do i really need a calcium reactor

[fatboyt123]

i am finally setting up my 155 gallon saltwater tank
(it is my first saltwater tank ever)

i was wondering if i really need a calcium reactor or if its just a good thing to have

i going to put sps in the tank any edvice will help also any other things you thing i need already have a sump and a refugium and protein skimmer and all the major stuff but just want to know if there is anything that you guys think that are a good ideas

 

[loohunter]

you can get away with dosing calcium for awhile, but as the sps grow the demand for calcium becomes greater and a calcium reactor becomes much more cost effective

 

[tike]

you can get away with dosing calcium for awhile, but as the sps grow the demand for calcium becomes greater and a calcium reactor becomes much more cost effective

+1! I have a 60 gallon sps tank and tried to do dosing and I couldn't keep up! You will definately need a calcium reactor.

 

[ULTAQUARIUMSVCS]

Calc reactor is a way to go, i have a 600gal reef i was dosing for like 2 yrs now i have a calc reactor i dont have to worrie bout adding calcium.

 

[fatboyt123]

Calc reactor is a way to go, i have a 600gal reef i was dosing for like 2 yrs now i have a calc reactor i dont have to worrie bout adding calcium.

did you have to dose everyday and how much calcium did you need to give your tank?

 

[ULTAQUARIUMSVCS]

Usually yes, depends on the corals u have and how much calcium they are using, usually yes. In my 600g i was doing almost 90ml a day for like 2 yrs.
Steady calc dosing is best.

 

[fatboyt123]

Usually yes, depends on the corals u have and how much calcium they are using, usually yes. In my 600g i was doing almost 90ml a day for like 2 yrs.
Steady calc dosing is best.

how much was that costing you compared to using your reactor

how often do you have to fill your reactor?

 

[ULTAQUARIUMSVCS]

WELL MY REAL TOR COST ME BOUT 70-110 EVERY 7-9 MO DEPENDING ON THE BOTTLE SIZE, I'LL BE USING A 10LB BOTTLE SHOULD LAST ME BOUT6-8 MONTHS THE CALC REATOR USUES I THINK 15LBS OF MEDIA.
THIS THE ONE IM PUTTING TOGETHER
http://www.marinetechnical.com/page12.html

 

[fatboyt123]

WELL MY REAL TOR COST ME BOUT 70-110 EVERY 7-9 MO DEPENDING ON THE BOTTLE SIZE, I'LL BE USING A 10LB BOTTLE SHOULD LAST ME BOUT6-8 MONTHS THE CALC REATOR USUES I THINK 15LBS OF MEDIA.
THIS THE ONE IM PUTTING TOGETHER
http://www.marinetechnical.com/page12.html

how long did you say that the calcium in the reactor lasts

so is it cheaper with the reactor or just easier?

 

[ULTAQUARIUMSVCS]

It depends on volume media the calc reactor hold and the size of co2 bottle u have. Im figureing mines will last bout 8 months. Long run is cheaper and easier. Imo

 

[busdriver]

I think ULTA means the media and the CO2 should last about 8 months. The Ca reactor should last years and years...
If i remember right it is about $15 for one gal (or one pound) of media at my LFS...
if you have the $$$ now i would get the Ca reactor now. if not, dose until it get to be a pain... you can get the stuff in bulk from twopartsolution.com i think for cheap-ish

 

[ULTAQUARIUMSVCS]

Thanks bus!!!!

 

[busdriver]

not a problem, i'm glad to help