How neccesary are Calcium reactors?

[Northstar24]

Well, everything for my setup is currently ordered and is in transit to the house. The one thing I haven't looked into much is calcium reactors. In a full reef setup, how neccesary are they? Is it something you need right away, or can it be added later? Are there any favorites among fellow Living Reefers?

 

[Bifferwine]

Not necessary. Usually only used by people that have heavily stocked SPS-dominant tanks. Most people don't use them. For the majority of tanks, calcium can be taken care of either by regular water changes, or adding a supplement. If you find supplementation can't keep up with the calcium demands of your tank, then that is the time to look into adding one.

 

[yote]

+1 Biff

 

[daugherty]

+2 biff

 

[dcantucson]

+3 Biff
I have one that I have never hooked up. I got it when I was ordering everything for my Zero Edge. I thought I would need it but my Calcium level stays just fine with water changes and an occasional supplement addition.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

How come I need one so bad then:D Oh I have a ton of sps and lps corals.

 

[Northstar24]

+ 1 Biff

Thanks for the info! Right now the plan is to keep primarily 'shrooms and Zoas which from what I can tell from reading are some of the easier corals to keep

 

[d2mini]

I use Bulk Reef Supply 2 part solution for my alk and calc with BRS dosing pumps controlled by my Reef Keeper Lite.
Easy enough to regulate with regular testing and automatic enough to not be a hassle or run the risk of forgetting or getting lazy. And no need to deal with Co2 tanks.

 

[ccCapt]

+4 Biff
+1 d2mini
I make my own 2-part calcium/alk solution and I dose aprox 225 mL of each daily with a medical dosing pump.