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View Full Version : New to Calcium/Alk Dosing...

ReeferGreg
09/07/2005, 04:43 AM
...But not exactly new to reefs, as you can tell by the sig. I'm actually kind of embarrassed to have to ask this on here when I really should know by now... :D

I have been using B-Ionic 2-part to dose calcium, and I'm finding that it's a pain and really expensive. I'm also bad at doing it regularly :(

My pH is currently too high, it's almost always above 8.5 and usually about 8.6. I'm not sure what's causing this.

I currently have a Geo Calcium reactor which I have NOT hooked up or played with, and I can't find instructions for this model, and I'm not really sure how to initially set it up. Picture below, and help on setting this reactor up would be appreciated.

I do not top-off with kalkwasser nor have I ever dosed it at all.

What is the best way nowadays to dose calcium with the least bit of maintenance, and easy to use? I was thinking a kalk reactor/topoff system coupled with the Geo calcium reactor and my AquaController II would be cherry. Thoughts?

Can somebody give a run-down of a typical complete calcium dosing system for my needs?

Thanks guys!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/53611Guitar-011.jpg
bertoni
09/07/2005, 08:32 AM
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-03/rhf/index.php

Those two articles might help. I dose limewater, mixed with vinegar to reducde the pH effetc. I dose it via an autotopoff system. Pretty easy, IMO.
Martinqtran
09/07/2005, 09:34 AM
I have a dual chamber MRC calcium reactor. The set-up is essentially the same. You can go to their website and down-load the instruction manul. I can't recall if there is a diagram.

Essentially you will need a powerhead to feed the system. You will need to dial in the bubble counter and effluent rate. It is pretty self explanatory in the instructions. It is pretty simple.

Let me know if you have a problem. I also previously dripped calk and dosed CaCl. I am not certain why your pH is too high. However, the calcium reactor should drop it down a bit due to CO2 being introduced to the system.

Good luck.