.

In answer to your original question, NextReef has a 2 part reactor that you could convert to a calcium reactor. But, after you add the circulation pump, fittings, media, and bubbler counter, you're probably approaching the cost of just outright buying one.

Keep an eye open in the For Sale section. I know a lot of people like myself are retiring their calcium reactors, so you may be able to find a good deal.