125G Reef Tank Q

eagleANTH · 11-15-2009, 11:23 PM

Hey folks,

The colonel a.k.a. the wife. Approved my nagging whining complaining for a 125g tank... Currently I have a 55 with a handful of corals not too much but I do not run a Calc reactor. Whats everyones 2cents about the calc reactors and is this piece of equipment an absolute need to keep my corals thriving?

Thanks,

Anthony (Newbie)
55g Mixed Reef (6 months old now)

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 12:56 AM

Reactors are not needed you can do the same thing with Randy Holmes Farley's 2 part dosing

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 01:13 AM

ok cool.. does that require a bunch of extra maintenance time? because i do have DIY plans for a calc reactor that wouldnt be tooo expensive.

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 01:20 AM

No it doesnt require any maintanence time to speak of. What types of corals do you plan on keeping, what salt and how often and how big of water changes do you plant on doing. If you need to dose its just and matter of putting in the correct amount of calcium, mag and baking soda and maybe dripping kalk. The calcium would be pealeadow the mag would be magnesium chloride and epsom salts alk buffer would be baking soda and the kalk would be Mrs Wages Pickeling Lime

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 01:28 AM

well i have mixed corals (lps, sps, softies, zoos etc etc) and plan and moving them to this tank from my 55 and turning my 55 into a frag tank or sump. As for the salt I have been using good ol' instant ocean. Water changes I have always done and will continue doing atleast 10%-15% bi weekly.

ladyonyx · 11-16-2009, 09:46 AM

No real reason to spend a bundle on a Calc Reactor. DIY dosing works just fine, IMO.

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 09:56 AM

With your salt choice I would consider a salt mix with a little higher calcium levels and a little better alk buffering abilities but this JMO, I like Reef Crystals myself. The doseing I suggested would probably be less than $100 and could last you a couple years, here is a link to the 2 part by Randy.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

ladyonyx · 11-16-2009, 10:46 AM

Great article. Thanks

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 10:48 AM

I try to help out when I can. That 2 part is basically the same as store bought and MUCH cheaper just have to take some time and learn how to use it.

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 02:44 PM

Thanks a ton! This was really helpful information guys... I think I will try this dosing method. I looked over the costs of making the stuff and it really is cheap! The calc reactor make be something for the future but i am going to dose for now.

As for my salt mix... I will be happy to try something new. Upon filling up I will try out the reef crystals.

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 03:16 PM

When you start dosing anything make sure you have qaulity test kits to make sure you are dosing correctly. I like Salifert test kits personally

archer772 · 11-16-2009, 03:18 PM

What are you useing to check your salinity a hydrometer or refractometer

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 03:26 PM

I have both but only use the refracto now. The hydro hasnt been used in like 3 months. I stay consistently at 1.025 with the use of my ato.

beaslbob · 11-16-2009, 03:34 PM

FWIW the hard to find part of the diy two part is actually the magnesium chloride. In souix City you might find magnesium chloride at menards as drive way ice melter.

Calcium chloride in much easier for find as (again driveway ice melter). It also is used in concrete to speed hardening especially in cold weather. Check your local redimix places.

Of course epsom salts and baking soda are just grocery store items.

my .02

beaslbob · 11-16-2009, 03:34 PM

Oh yea and don't forget pickling lime which is the same as Kalk. It can be dripped just like kalk.

my .02

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 03:42 PM

thanks beas

beaslbob · 11-16-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagleANTH

thanks beas

not bad for a guy from Des Moines huh?

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 04:32 PM

Des Moines eh. Thats not forever far away. Once I get this thing moving maybe we could trade some corals.

beaslbob · 11-16-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagleANTH

Des Moines eh. Thats not forever far away. Once I get this thing moving maybe we could trade some corals.

I'm from Des Moines. Born and raised there. But left in '72 to join the Air Force. Currently in Huntsville, Alabama.

eagleANTH · 11-16-2009, 04:37 PM

awww... now thats not a short drive at all...lol.

11-15-2009, 11:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	125G Reef Tank Q Hey folks, The colonel a.k.a. the wife. Approved my nagging whining complaining for a 125g tank... Currently I have a 55 with a handful of corals not too much but I do not run a Calc reactor. Whats everyones 2cents about the calc reactors and is this piece of equipment an absolute need to keep my corals thriving? Thanks, Anthony (Newbie) 55g Mixed Reef (6 months old now) __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 12:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q Reactors are not needed you can do the same thing with Randy Holmes Farley's 2 part dosing

11-16-2009, 01:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q ok cool.. does that require a bunch of extra maintenance time? because i do have DIY plans for a calc reactor that wouldnt be tooo expensive. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 01:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q No it doesnt require any maintanence time to speak of. What types of corals do you plan on keeping, what salt and how often and how big of water changes do you plant on doing. If you need to dose its just and matter of putting in the correct amount of calcium, mag and baking soda and maybe dripping kalk. The calcium would be pealeadow the mag would be magnesium chloride and epsom salts alk buffer would be baking soda and the kalk would be Mrs Wages Pickeling Lime

11-16-2009, 01:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q well i have mixed corals (lps, sps, softies, zoos etc etc) and plan and moving them to this tank from my 55 and turning my 55 into a frag tank or sump. As for the salt I have been using good ol' instant ocean. Water changes I have always done and will continue doing atleast 10%-15% bi weekly. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

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11-16-2009, 09:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
ladyonyx ladyonyx's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 713 Name: Alex Rose Location: Woodridge, IL My location Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 23 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 179 Times in 144 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q No real reason to spend a bundle on a Calc Reactor. DIY dosing works just fine, IMO. __________________ When in doubt, do a water change.

11-16-2009, 09:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q With your salt choice I would consider a salt mix with a little higher calcium levels and a little better alk buffering abilities but this JMO, I like Reef Crystals myself. The doseing I suggested would probably be less than $100 and could last you a couple years, here is a link to the 2 part by Randy. An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

11-16-2009, 10:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
ladyonyx ladyonyx's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 713 Name: Alex Rose Location: Woodridge, IL My location Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 23 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 179 Times in 144 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q Great article. Thanks __________________ When in doubt, do a water change.

11-16-2009, 10:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q I try to help out when I can. That 2 part is basically the same as store bought and MUCH cheaper just have to take some time and learn how to use it.

11-16-2009, 02:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q Thanks a ton! This was really helpful information guys... I think I will try this dosing method. I looked over the costs of making the stuff and it really is cheap! The calc reactor make be something for the future but i am going to dose for now. As for my salt mix... I will be happy to try something new. Upon filling up I will try out the reef crystals. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 03:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q When you start dosing anything make sure you have qaulity test kits to make sure you are dosing correctly. I like Salifert test kits personally

11-16-2009, 03:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q What are you useing to check your salinity a hydrometer or refractometer

11-16-2009, 03:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q I have both but only use the refracto now. The hydro hasnt been used in like 3 months. I stay consistently at 1.025 with the use of my ato. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 03:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
beaslbob beaslbob's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,325 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 339 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 835 Times in 761 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q FWIW the hard to find part of the diy two part is actually the magnesium chloride. In souix City you might find magnesium chloride at menards as drive way ice melter. Calcium chloride in much easier for find as (again driveway ice melter). It also is used in concrete to speed hardening especially in cold weather. Check your local redimix places. Of course epsom salts and baking soda are just grocery store items. my .02 __________________ fw leiden since 1979, fo salt since 1979, mixed reef 55g 2002-2009. Strong emphasis on the tank taking care of itself. Balanced with plant life, no water changes, tap water, no filters in FW. Only dosing calcium, alk, mag in marine reef tanks. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/my-...ods-26410.html recent tanks (till 2009) 7 years- 10g FW leiden 7 yrs, 55g mixed reef 7, 2 yrs, 20g FW leiden, 10 g fw leiden , 29g mixed reef, current tank 55g leiden

11-16-2009, 03:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
beaslbob beaslbob's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,325 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 339 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 835 Times in 761 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q Oh yea and don't forget pickling lime which is the same as Kalk. It can be dripped just like kalk. my .02 __________________ fw leiden since 1979, fo salt since 1979, mixed reef 55g 2002-2009. Strong emphasis on the tank taking care of itself. Balanced with plant life, no water changes, tap water, no filters in FW. Only dosing calcium, alk, mag in marine reef tanks. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/my-...ods-26410.html recent tanks (till 2009) 7 years- 10g FW leiden 7 yrs, 55g mixed reef 7, 2 yrs, 20g FW leiden, 10 g fw leiden , 29g mixed reef, current tank 55g leiden

11-16-2009, 03:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q thanks beas __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 04:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q Des Moines eh. Thats not forever far away. Once I get this thing moving maybe we could trade some corals. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

11-16-2009, 04:37 PM	#20 (permalink)
eagleANTH Reefer eagleANTH's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 213 Name: Anthony Smith Location: sioux city, ia Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 19 Times Said "Thanks" 90 Times Was Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Re: 125G Reef Tank Q awww... now thats not a short drive at all...lol. __________________ If its not broke dont fix it!!! If its broke save yourself the time and buy a new one!!!

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