How To: Switching From Dosing To A Calcium Reactor
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- I've had a few ask me now for my approach to switching from dosing to calcium reactors, so I figured that I would do a video discussing how I achieved this recently on my dream reef tank.
The video is also presents a helpful and easy to follow way to "tune" your calcium reactor on going, or even if starting from day 1. 
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Calcium Reactor for the WIN!!! I tune mine exactly like you. Constant effluent and lower PH in the reactor until my alk stables out. Alk dropping, give it a bit more gas to lower PH inside the reactor. Alk climbing back off the gas a tiny bit. Easy peasy.
Easy as mate! People just like to make it more complicated than it needs to be!
Hey champ been watching your videos from the UK! Completely inspired! had to sell my reefer 250 3 years ago due to moving countries and cannot wait to get back into the hobby! Keeping up to date with all the latest gadgets through your channel. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks so much mate! Good luck with your new setup, hopefully sooner rather than later for your sake!!
I agree with you 100%. I installed a calcium reactor on my tank about six months ago. I will never have a tank without one. I did the dosing thing however it was always running out or getting low on chemicals.Yes my alkalinity was up and down. However with the calcium reactor my alkalinity stays 8.3-8.4 on cruise control. The reactor comes with a learning curve however once you figure it out. As you say happy days😁 . Thanks for the great video, please do another video with more depth on calcium reactors. Two thumbs up.👍
Can do mate, although I have done a couple before!
ruclips.net/video/HoEDtnLINRo/видео.html
Excellent video Sam
Cheers Aaron!
Great video Sam!
Thanks mate!!
Great Vid Sam! In my own experience and method, all I do is peg the PH at 6.5 in the reactor and dose the amount your tank requires. As long as you use coarse media you shouldn't have any issues.
That’s another way to tackle it, all about reducing to one variable 👍🏻
Thanks, great and informative video.🙏🏻
Thank you!
Thank you.
I’m going through this issue myself. Your aquarium looks awesome.
The only thing it’s missing is around a dozen Tangs, beginning with the Powder Blue, of course, and their cousins. Thanks again for your videos and information.
anytime!
I watched a BRSTv investigates today, it showed how much phosphate was put back into the tank by the media, the only one tested that put zero back in was the Triton media, was very interesting.
Yeah saw that, I don’t agree with it though.
Sam again many thanks 👏👏haven’t got one yet , but I’m very interested in one ,as it’s all about stability 👍and less liquid used 😀🏴✌️
My pleasure!
Awesome mate - thank you
My pleasure!
Great video! don't forget about the Low PSI gauge...it controls the bubble size as well as the psi on the reactor itself.
Very true!
1:40: Every American watching looks up the definition of Fortnight.
hahaha I had no idea that Americans don't use the phrase fortnight, what do you use instead?
@@ParkersReef We just say two weeks LOL!
@MichaelDaviszeeter hahaha how logical!
well done.
Thank you!
thanks for detailing the reactor steps im collecting the parts to make a reactor
My pleasure, thanks for watching g!
Hey Sam, nice video, I just today went back to Aquaforest 3 part because i had better results with AF then with the calcium reactor. coral wise.
Interesting! Whatever works for you is the main thing 👍🏻
Great video! I have seen people using a combo: dosing and calcium when the reactor would not be enough for a large tank.
Yeah that’s an option, dosing pumps are always handy for fine tweaks but nothing like a calcium reactor to take the brunt of the work :)
Thanks for the insight. I’ve never considered the dosing container size as a factor. I think that’s going dictate my need for a CaRx almost immediately as I don’t have much place for the containers. Thanks mate.
No trouble mate, glad I could help!
Hey Parker
Great video again mate. Question on the media, I saw in another comment you mentioned about adding the magnesium media. I also noticed in the arm mix it says it has high magnesium and other trace elements. What portion magnesium media do you add and are there any other trace elements you need to add to the media. I know you touched on it in the video but wondering your actual mix
Thanks in advance
Hey Tom, I usually add about 1/4 or even 1/3 magnesium media to ensure it stays up at the 1400 area :)
Hi thanks for another great video! I have not started any dosing and my tank is currently consuming 0.3 dKH per day. It's a 30 gallon tank and I'm moving to a bigger tank very soon. I used to rely fully on water changes but probably won't be the case anymore in the new 80 gallon tank.
Should I just invest in a Calcium Reactor now for stability rather than dosing parts (noted on your disclaimer at the start of the video, too !) ?
Thank you !
I would highly recommend it, but on a 80 gallon system you could go either way. Dosing is cheaper to setup, calcium reactor will give better results long term (in my opinion) but does take more space too
Its expensive at the start but cheaper in the long run. Im still using 2 part dosing esv b ionic since theres not a very high demand. I will definitely go with calcium reactor if i go with a bigger tank.
For sure mate
Hey Parker, I recently installed Calc reactor and it stabilized alk/calcium very well. Helped PH a bit too. 100x better than dosing IMO. Took lots of your lessons from previous videos. How do you keep up your PH?? My tank is in living room like yours with high traffic of kids and so on. Most of the time keeping doors and windows opened is not an option. It’s March now and we have -6 outside. I’ve seen your co2 scrubber older video. Do you have any plans for to use a co2 scrubber in your dream tank?? Or are you planning to go PH buffer route? I’d like to see a vid on your PH when you are ready.
I’m currently using a c02 scrubber on it actually, but we are lucky that most of the year round we have house windows open (which helps a lot)
Great video. I notice some reactors have a space for ph probes. Is this for the same concept you spoke about in managing and monitoring the ph while tuning to your tank? As you add more coral or as it grow, this process with have to start over? Or is it automatic?
Yes you want a ph probe port in the reactor otherwise you are blind to what the ph in the reactor is (and therefore what strength the effluent is)
@@ParkersReef Thank you
Thanks Sam, great video, it's taken away some of the mystery for me. One question, our pH naturally sits at 7.9 and I stopped chasing a higher number a long time ago. Will the calcium reactor potentially bring that down even further
It can yes, I would highly suggest running a second (or even third) media degas chamber in your scenario (although I doubt it will go further below 7.9, as you know ph is not a linear scale so dropping from 7.9 to 7.8 is much harder than 8.0-7.9
Always mixed randys recipe, now with a KHG a calcium check every two weeks is all I need. Magnesium is always high and have never needed to dose, (15 years) even in heavy sps, but I do regular water changes. CO2 bottles were a pain in the butt on my fresh tanks. Getting them filled, the expense of the regulator etc , dunno Then add a kamoer dose pump extra $400 etc I’d say 2-3k change over.
Yeah it’s not a cheap change over that is for sure
Adding a CaRx to my system. Should have my Geo CaRx shipped next week. Using a carbon doser reg and a kamoer fx-stp to pull.
Sensational setup!!!
Hi Sam, how does the ph controller work? Does it turn the CO2 regulator on and off or does it add another valve to the CO2 feed. Does the carbondoser regulator mind being constantly switched on/off if this is what the Ph controller does? Also, my tank is only 300l, (probably too small for a cal reactor but I can’t help myself and am getting one 😂 ), what approach would you recommend I take to prevent ph dropping too much? Thanks mate
Hey Andrew, ph controller turn the carbon doser on and off. If not using a carbon doser, it opens or closes a solenoid on the co2 line :)
To prevent ph dropping too much, run a higher speed effluent at a less reduced ph. Plus run an additional degassing chamber from the cal reactor (if you have space 😅)
I believe Caribsea ARM has a efficient melting point around 6.3-6.5. In my ACR the ph is around 6.1 and seems to be holding strong. I do plan on switching to destaco media due to the purity and lower Melting point.
Yeah I have heard their media is good. Just make sure you can get good access to it!!
Hi from the UK.. Can I ask what ph probe/controller you are using?
I just use weipro, not normally one to recommend cheaper brands - but I’ve had it for ten years and it works well!
Do you add any additional magnesium media to the reactor?
Yep! Mentioned in the video, but I added continuum magnesium media in the separate chamber
Great video. Can you mix 2 different brands of media? Like reborn and arm?
Yes you can!
@@ParkersReef thanks, I’m just about to setup my calcium reactor and switch over from 2 part. This was very helpful.
Good stuff mate, glad it was of use!
Hi Mate where did you get the Co2 dosing regulator. Thanks
I bought it from carbon doser dot com
Hey Sam I have a question I noticed you have a calcium reactor but also really purchased a Reef Octopus KS250 Nilson Kalk Reactor. Why have a kalk reactor when you already have a calcium reactor? I am a little confused. Thanks in advance!!!
Hey Minh, yes I am running both on this system - I feel they support each other well. The Cal reactor does the heavy lifting, but a little supplement with kalk keeps the ph up :)
@@ParkersReef sweeet thanks for your reply’s my friend I’m currently setting up my Waterbox Peninsula making sure all my ducks are in a row!!! 🙏🏻
Hi Sam, what ph controller do you use on your calcium reactor and where did you purchase, cheers
Hey terry. I just use the old weipros for the moment. Picked up from fish street!
@@ParkersReef cheers for that mate
Nice but looks like it would take a lot of space. If you has a small aquarium, say a CADE 900/1200 would you still use one?
space is absolutely a consideration! Calcium reactors do come in different sizes, but the reactor, the bottle and other bits all add up in space and cost. I would run one on a cade 1200, 900 possibly not
Hey Sam what ph probe do you use? And can you have a ph controller as well on solenoid to switch on and off automatically? If ph drops too low or you turn your effluent down?
I use a weipro ph controller with it’s included probe.
Use the solenoid to turn the co2 on and off, not your effluent.
I'm using the milwaukee MC122 PH controller in conjunction with a Carbon doser regulator.
Very nice setup
Ok but say ph hits 6.2 you controller will shut off your CO2 solenoid until ph rises again?
@@eliaskostoglou5865 Yes the controller will turn off the solenoid on the regulator to your preset value, say you set the controller to turn off at 6.4 and turn on when it rises to say 6.6. It's a fail safe to keep the regulator from dumping too much CO2.
Hi Sam, I have followed your video advice on changing from 2part to a Calcium Reactor. I have fixed my flow to 10ml/min and fixed my bubble count to 1 bubble every 6 seconds.
Currently, I have reached 6.9 high & 6.8 low but it has now taken 8 hours to reach to this new low pH setting. At these settings my effluent dkh measures 24.3 dkh. My tanks alkalinity all along has continuously dropped throughout, so I keep on adding enough 2part to bring it back to my target at dkh of 9.0
If I want to now keep my existing pH set points as is, but start to change the flow rate instead, what effect does a increase in flow rate have on my effluent's dkh and also what would be the overall result on my tank's Alkalinity?
Do you think that I be better off lowering the bubble rate lower to say 1 bubble every 5 seconds?
I think you may need to increase your bubble rate if it is taking that long to reach the low setting.
Increasing your flow rate should not affect the strength of the effluent (not much anyway) but will give you more of it.
@@ParkersReef Thanks for your quick reply. I have now slightly increased my bubble rate to 1 bubble per 5 seconds and now the time to reach my low pH set point has reduced to about 2hrs. Not sure if I should just continue to lower my pH set points slowly or instead increase my effluent flow rate?
I would increase the bubble rate a little more. That’s pretty slow time to get to the low ph. Doesn’t matter if it only takes 30mins, although the slower it is the safer it is should the ph control fail.
You can alter either as you’ve described, even both is fine if you have your head around how it all works. I just recommend one or the other as people get confused very quickly.
@@ParkersReef That’s helpful - thanks for your advice.
Anytime mate! Good luck with it :)
Hi. Parker can tell me which aquarium controller you like the best ? I'm not computer savy . So which is the best for a noobie like me . Thx
If not computer savvy, almost none of them...
I’d ask what you want to achieve with the controller?
The hydros looks to be the most straight forward unit on the market
eKoral. Super intuitive app, great UI. With the rest of them, you need to learn programming.
@@albeenokrokadil yeah have had a look at eKoral, still very limited by what you can do with it though. I want more API access to be able to tap into other things outside of the system "ecosystem".
@@ParkersReef im a fast learner. But i might go with the ghl.
Hi Sam, I’m looking at ordering a carbondoser regulator. What fitting option should I choose for use in Australia? CGA320 or DIN477? Thanks
CGA320 :)
I’m fairly sure, should specify UK
@@ParkersReef thanks Sam, FYI CGA320 is US, DIN477 is EU/UK. I’ll order DIN477. 👍
Din is what you want then!
@@ParkersReef there’s one winging it’s way over!
Hey Sam can I use crushed coral r dead corals for reactor
yeah you can, however you run a slight risk of the effluent containing some other elements like higher phosphate if you don't know the source of the bone
How can we add the trace element when using the calcium reactor?
Hey! Calcium reactors will add a small amount of trace themselves, but I recommend adding a trace element program at about half strength and checking against ICP tests over a period of a few months. Personally I use Coral Essentials ABC :)
What about the affect of the reactor on your tanks pH?
I run a second chamber, kalkwasser reactor and C02 absorbent media on the skimmer inlet. My tank PH swings between 8.3 and 8.5 daily, I'm happy with that :)
Reason why I never run a calcium reactor, is because I'm afraid of gas leakage. What parts, if any, should I seal or use teflon tape? I never had one.
Probably none. The regulator onto the bottle is the only high pressure part and they have their own seal. After the regulator it is all low pressure and doesn’t require any crazy fittings
I would not trade my calcium reactor for any other system. Whatever the debate, the coral growth I see is probably (assumption) on par with any 'in the groove' aquarium. A reactor is just another doser but the natural balance is easier. I use DaStaCo because its easy.
they're great devices that is for sure!
Currently getting one tuned in on my tank definitely need to get a continuous duty pump to feed it, running off a manifold sucks haha
It makes a world of difference. The Versa is cool as you can set different flow rates for night as the day which is super cool.
But I’m tempted to wack a new Kamoer X1 pro-t on it as it’s an awesome little pump!
@@ParkersReef I'm leaning towards the kamoer just waiting on your review
Comes out tomorrow mate!!
@@ParkersReef excellent !!
What calcium reactor would you recommend?
I’m using a seatorch and I really like it! I’ve also got Geo’s and they are great too
Hi Sam, did you get your carbondoser regulator from Australia?
No, overseas
Is it 240v
Ahh, found the site! Do we use USA or UK/EU fittings in Oz?
When I think, Calcium Reactor. I think about Shells, Clams etc. What prevents the usage of these materials within a reactor?
Assuming one boils them first, to avoid pests/bacteria and stuff.
Normally the media is dry, so should be pest free that way. Shells would work, just not sure if they break down as easily as coral bone
How does the calcium reactor replace dosing mag and alk tho ?
That's the beauty, it absolutely does! It doses all three (plus some trace) all at balanced levels :)
@@ParkersReef wow gotta look into it
I would absolutely love to go with a Calcium Reactor in place of my 2 Neptune DOS/DDR setup. Someone needs to not only sell an “Everything you need” calcium reactor setup, but be able to offer them at a reasonable price as well as keep it in stock. I’m looking at you @Bulkreefsupply.
They do
I’m sure your local fish shop could source everything for you :)
@@patrickcarpenter6258 Perhaps you missed the “keep it in stock” part of my reply. Yes, offering a product is one thing but if you don’t have any to sell what’s the point? As much as I love BRS, and I truly do, this is my primary complaint with them. Any company needs to know where they can improve so they can put in the efforts to do so.
Oh sorry man, guess I was referring to my local that has everything in stock
Hey Sam, many greetings from Germany. Can you make a short video where you show how you mounted your doors to the cabinet? Best regards
Hey Andreas, there is a piece of wood that bolts to the tslot frame that the hinges are screwed onto. Pretty simple :)
@@ParkersReef Thanks for your answer. I can't imagine how this is exactly done but I hope I will find a video about this. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work 🙂
Great video. One question from me - And for once its not about snails :)
What's the smallest tank size you'd recommend / suggest / think is worth it for a Calcium reactor?
I've only just started dosing - and currently doing the manual syringe method, but I can already see this wearing really thin really fast.
I'm not too worried about my dosing volumes ever going off the scale (I've only got a 280 litre system), but the appeal of this is definitely the ability to avoid juggling the individual Alk / Calcium / Magnesium levels...
Hard to answer, but probably anything over 400lt I’d go calcium reactor.
@@ParkersReef Cool - thanks !
I love that shirt where did you get it !
I'm looking to release my own shirt range in the not too far future - this style. What would you like to see in the range?
@@ParkersReef something just like that. Some Nice acro sps frags on a frag plug like that would be 💯
Great minds think alike!
Why adjust the ph instead of effluent flow? Why not peg ph and then increase effluent dosage, this seems to be simpler with less variables.
That works too, same number of variables to be honest.
I find the ph easier to adjust in small increments, but with modern continuous dosing pumps that is much easier than it used to be
Hey Sam can u make vedio of water testing waiting for it.......
I've done a few mate. What would you like to see covered?
Just need to know all water parameters of your tank .... your tank corals doing great ....
Nothing too special:
Salinity: 1.026
Phos: 0.06
Nitrate: 2
Alk: 7.5
Cal 440
Mag 1380
I use with arm carib sea media and this not keep my calcium at recommended level it's keeps my calcium at 340 and I use with dosing pump for calcium to keep him in 420 so calcium reactor for Me it's not the best option but still I like him and continue use with him because my alk and mag very stable and I have fully sps dominant tank
340?! Wow that is low! What is your alk and mag at?
@@ParkersReef mag 1350 alk 8
@@ParkersReef i try a lot things in its still same the media its just not have that much calcium to keep fully dominant tank sps
argonite media its for mix reefs or not for very dominant sps tanks but reborn of TLF. its best media very Concentrated but TLF not sell it anymore
The funny thing is I'm looking for one
Where are you based?
I'm in Canada 🇨🇦
Your local carry the supplies?
You fail to touch on one very important point. Alkalinity consumption varies between day and night with two-thirds of your alkalinity consumption happening during the photoperiod. So if you set your calcium reactor to dose at a constant rate 24 hours a day you will end up with a large daily swing in alkalinity which is exactly what you don't want. You must see this if you are using the KH guardian. I was running a calcium reactor and I was wondering why some of my Acro's were not doing well. It turned out I was getting as much as a 0.5dkh swing within a single day! I ended up putting the feed pump on a timer and switching it off several times during the night to try and smooth out the swing. It works to a certain extent but the reactor was also sending my tanks PH into the ground so I switched back to dosing and already my corals are looking better. Calcium reactors are great for large low demand tanks but for 90% of hobbyists out there dosing is better, you won't have the PH issues and you can control the dosing much more precisely.
Every tank is different, mine actually consumes more at the first few hours of lights out, but then a little less for the rest of the non photoperiod. With something like a Versa, you can actually schedule a slower effluent speed between these hours (which is what I have done)
If dosing is working for you, that’s great. I speak to people daily who are having trouble getting balanced results with three part dosing
@@ParkersReef If you dose a balanced two-part like ATI Essentials pro then it's not such a big issue. Also, you have something like All-For-reef that acts like a liquid calcium reactor without the PH issues. It was the PH issues that eventually caused me to go back to dosing. The more your tank demands the more low PH effluent your dumping in it. The only real solution is then to start also adding a Kalkwasser reactor to try and counteract the low PH. Just too much hassle! On a massive tank like yours with a low demand then it's probably ideal.
For sure
1st comment get free calcium reactor 😉
hahahaha would be good hey!