CA Reactor or Dosing

[htfn]

Thanks for the information. My system is about 120 gal total water, so dosing might be better way? However I am thinking to do DIY dosing before I will get nice one. I just like to try. I was serching DIY dosing and found one of the reefer was using Aqualifter pump and gang valve. What do you think about this idea? I have very limited budget to keep my tank running, so I try to keep cost down. Maybe I have wrong hobby.
Thanks

[christyf5]

I would imagine we're all trying to keep the costs down if and where we can I have used both a reactor and dosing pump. Personally I like the dosing pump as its easier to maintain my chemicals (used to have to take my co2 tank in fairly often and the shops hours were pretty restrictive, same hours I work) and I think the dosing pump keeps my parameters much more stable. You may want to invest in a better reactor? I don't know how great the coralife ones are (I've seen their skimmers in action and I wasn't impressed by them). My first calcium reactor was great, no problems and I filled the co2 tank every 9 months or so like clockwork, then I decided to "upgrade" to a fancier reactor and I had nothing but problems which made me want to switch to dosing. I do find dosing to be more expensive so far but not expensive enough to make me switch back to a reactor.

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by htfn

Thanks for the information. My system is about 120 gal total water, so dosing might be better way? However I am thinking to do DIY dosing before I will get nice one. I just like to try. I was serching DIY dosing and found one of the reefer was using Aqualifter pump and gang valve. What do you think about this idea? I have very limited budget to keep my tank running, so I try to keep cost down. Maybe I have wrong hobby.
Thanks

Nowadays everyone is on a budget, some are just bigger than others. I wouldn't give up just cause you can't afford all the fancy contraptions. My buddy Chris does the same thing, he doses calcium and alkalinity VIA a up side down container, some tubing and a regular adjustable valve. He uses it on a 75 gallon sps tank and it works awesome, never ever has he experienced any issues and his sps growth is rock solid. This is just an example of DIY that works as good as any 600 dollar doser and it only cost him a fraction of that. Give it a try and see how it turns out. Don't be discouraged.

[Lampshade]

I've done a full "budget" SPS reef tank. Look for used calcium reactors, lots of people switching to fancy new dosing systems. I picked up mine for $200 and will provide more than enough for any growth. Costs me about $50 a year refilling my CO2 and buying a gallon jug of ARM media that lasts a year and a half. The cost for Dosing would be much higher yearly. Lots of ways to save money on a reef tank, but sometimes the fancy new start-up systems are actually worth the money to save hassle.

[whatcaneyedo]

I've been running a Ca Reactor since 2006. My current PM 622 (old down flow style) was purchased used and has worked very well for me since 2007. The only issue I've had is with the CO2 Regulator. I tried a Milwaukee and then an Aquariumplants.com unit, both have given me more trouble than they should have. I'm not sure what the best on the market is right now but its well worth your while to not cheep out there.

Total system volume is 240gal.

[htfn]

I'll give it a try diy dosing. If My tank and I like it then get a better pump. If it doesn't work, I have to upgrade my reactor. My negotiation will start pretty soon. Hopefully my wife says ok to get nice one.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by htfn

Hopefully my wife says ok to get nice one.

I'll never understand you guys!! Isn't the goal to get the wife to say "ok, I'll forgive you this time" ?
And if you're good, you lead in with "huh? This old thing? I've had it in a box downstairs for years!!"

[daniella3d]

what if the wife is watching over the budget and the money that come out? That old excuse "I've had it for years" wont help to justify the 500$ hole in the bank account

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I'll never understand you guys!! Isn't the goal to get the wife to say "ok, I'll forgive you this time" ?
And if you're good, you lead in with "huh? This old thing? I've had it in a box downstairs for years!!"

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

what if the wife is watching over the budget and the money that come out?

That's crazy talk!! Who would do such a thing?

[ashr]

I am also trying to figure out what I want to do.
I have a 66 gallon now and will upgrade in a couple of years

Doser

Kalk Reactor

or Calc Reactor...


I dunno what do to just yet