calcium reactor vs dosing pump

Rice Reef · #1 08-03-2013, 05:32 AM

Agree on the reactor. Although I am dosing at this time I'm hoping that within 9 mths vertex will have their act together with a release of a rumored new design or upgrade from the old design.

Amadod2 · #2 08-12-2013, 07:23 AM

i have done some more research and heard that calcium reactors put extra phosphates into the system, is this true? im just looking for a setup that will be easier to maintain over the long term

Aquattro · #3 08-12-2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amadod2

i have done some more research and heard that calcium reactors put extra phosphates into the system, is this true? im just looking for a setup that will be easier to maintain over the long term

I haven't heard that, but suspect that's true. But, phosphate is part of all organisms and corals need some phosphates. FWIW, I've always run a reactor, and my measurable PO4 is always 0ppm using a Hanna checker. I wouldn't worry about it.
Keep in mind all the food you add to the tank has phosphate, it's not necessarily a bad thing.

Proteus · #4 08-12-2013, 01:10 PM

I've heard about the phosphate issue but it was directed at certin brands. But I do believe that corals do utilize some po4.

You may be able to "cure" the media though I'm not certin about that

wickedfrags · #5 08-12-2013, 01:51 PM

I used a calcium reactor every day for over 6 years without issue. Once you figure out how it works and get it dialed in, it is a very stable piece of equipment which will give you great results.

I use a dosing pump now on a small system (90G) and it is not nearly as reliable as a calcium reactor.

That being said, dosing pumps can be effective, look at Darryl V's tank.