Calcium and Alk question

[ramsey]

In the past, I had problems keeping my alk in a good range and my calcium was high. I'm trying to figure out how to address this in the new tank. My question is, what are the advantages and disadvantages to use a kalk reactor, calc reactor or just dosing 2-part via a dosing pump? I'm trying to decide what the best method is. Right now, I'm leaning towards the dosing pump since I'd be able to control how much of each part gets dosed. In other words, theres no need to dose calcium if it's already at 500ppm.

[CoryDude]

Right now, I'm leaning towards the dosing pump since I'd be able to control how much of each part gets dosed. In other words, theres no need to dose calcium if it's already at 500ppm.

++ on that. I loved my calc reactor, but if the drip rate or co2 rate changed, then the calc/alk levels would get out of whack. Too much maint. and adjusting with the effluent. 2 part is a much easier way to manage those critical parameters.

[JLiu]

Depending on the long term goals of the system and the amount of consumption invovled. Kind of all boils down to how much money your willing to put in on a daily basis. A system with heavy consumption would use up a considerable amount of two part dosing versus cal and kalk reactor combo which is more cost effective but you do have a larger upfront cost.

[BSJF]

Calcium Reactor - I get more color in my corals with it. Lower pH. Can be difficult to adjust.
Kalk Reactor - Simple, easy to setup. Higher pH, some phosphate control.
2 Part - Simple, easy, more control to get the levels where you want them, but you can also unbalance your levels much easier too. Definitely invest in a real multi doser if you go this route.

I just started using all three methods about a month ago - Even with the calc/kalk combo that I have, I am dosing two part at the rate of about 1 L a week. I use the bulk 2 part from Bulk Reef Supply. I couldn't even imagine the cost of B-Ionic for my system.

If I had to give something up, the calcium reactor would be the first thing to go. Only because my pH is low and that would improve without it.

You could also try using a different salt. Most of the pro type salts are high in calc and low in alk. IO is low in calc and high in alk. I always have both types around and use one or the other or a combination of both depending on my levels in the tank. And I test the water before use so I know what is going in the tank.

[ErikH]

Just dose kalk through your ATO. It works well until you have a heavily stocked system (coral wise) or have a lot of clams. Cheap and easy. To a point it should also keep your CA pretty balanced. Water is cheap, and so is salt. Water changes are also a great thing to help out in this arena.

[BSJF]

That's really what I meant to say :)

I agree with Erik that if your system doesn't demand more, kalk is the way to go. I did that for years in Utah when I evaporated like 4 gallons a day. Here less than 10 gallons a week (on a bigger tank).

:bigsmile: My system is likely stocked and hardly any clams :angel: :innocent2:

[ramsey]

Cool, thanks for the feed back. I'm buying a Tunze kalk thingy for my Osmolator. I don't think I need to dose much of anything at the moment. I may just see what the kalk gets me then start dosing two part when I need to. Ultimately, I would like to get my alk to about 8dkm and my calc to about 420-450. Right now my calc is higher and my alk is lower.

When the time comes, I may get a Bubble Magus doser that way I can dose 2-part and magnesium. Thanks for the feedback though! I guess I'm on the right track.

[txg8gxp]

I have had great luck using just my geo kalk reactor. I do plan to add a profilux dosing system soon for ca/alk/trace A-/trace K+

[ramsey]

I'm going to pull the trigger on a dosing pump tomorrow. Any last words on why a kalk reactor would be better? I'm still a little torn but a dosing pump seems like the better option. Any other opinions on this?

[txg8gxp]

I would choose 2 part over kalk. IMO

[ErikH]

Dosing pumps are great, that is what I currently use. Before I did not need them though, so I just dosed kalk through my ATO. IIRC For every 1 DKh you get 20ppm CA. If your CA is high and Alk is low, Kalk through the ATO would suffice.

[ramsey]

Yeah, I considered that Erik but my problem is, They're both about the same price and I think I'd probably want to go with 2-part in the future at some point so why not do it now? So far, I don't see any real advantage to kalk other than it would be cheaper to buy than 2-part.

[jrsatx20]

2 part but make your own think thats the cheapest

[ramsey]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I just ordered my dosing pump yesterday. It's the Bubble Magus with three pumps so I think I'll dose some magnesium as well.