Two part vs calcium reactor

[bob betzel]

I have a 185 gallon reef with a 40 gallon sump that has been set up 3 1/2 years. I have been using BRS 2-part and it has done well. I am considering buying dosing pumps, etc to add the two part but I am wondering if in the long run I shouldn't just bite the bullet and go to a reactor. Also which reactor. Thanks!

 

[grouper therapy]

I personally like the kalkwasser reactor and calcium reactor used together versus the two part. No name brand as I diy my equipment for the most part.

 

[grouper therapy]

Do you have a lot on stoney corals?

 

[bob betzel]

I have a few sps but primarily LPS and 2 clams. I use kalkwasser as a top off along with 2-part.

 

[snowmansnow]

grouper therapy;593668 wrote: Do you have a lot on stoney corals?

+1 . If you don't have a TON of sps then the kalk reactor will be fine IMO. I have a pretty heavily stocked SPS tank and ONLY run kalk... but thats just me.

No CA reactor here.. and I get pretty good growth.. old pic.. but this gives you an idea of the CA demand I'm able to keep up with.

B
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[snowmansnow]

Bob Betzel;593633 wrote: I have a 185 gallon reef with a 40 gallon sump that has been set up 3 1/2 years. I have been using BRS 2-part and it has done well. I am considering buying dosing pumps, etc to add the two part but I am wondering if in the long run I shouldn't just bite the bullet and go to a reactor. Also which reactor. Thanks!

oops sorry.. thought u were considering a kalk reactor in the question.. my bad

 

[bob betzel]

Thanks for the input. I find that I cannot maintain Alkalinity and calcium by just dripping kalk so I use 2-part in addition. Will a kalk reactor work better than just dripping kalk for top-off?

 

[grouper therapy]

Bob Betzel;593695 wrote: Thanks for the input. I find that I cannot maintain Alkalinity and calcium by just dripping kalk so I use 2-part in addition. Will a kalk reactor work better than just dripping kalk for top-off?

I prefer the drip method as there is less chance of overdosing.

 

[snowmansnow]

I think its all in how you SET UP the kalk reactor.. the only way mine would OD is if the ATO got stuck on. I took this into consideration when purchasing my ATO, and made sure I got what I felt was the best on the market. after 2 years it is flawless.

ALSO, I don't COMPLETELY load my kalk reactor so that if it were to completely wash out Id at least have a chance to save things.

 

[grouper therapy]

I think it is fine to use the ATO for kalk additions as well as most of the upper end having safety features to help prevent overdosing. As stated just less of a chance imo.
I also prefer it to be added over the course of 24 hours rather than in several or a few dosing. I think most people probably use their ATO for dosing kalk . I have a system of dosing kalk that never needs anything except the addition of pickling lime every 3 months and a cleaning once a year.