Cali Kid Corals

Calcium Reactors

finalphaze987 said:
High precision hydrometers are old school technology, yet serves as one of the best salinity tools out there IMO.

Nothing wrong with old...its proven to grow corals..just like all of the other methods.
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The difference is that nothing has come close to the accuracy of hydrometers except much more expensive conductivity meters.

The inverse is the case regarding ca reactors. Much simpler methods have been developed that get much easier to target parameters.

Also, a thermometer, invented in 1612, is an old school ‘technology’ which is still a proven way to measure temperature :).
 
Alexander1312 said:
The difference is that nothing has come close to the accuracy of hydrometers except much more expensive conductivity meters.

The inverse is the case regarding ca reactors. Much simpler methods have been developed that get much easier to target parameters.

Also, a thermometer, invented in 1612, is an old school ‘technology’ which is still a proven way to measure temperature :).
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I've done both calcium reactors and 2/3 part. Once dialed in a calcium reactor is much easier to operate.
 
Alexander1312 said:
If you said you wanted the lowest possible cost, then I can see this being worth exploring, but you call this hands-off, and a way to step up your laziness game? I am not an expert in this but refilling CO2, calibrating and replacing PH probes (which I do not like), replacing reactor media (admittedly rarely I believe) is a hands-off setup????
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I calculated the cost recoup time of investing in carx vs two part and it was just under two years, so I wouldn't say carx is money savings until you run it for a couple years. That includes the annual cost of co2 and media refill. My calculation also factors in that I got a pretty good deal on a setup and the 2-part was ATI Essentials Pro which is more expensive than BRS mix. If you ever decide to quit or go back to 2-part, the equipment can also be sold to recoup some of the cost.

I spent the first 2 months adjusting, tinkering, and fixing some minor issues but it has been hands off for a while now. I recently refilled co2 after 1.5 years and media I refill every 6 months or so when it gets half empty. I'll recalibrate the probe at the same time.
 
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CaseyP said:
Never thought I'd see the day

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Lol.

To be fair - I have always been kind of a kalk hater (see my tank journal!), just for very different reasons than @Alexander1312 . People often praise kalk for its simplicity but I think it's anything but, and requires a lot of nuance to actually execute well without risk/hassle/harm to equipment. That's my main issue with it.

It may be purely placebo, but I have noticed my tank is "dirtier" since starting kalk. There's more sandy stuff blowing off the rocks, cyano blooms persist longer and are worse, more gunk in the substrate, etc etc.

Maybe this is just tank age, maybe it's my super heavy feeding, maybe it's nothing at all. BUT now the comments I've seen about kalkwasser precipitating stuff does make me wonder, because it's kind of what I'm seeing. To be clear I think Kalk is PERFECTLY FINE and there are a million incredibly successful tanks that run with it.
 
CaseyP said:
I calculated the cost recoup time of investing in carx vs two part and it was just under two years, so I wouldn't say carx is money savings until you run it for a couple years. That includes the annual cost of co2 and media refill. My calculation also factors in that I got a pretty good deal on a setup and the 2-part was ATI Essentials Pro which is more expensive than BRS mix. If you ever decide to quit or go back to 2-part, the equipment can also be sold to recoup some of the cost.

I spent the first 2 months adjusting, tinkering, and fixing some minor issues but it has been hands off for a while now. I recently refilled co2 after 1.5 years and media I refill every 6 months or so when it gets half empty. I'll recalibrate the probe at the same time.
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Yes, great summary of the delayed savings. And would be interesting to know how much time was spent on setting it up. And how long it takes to amortize this vs refilling 3/4 part more frequently. Also, does your calculation include the cost of trace elements which are in ATI but not in a ca reactor?

Now, did you not say you had chronically lower PH? The CA reactor is not great for low PH tanks from what I know, and how it works.
 
ReyDeFarts said:
That was one of my concerns... depressed pH. What is the best way to combat that when running a carx? First time using that analogy ;) and feeling a teeny bit cooler now.
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Ive never had a ph issue running a carx.

Screenshot_20250516_203043_APEXFusion.jpg
 
ReyDeFarts said:
That was one of my concerns... depressed pH. What is the best way to combat that when running a carx? First time using that analogy ;) and feeling a teeny bit cooler now.
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Using a secondary reactor filled with more media. Dosing kalk (everyone's favorite). Making sure there is really good gas exchange (skimmer or surface agitation).
 
Just recently set mine up next to tank in a temp location so I can observe and tweek then will relocate behind the stand maybe toss a leak sensor in the bin..I’d run 3/8 tubing to and fro the reactor on long runs just like recommended on rodi systems but that may depend on the pump. I have the kamoer ahead of the reactor so its drawing from the sump and pushing into the system..I had the gas filter also ahead but took it off then doubled up on socks since I had an vacant sock holder and just dipped the drawing tube down inside but may switch to like a 500 micron filter sock..I do like that better since the draw tube sits in an unrestricted area of water so clogging is very unlikely. The effluent has no restrictions and empties into the skimmer area which next feeds a large cheeto section that Im sure eats up any residual Co2. Im still dialing in so ups and downs.. I did have the media soaking in buckets a month out before I added then ran the system for several days before turning on the Co2.. Have no experience with the automatic ones or really whats the difference so on the fence if newer is better? Plus newer Geo’s have more bells and whistles
IMG_1448.jpeg
 
PjFish said:
Just recently set mine up next to tank in a temp location so I can observe and tweek then will relocate behind the stand maybe toss a leak sensor in the bin..I’d run 3/8 tubing to and fro the reactor on long runs just like recommended on rodi systems but that may depend on the pump. I have the kamoer ahead of the reactor so its drawing from the sump and pushing into the system..I had the gas filter also ahead but took it off then doubled up on socks since I had an vacant sock holder and just dipped the drawing tube down inside but may switch to like a 500 micron filter sock..I do like that better since the draw tube sits in an unrestricted area of water so clogging is very unlikely. The effluent has no restrictions and empties into the skimmer area which next feeds a large cheeto section that Im sure eats up any residual Co2. Im still dialing in so ups and downs.. I did have the media soaking in buckets a month out before I added then ran the system for several days before turning on the Co2.. Have no experience with the automatic ones or really whats the difference so on the fence if newer is better? Plus newer Geo’s have more bells and whistles View attachment 69409
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I have never soaked my media before adding to my reactor.
 
I cannot stress this enough but I have run a CaRx for years. Try to time it with your lighting cycle. Your tank will not consume alk when the light are out. The pH also drops when the lights are out because your coral do not consume CO2 during this time.
 
PjFish said:
Just recently set mine up next to tank in a temp location so I can observe and tweek then will relocate behind the stand maybe toss a leak sensor in the bin..I’d run 3/8 tubing to and fro the reactor on long runs just like recommended on rodi systems but that may depend on the pump. I have the kamoer ahead of the reactor so its drawing from the sump and pushing into the system..I had the gas filter also ahead but took it off then doubled up on socks since I had an vacant sock holder and just dipped the drawing tube down inside but may switch to like a 500 micron filter sock..I do like that better since the draw tube sits in an unrestricted area of water so clogging is very unlikely. The effluent has no restrictions and empties into the skimmer area which next feeds a large cheeto section that Im sure eats up any residual Co2. Im still dialing in so ups and downs.. I did have the media soaking in buckets a month out before I added then ran the system for several days before turning on the Co2.. Have no experience with the automatic ones or really whats the difference so on the fence if newer is better? Plus newer Geo’s have more bells and whistles View attachment 69409
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Testing things with secondary containment prior to use? Stop giving good examples!
 
iani said:
I cannot stress this enough but I have run a CaRx for years. Try to time it with your lighting cycle. Your tank will not consume alk when the light are out. The pH also drops when the lights are out because your coral do not consume CO2 during this time.
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Are you also using Kalk with the CaRx?

How about the rest of you that are running them? @RandyC @psidriven @PjFish Not sure who else I'm missing.

After reading this thread again, @derek_SR , it sounds like you should go listen to some more ACI kalk methodology and CaRx usage :p ;)
Seems like Jake Adams was also along this path.

Seriously though, his approach to kalk and CaRx sounds like what you're/we're after, except for trying to get away from Kalk since he loves Kalk. Sucks I'm bringing him up again to you since I know it's a sensitive topic, but I was listening to Rapping with Reef Bum and the differences between BOLUS and his approach to the Kalk/CaRX usage without the observations of precipitation is what reminded me about this thread. I need to make a decision with my frag system for long term success.

There are some incredible reefers still using kalk in the EU too. Leonardo's Reef comes to mind first, and speaking of inspiring, his methodology and results are spot on. But also seems aligned with the way Meckley does it. Not necessarily because of Meckley but just that it appears he does things similarly and it has been working for him for many years. No seemingly negative experiences or old tank syndrome that I am aware of from what I have heard. Caveat though is he combines it with TM Balling components for fine tuning and traces. Which makes me wonder about staying with my current AFR dosing but incorporate Kalk with it. I may actually try Sodium Hydroxide dosing for the pH and Alk boost. Currently researching that. That will need to be a separate thread. Anyway...

Are you decided on a CaRx model yet?
 
ReyDeFarts said:
Are you also using Kalk with the CaRx?

How about the rest of you that are running them? @RandyC @psidriven @PjFish Not sure who else I'm missing.

After reading this thread again, @derek_SR , it sounds like you should go listen to some more ACI kalk methodology and CaRx usage :p ;)
Seems like Jake Adams was also along this path.

Seriously though, his approach to kalk and CaRx sounds like what you're/we're after, except for trying to get away from Kalk since he loves Kalk. Sucks I'm bringing him up again to you since I know it's a sensitive topic, but I was listening to Rapping with Reef Bum and the differences between BOLUS and his approach to the Kalk/CaRX usage without the observations of precipitation is what reminded me about this thread. I need to make a decision with my frag system for long term success.

There are some incredible reefers still using kalk in the EU too. Leonardo's Reef comes to mind first, and speaking of inspiring, his methodology and results are spot on. But also seems aligned with the way Meckley does it. Not necessarily because of Meckley but just that it appears he does things similarly and it has been working for him for many years. No seemingly negative experiences or old tank syndrome that I am aware of from what I have heard. Caveat though is he combines it with TM Balling components for fine tuning and traces. Which makes me wonder about staying with my current AFR dosing but incorporate Kalk with it. I may actually try Sodium Hydroxide dosing for the pH and Alk boost. Currently researching that. That will need to be a separate thread. Anyway...

Are you decided on a CaRx model yet?
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Chris Meckley is a sensitive topic? lol you guys kill me. I just think he's obnoxious, it is not a sensitive topic. It's perfectly OK to disagree with people without getting feelings hurt, you're allowed to like Chris and/or agree with his methods. I am not bothered by this, plenty of his methods are great.

I have not decided on a CaRx yet, not really in any rush. Still dosing 2part and kalk which is working great for me. But the idea of a CaRx is very appealing for many of the reasons covered in this thread.

I think all of these approaches can work - there are amazing examples of tanks using Kalk, 2part, AFR, CarX, many combinations of the above. I think it just comes down to what makes sense for your tank, the space you have, the consumption levels, and your own appetite for tinkering and maintenance.

I do like Leonardo, @dangalang shared a really great video where he discusses flow and pretty much nails it.

Edit - link
 
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derek_SR said:
Chris Meckley is a sensitive topic? lol you guys kill me. I just think he's obnoxious, it is not a sensitive topic.
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See what I mean... sheesh... so touchy! ;)
derek_SR said:
Still dosing 2part and kalk which is working great for me.
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THAT specifically seems to be what Claud and Doug state could be a cause for precipitation. Is that a CaRx with Kalk would be best versus combining 2 part. I haven't dived deep enough into it yet, but it was worth mentioning.
derek_SR said:
I do like Leonardo, @dangalang shared a really great video where he discusses flow and pretty much nails it.
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Yeah. I watched that video last night actually. Great stuff. Metal halides huh... :p
 
ReyDeFarts said:
Are you also using Kalk with the CaRx?

How about the rest of you that are running them? @RandyC @psidriven @PjFish Not sure who else I'm missing.

After reading this thread again, @derek_SR , it sounds like you should go listen to some more ACI kalk methodology and CaRx usage :p ;)
Seems like Jake Adams was also along this path.

Seriously though, his approach to kalk and CaRx sounds like what you're/we're after, except for trying to get away from Kalk since he loves Kalk. Sucks I'm bringing him up again to you since I know it's a sensitive topic, but I was listening to Rapping with Reef Bum and the differences between BOLUS and his approach to the Kalk/CaRX usage without the observations of precipitation is what reminded me about this thread. I need to make a decision with my frag system for long term success.

There are some incredible reefers still using kalk in the EU too. Leonardo's Reef comes to mind first, and speaking of inspiring, his methodology and results are spot on. But also seems aligned with the way Meckley does it. Not necessarily because of Meckley but just that it appears he does things similarly and it has been working for him for many years. No seemingly negative experiences or old tank syndrome that I am aware of from what I have heard. Caveat though is he combines it with TM Balling components for fine tuning and traces. Which makes me wonder about staying with my current AFR dosing but incorporate Kalk with it. I may actually try Sodium Hydroxide dosing for the pH and Alk boost. Currently researching that. That will need to be a separate thread. Anyway...

Are you decided on a CaRx model yet?
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I am not using Kalk. I just don't see any reason to use it.
 
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