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calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 7:23 pm
by legendry
I'm setting up a new 120-gallon reef tank and can't decide between a calcium reactor or a dosing pump. My LPS corals are growing slow, and I need to boost calcium levels. Which one's better for long-term stability?
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 8:34 pm
by gosebull
A calcium reactor's gonna give you more consistent levels, especially if you're running a mixed reef with SPS. I've used both, and the reactor's way better for heavy demand. Just make sure you dial in the CO2 right, or you'll mess with your pH.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 9:53 pm
by musiclover
gosebull wrote: ↑Sun Jun 15, 2025 8:34 pm
A calcium reactor's gonna give you more consistent levels, especially if you're running a mixed reef with SPS. I've used both, and the reactor's way better for heavy demand. Just make sure you dial in the CO2 right, or you'll mess with your pH.
Agreed! I switched to a reactor last year, and my Acros have never looked better. Dosing pumps are chill for smaller tanks, but with your size, go big.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 11:20 pm
by stellalux
Dosing pumps are easier to set up, though. No messing with CO2 tanks or media. I've got a 90-gallon with mostly Zoas and softies, and my doser keeps things steady. Plus, you can tweak individual elements if something's off.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 12:08 am
by deepsea_lake
Reactors are more efficient long-term. You'll burn through less media, and the cost evens out. I run mine with a pH controller to avoid swings. What's your alk sitting at right now? That'll help decide.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 12:34 am
by bloomsy
I'm team dosing pump. Less stuff to go wrong, and you can automate it with a controller. My tank's only 75 gallons, but it's packed with LPS, and the doser keeps up fine. Just test weekly to stay on top.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 1:24 am
by dawnriver
Both have pros and cons. If you're not comfy tweaking CO2, a doser might be safer. But if you're after rock-solid stability, the reactor's the move. What's your maintenance routine like? That'll factor in.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 2:48 am
by Finleya
stellalux wrote: ↑Sun Jun 15, 2025 11:20 pm
Dosing pumps are easier to set up, though. No messing with CO2 tanks or media. I've got a 90-gallon with mostly Zoas and softies, and my doser keeps things steady. Plus, you can tweak individual elements if something's off.
Yeah, but reactors are more hands-off once they're dialed in. I barely touch mine except for media refills. Dosing pumps need more babysitting, IMO.
Re: calcium reactor vs dosing pump
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 4:01 am
by legendry
Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like the reactor's the way to go for my setup. Gonna start researching models.