Calcium & Alk. Additives - What's best?

[Canadian]

In my experience ESV B-Ionic 2 part is the best. I've had better results with it compared to Seachem and Two Little Fishies C-Balance additives, and compared to my Ca reactor.

[MikeP]

I used a liquid additive called DKH plus for a while (can't remember the brand name, I bought it at Elite though). On a small tank like yours a bottle would last quite a while and as I recall it wasn't too expensive. Now I'm using baked baking soda but my tank is pretty big and also uses up a lot of alk, I'm dosing daily. The baking soda method is working out really good for me.

[Aquattro]

My Ca reactor keeps everything stable. Without it, I'd use kalk as Ca/Alk maintenance.

[Jason McK]

It appears the latest German trend is towards a 2 part mix and doseing pumps. It's sounds like a better set and forget method than a reactor but I'm sure the maintenance is a lot higher

J

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Jason McK

It appears the latest German trend is towards a 2 part mix and doseing pumps. It's sounds like a better set and forget method than a reactor but I'm sure the maintenance is a lot higher

J

Agreed. I fill my reactor twice a year, and top off the CO2 maybe that much. The dosing might be a great way, but I think more work, and fairly costly to start up. Again, a reactor ain't cheap either, unless you make your own.

With this topic though, one really should know what the Ca/Alk consumption is, then decide how best to deal with it.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I used Kent's 2-part "Tech CB" with good results. I don't think there's one "best" additive, though. I think many will work just as well as the other, as long as you're able to figure out how much/often/etc. to meet the needs of your tank.

[Whatigot]

in all fairness, I picked up a pm ca reactor package for 300 bucks...
Not to bad for the lowered daily maintenance and future savings on additives.
I also have a schuran pico reactor package that I paid 250 for so if you don't mind going used, a ca reator may be more affordable than you think....

[marie]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Agreed. I fill my reactor twice a year, and top off the CO2 maybe that much. The dosing might be a great way, but I think more work, and fairly costly to start up. Again, a reactor ain't cheap either, unless you make your own.

With this topic though, one really should know what the Ca/Alk consumption is, then decide how best to deal with it.

Brad did you use the same with the big tank you used to have? and how much media does your reactor hold?
I'm refilling my reactor every 5 weeks or so with about 6lbs of media and I'm finding it a big pain in the butt

[Aquattro]

Marie, my comments were based on my old tank, my new one isn't growed up enough yet

My reactor holds about 18 pounds of media, so I don't need to change it that often. I find the first annual change is just to remove the finer sludge, it tends to slow the flow after 4 or 5 months.
Still, I never used a pound/week, even at it's peak of growth.

[Tailored Aquatics]

Originally Posted by MikeP

I used a liquid additive called DKH plus for a while (can't remember the brand name, I bought it at Elite though). On a small tank like yours a bottle would last quite a while and as I recall it wasn't too expensive.

That would Be Tailored Aquatics dKH Plus and yes a bottle does last a small tank quite a while. http://www.tailoredaquatics.com/index.html?a=0&d=43