codyr
08/11/2015, 06:37 AM
Hi All,
As the topic states I am querying the use of a calcium reactor supplemented with dosing pumps, just getting my thoughts out there.
Currently I dose 3 part in the old system (1000g) upgrading to 2500g.
I bring corals in and out regularly so requirements do vary considerably from time to time.
My thoughts after much research was to run a calcium reactor at a base stocking line to supplement most of my ca/alk/mg needs and then continue to use the dosing pumps to make the supplementary doses required to keep everything in check depending on system load. Also the idea of some other elements being supplemented does sound like a nice idea.
I have done plenty of research on the reactor and the pros and cons of each and I have used 3 part for quite a while and I have no problems with it, it is an easy accurate method of supplementing the system.
My main reason for leaning towards having a reactor for most of the dosing is the time taken to make up the 3 part batches whilst keeping them at a reasonable size both in the batch (sediment in alk) and in the dosing container (Keeping risk of overdosing due to some malfunction down - which im not sure if that is common or has even happened a controllable dosing unit, other than operator error).
To alleviate the above I could use a Hanna stirrer to reduce sediment and also increase the strength of Randys recipe to make the batches last longer. which would remove the need for the reactor.
I am also thinking (correct me if i'm wrong) that it might be a more cost effective method once setup, other than the initial equipment outlay of the reactor. (I already have the apex, powerstrip, spare PH probe, feed pump etc, so its only chamber reactor media and c02/solenoid that I would require)
Plenty of thoughts can't decide...:headwallblue:
Any opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.
As the topic states I am querying the use of a calcium reactor supplemented with dosing pumps, just getting my thoughts out there.
Currently I dose 3 part in the old system (1000g) upgrading to 2500g.
I bring corals in and out regularly so requirements do vary considerably from time to time.
My thoughts after much research was to run a calcium reactor at a base stocking line to supplement most of my ca/alk/mg needs and then continue to use the dosing pumps to make the supplementary doses required to keep everything in check depending on system load. Also the idea of some other elements being supplemented does sound like a nice idea.
I have done plenty of research on the reactor and the pros and cons of each and I have used 3 part for quite a while and I have no problems with it, it is an easy accurate method of supplementing the system.
My main reason for leaning towards having a reactor for most of the dosing is the time taken to make up the 3 part batches whilst keeping them at a reasonable size both in the batch (sediment in alk) and in the dosing container (Keeping risk of overdosing due to some malfunction down - which im not sure if that is common or has even happened a controllable dosing unit, other than operator error).
To alleviate the above I could use a Hanna stirrer to reduce sediment and also increase the strength of Randys recipe to make the batches last longer. which would remove the need for the reactor.
I am also thinking (correct me if i'm wrong) that it might be a more cost effective method once setup, other than the initial equipment outlay of the reactor. (I already have the apex, powerstrip, spare PH probe, feed pump etc, so its only chamber reactor media and c02/solenoid that I would require)
Plenty of thoughts can't decide...:headwallblue:
Any opinions or comments would be greatly appreciated.