reef keeping for dummies?

mtfatwork · 02-22-2006, 07:04 PM

Ok so I am upgrading slowly to a larger system. Have a deal worked out for the pump, got a nice skimmer comming, sump setup, and the tank and stand, lighting worked out. Curious about the last purchase, equipment wise. Calcium reactor vs. Kalk reactor, or both? What is the difference? Do you need both? If so which one would I need first, as I dont see the money magically appearing for both anytime in the foresee-able future. Especially since LR and LS are not even in the picture yet. Any input anyone has on this stuff would be great, I am still fairly new to this stuff, but I want to do this tank right, so I want to make sure I fully understand what my best option is here.

redwinger · 02-22-2006, 07:13 PM

What are you planning on keeping for corals. I sps dominant system a CArx is allmost a nesc unless you like dosing on a mad person. I had to take my reactor off line in my 75 for a couple of days and the ca went from 430-320 in one day. If you are just keeping LPS you can just topoff with kalk.

Sizzlersonthebrain · 02-22-2006, 07:30 PM

I have your LS dont worrie about that and good news teh amonia is back down...

mtfatwork · 02-22-2006, 07:31 PM

Thanks Kyle and I am glad that the amonia is back down in your tank, that has to be a huge relief.

mtfatwork · 02-22-2006, 10:32 PM

Oh, and my tank will be a mix of sps, and lps, but My purchases have been leaning more toward sps. So I should go with the calcium reactor then. Anyone know if there is an inexspensive, decent one out there?

Tutmos · 02-22-2006, 10:39 PM

Maybe start with home made 2 part balanced, should cost about $5 + test kits that you need anyway. I'll give you 4 or 5 months of the CaCl supply for free.

mtfatwork · 02-22-2006, 10:41 PM

sweet, thanks. Are you going to the meeting on Friday?

Tutmos · 02-22-2006, 11:00 PM

No, but honestly it's not anything special. First step is to look up the article by Randy on Reef Central, not sure if he's there anymore : ) I'm sure someone could post a link to it as well. Sorry no time right this second to look for it.

smeese · 02-23-2006, 02:39 AM

I am going with both(of course I won the Kalk RX so that made my decision...but I would have gotten it either way)....your CARX can have the tendency to lower your PH and the Kalk reactor kind of counter reacts that bu raising it back up. Not everyone deems the Kalk RX necessary if their ph does not drop.....but it is a good source of top off enriched with Calcium so why not right?