CA reactor or Dosing?

[abcha0s]

Originally Posted by GMGQ

Well I can get a triple pump doser with individual built in timers/displays for $170.

Be careful here. Not all paristaltic pumps are created equal.

I've owned several peristaltic pumps including the aquamedic and spectrapure litermeter pumps. I can tell you that you get what you pay for. I would never dose with anything of lesser quality than a profilux.

Perhaps your problem is with your reactor. You already own the co2 hardware. Maybe you should just upgrade to a better reactor? Possibly add pH control?

I personally really like my vertex rx6 duo calcium reactor. I previously owned a Deltec which I paid more for and really didn't like. I guess you don't always get what you pay for

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by GMGQ

Yes I find it's iffy to dial in te drip rate and bubble count, as it doesn't stay consistent. After a while the tubing would get hard and clogged so than affect drip rate.

are you using a needle valve for your adjustment? also a flow meter is way way better than a presure only unit, shouldn't have any issue dialing it in. for your tubing you need to use CO2 grade tubing. I have had my CO2 running on my freshwater tank for over 10 years on the same tubing.

Originally Posted by GMGQ

The reactor and Co2 cylinder are big and bulky. Whereas there are triple pump dosers with buIlt in timers, so I could mount that on the wall and have 3 jugs on the floor.

youll find the 3 jugs on the floor take up a larger area than a reactor and co2, not by much mind you.

Originally Posted by GMGQ

As far as cost, I could sell the reactor setup and invest in dosing equipment.

Hmmmmmmm....

yup you could.. ever seen what a used reactor set up goes for ... not much.


but for the record so I don't seam pro reactor and anti dosing, my new set up will be dosing, but only because I don't have a reactor right now, well thats not realy true.. I have a 3/4 finnished DIY one and I still have all my hardware for it.

but I am building my own controler and dosing pump set up which is also going to have a larger capacity pump installed in it for water top off also.

Steve

[Haloreef]

I have to agree with Russ! Last year I was having all sorts of problems with my reactor, I could not keep anything stable. I eventually tracked it down to a faulty pump. Instead of fixing or buying a new reactor I thought I would try the dosing pumps. I think you would be hard pressed to get me to change back. A little trial and error was needed to dial them in but once I was at the levels I was aiming for things have been rock solid. I mixed up 5 gallons of each liquid so 5 minutes tops every month to top of the jars and thats it. I have only been running the pumps for 6 months but, so far, I am sold on dosing.
Keith.

[GMGQ]

Great feedback everyone, thanks so much.

I think my main issue could be the CO2 regulator/solenoid.

I've been reading about this new Digital CO2 regulator. No more mechanical needle valves/bubble counters -- this one is all digital/electronic. You turn a dial to set the # of bubbles, and that's it. $170. They'll even install it on your existing regulator for you for free (you just gotta ship it to them).

So that's another option... Hmm....

Well my reactor setup has been running steady the past 3 days. I'll just keep an eye on it and 'make do' with it for now. But I'm glad there has been some good discussion on this topic, as it's good to know for the next setup (or if I get fed up with this one!).

Thanks again everyone!

[Rus]

I have used all sorts of reactors over the years , ( from cheaper models up to $700 + Deltecs ) and had found no matter what style or model I used I was always finding I had to tweak the flowrate at least weekly if not more. Seemed like there was always something to be fiddling with. I now have been running my Dosing system on my tank for almost 6 months ( Profilux ) and I must say I can not believe I didn't switch earlier to it. It takes me 10 minutes or so once a month to make up my supplements using bulk mixes , and I'm good for the month. Once dialed in , it has been rock solid numbers every week without changing a thing , and ZERO maintenance.

By far the best change I have done in years of reef-keeping . Cost wise is very minimal I find on 400 + gal system , in comparison to ease of use. I'm guessing $10 - 15 a month at the most , which in my opinion , if that seems too much I shouldn't be running this size of tank in the first place.

HTH