Planning Questions

[coraline79]

So my tank isn't coming in for another month(125L), and I am in the process of planning and gathering equipment for my build. This is what I currently have and plan on doing:

2 Korallia #4's -thanks bigk
3 MH SE 175
6 PC 16"
2 48" retro t5ho's
Calfo built and bought-thanks Ace
Ace Reactor-thanks darth
55gallon tank for sump
Fans for the lights.

Things I will be purchasing:
Quiet one 6000
Octopus 150 PS
Additional media reactor
Kalk Reactor
sqwd
ATO+reserviour


I am planning on running one reactor w/ carbon, and I want to get another one to run Purigen. I am going to have phosphate removal in a filter bag in the return chamber. I am not fully understanding the calcium reactor/kalkwasser reactors, although I understand their purpose and relationship, and I also see that they cost a fortune. I will likely setup a Kalk reactor because it is cheaper, and continue to dose calcium until I can afford a calcium reactor setup.

Is this feasible? Am I missing anthing you would require? Is there something you would do w/o?

Thanks for your input!!

[Kristy]

Sounds like a great setup. We have that Octopus 150 you are planning to get (formerly RayAllen's) so if you want to see it in action or have any questions, etc., you can check it out when you come see our tank.

[hobogato]

I will likely setup a Kalk reactor because it is cheaper, and continue to dose calcium until I can afford a calcium reactor setup.

if you use a kalk reactor, your calcium levels will be high. it is your alkalinity that will suffer. if you are running only a kalk reactor, then you will use a buffer additive to maintain your alkalinity.

[ErikH]

Put some Kalk in your makeup water until you can afford the reactor setup.
The key to kalk in your ATO is to only have the ATO on at night, and to make sure your CA levels are perfect before you start. Kalk will hold those levels there. The reason I say to have it on only at night is because it will raise your PH, but at night your PH is lower (usually) and this will bring that up through the typically low PH time. Also, make sure the PH of the makeup water for your ATO is 12 after adding kalk.

If I am wrong, someone please tell me! This is how I have been doing it for several months now.

[coraline79]

Thanks for the help guys!! The chemical side of everything is the reason I am glad I still have a couple of months till I go "live". For my 30long tank, I dose b-ionic 2 part, and that is it. I test every 2-3 weeks for calcium, pho, ph, and alk. so it is very cut and dry. There is also a lot less on the line as far as livestock/money is concerned, so it doesn't worry me very much. I don't want my worries to increase with each gallon.Hahaha!

[coraline79]

Hey thanks for the offer Kristy. I will have to come by soon to take a look. I gotta see you tank setup too. I saw it at Ray's when he had it up, but it was fowler then.

[ErikH]

You should use higher wattage lights depending on your depth.

[coraline79]

w/ sand bed my depth will be around 18-19 inches. I am inder the impression 175w mh is the appropriate lighting for this depth.