Dosing System?

[Surfer]

Considering a kalkwasser or calcium reactor and really want to understand the difference. I guess I should start with the reason why. I have a 75g self contained system and really having a hard time growing corals. I do weekly H2O changes, 5 gal one week and then 10 the next. I will step that down to only bi weekly changes because my PH and ALK runs low. I was told that the best thing I can do is frequent water changes but I know it takes a toll on PH and ALK balance. I add liquid reef (small cap) once or twice weekly as well as iodine. I really keep the tank clean and maybe thats lending to the lack of growth. Running 4, 48in VHO's and adding supplemental LED's in a few weeks...2, 16 inch 3w X 24 fixtures. So why dose, keep balance and reduce the consent battle of low PH low alk and chasing calcium levels every week. And I travel 2-3 days a week. Auto measurement and drip would possibly help. Can anyone lend their advise on this as well as preferred set ups for low maintenance? Tank has a mix of soft and a few hard corals.

 

[68RUSTANG]

Do you have a auto controller (reef keeper, etc .)?

Sounds like you are looking for set and forget system.

I would not use either, until you have the capability to auto monitor your PH.

The controller can do it, and shut down anything when the levels get out of whack.

 

[Surfer]

So thats the first step, an auto controller? What would be an easy and effective setup? Beginning to end? Whats product lines do you prefer? So far it looks like I could be in for a substantial investment if I can find used.

 

[katyttt]

Hi Surfer, I am in a similar situation, I have been dosing for years with positive growth and a huge burst of growth after moving on from VHOs, I use both T5 and Halide now.
I have had a calcium reactor completely set up except for water because I do not have a controller and have seen and hears the dangers of a reactor out of control.
In my opinion you are not achieving the best results for a combinations of reasons,
1. Lighting, sounds like that is improving soon
2. Low Ph, Alk and Calcium can be tough to manage until they reach proper levels which are nearly impossible to balance without enough Magnesium.
3. Accurate testing to know all of you water parameters 2-3 times a week at the start, if the levels are not known it is tough to know if you are doing the right dosing and with the correct products. These levels can all be achieved with a calcium reactor with added mag but without a controller to shut off the Co2 they can go overboard and kill your entire tank. Even without the travel I would recommend a controller before starting up a reactor of any kind. Personally I use Salifert kits to test KH, Cal, and Mag, and Sera kits for NO2, NO3, PO4.

Once a calcium reactor is dialed in (which can take several weeks) the water can become quite stable and have a boom in sustained growth.
Not sure I have explained well enough to understand, and know that some of the best coral farmers in Colorado use a reactor and many of them don't, either way the only way to get good results is to know what is happening in your tank daily, weekly and so forth.

Good luck

 

[katyttt]

Not sure where you live but if you are close I am willing to stop by for a round of testing and offer any recommendations, I am sure others will offer if you are not on the south side of Denver metro.

 

[Surfer]

Chris, this is fantastic advise and much appreciated. I'm in Southmoor Park, I-25 and Hampton. I certainly would appreciate any assistance that can be given. I have been testing 2 to 3 times a week and usually have my Ph around 8.0-8.2, alk slightly low, and calcium actually on the high side (460-480). Probably because i'm adding liquid reef and dkh to level it out. Very interested in some help from a knowledgeable source.

Christian

 

[katyttt]

You are not too far from me, I am tied up this afternoon and have volleyball league tonight, are you available anytime tomorrow (during the day)?
My daughter is playing the witch in Sleeping Beauty this weekend and I have tons of family in town but am sure I can squeeze some time to run over.

Do you test for mag, phosphate and nitrate, how long has the tank been running?

Happy to help, many people have helped me over the years as well.
I will be in touch,

 

[Surfer]

I can be available tomorrow and work from the house. Thanks very cool. Cant wait for that, my daughter is 4. I haven't tested mag or phosphate but check nitrate twice a week. Tanks been up for 4 months. Started very well and then had some minor deterioration. call me when available...sent you a PM.