Age old ?: Calcium reactor or 2 part dosing?

[crewdawg1981]

Okay, need the opinions. I'm still working on putting all the equipment together for my 180 build and have run across a good deal for an MRC-CR2 Calcium Reactor complete with pump, CO2, Solenoid and Regulator. Problem is... I just bought a Bubble Magus triple doser.

Okay, so the question is... long term which is the best. I imagine they both have their pros and cons. So far, my experience with dosing hasnt been all that positive as I CANNOT get my calcium up. Its been hovering around 380ppm for... well forever. I've gone from dosing 40mls per day up to 90mls per day now and its not like I have a lot of calcium intensive corals.

However, I hear that the CA reactor is a "set it and forget it" type of deal. I'm not lazy, I just want to keep everything where it needs to be and stable. So... I come to you all for your infinite wisdom... or whatever...

Brands you might recommend? I know my deal is for an MRC-CR2, but what about the Korallins? I read that they dont need a pH monitor or whatever and were better?... but then... of course they'd say they're better.

HELP!

 

[jhutto]

When I could not keep up the calcium on my 90 with two part without adding a lot often, I went to the calcium reactor. I use a Geo and love it. High front end investment in reactor, co2 bottle and regulator. I would defintely use a controller as a safety mechanism. There are some good deals used out there.

Joe

 

[gnashty]

I may be interested in that bubble magus if you decide to sell it

 

[crewdawg1981]

I hear ya Joe. I'm adding more and more and it never seems to change much. I've tried spacing it out to part of the dose in the morning and part of it in the evening without any change. THAT is why i'm considering the reactor.

If I do make the switch I'll keep that in mind Gary. The Bubble Magus is brand new in the box never used.

 

[gmpolan]

tagging along as im in the same boat and just purchased a mrc cr1...

 

[skriz]

Calcium reactor is your best bet long term. You have a higher initial investment, but your ongoing expenses are very low. It's also a very stable system that requires very little work on your end.

A ph controller is not required for any brand calcium reactor, not just korralin. The controller will just make setting the reactor a dream; for what a controller costs, it's well worth the investment.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Skriz;557133 wrote: Calcium reactor is your best bet long term. You have a higher initial investment, but your ongoing expenses are very low. It's also a very stable system that requires very little work on your end.

A ph controller is not required for any brand calcium reactor, not just korralin. The controller will just make setting the reactor a dream; for what a controller costs, it's well worth the investment.

Hmm, well I imagine that I could connect it up to my Apex and dial it in that way saving me some time/money.

I really think that given my issues dosing this is gonna be my best bet. There are a lot of threads about this question and from what I can tell... its almost purely a preference thing. Whatever works for whoever.

Ugh... decisions. I like buying new toys... just not when they cost money

 

[gmpolan]

i could be very wrong but from my understanding you would want a ph controller not just a probe...so hints my why most people use milwaukee or pinpoint

 

[crewdawg1981]

Right, but you can control it via the Apex I believe. I need to do a tad more research on it.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Also... I know Geo has a good following, but I've found a deal on a Korallin 1502 and one on an MRC-CR2... which one would you guys go with. They're both for about the same price.

 

[skriz]

Crewdawg1981;557140 wrote: Hmm, well I imagine that I could connect it up to my Apex and dial it in that way saving me some time/money.

I really think that given my issues dosing this is gonna be my best bet. There are a lot of threads about this question and from what I can tell... its almost purely a preference thing. Whatever works for whoever.

Ugh... decisions. I like buying new toys... just not when they cost money

The APEX is epic. If you already have one, you're ahead of the game and can use it to control the reactor.

 

[crewdawg1981]

INDEED the Apex IS epic

Ugh... spankin new MRC CR2 or year old Korallin 1502, both with CO2 and regulators. The MRC is about $25 more.

 

[jt955]

Go with the mrc you will love it

 

[grouper therapy]

I personally like the calcium reactor in combo with a kalkwasser reactor

 

[crewdawg1981]

Well... I went ahead and got the MRC-CR2 from a guy on ReefCentral. Got the reactor, the solenoid, the regulator and CO2 canister for $375 shipped. I'll need to get the $20 probe holder and then I imagine have the lid tapped, but it saved me over $250 buying the stuff new.

Hopefully I didnt pay too much... though I know if you're patient you can find some really good deals.

 

[skriz]

Good choice

 

[crewdawg1981]

Skriz;557772 wrote: Good choice

I think so!

PS... I think I have your old sump! hahaha... was looking at your build or rebuild thread today and was like... "Hey!... I recognize the taped corners and patched crack!"

Here's hopin it still works! :up: