How much does your PH drop when using a calcium reactor?

[acolaojr]

My tank has finished cycling when I start adding coral I need to make a decision to dose or go with a reactor. My PH is currently 8.34. Was thinking of going with a calcium reactor. Does anyone know how much your PH drops on average when adding one?

 

[theMeat]

depends on size of tank, and demand, even lighting to a degree. What size tank? Auto top off?

 

[acolaojr]

180 gallon with 40 gallon sump 150 lbs of dry rock and yes ATO

 

[Skaters216]

I maintain 6.68 on my ph probe in my calcium reactor and around 8.22 on my tank ph probe,,, my ph drops at night to around 8

 

[acolaojr]

Do you add anything to keep your PH at 8.22?

 

[Skaters216]

No, it's been a little higher since I added calcium reactor, it use to be around 805-810,

 

[Skaters216]

Fresh air in room?

 

[acolaojr]

Yes I think there is fresh air. Its a decent size room. Take a look link is below. My tanks always had 7.8 never had PH this high. I've read that dosing a tank will increase the PH. That's why I'm thinking to go with a Reactor.

https://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/general-discussion/194061-180-gallon-reef-tank-room-build.html

 

[Skaters216]

Nice setup!!!!,,good size room,,,, how do you maintain calcium and Alk now?

 

[acolaojr]

I don't have any coral yet. Figuring I'm going to load up at reefapalooza on Saturday. I just finished cycling the tank.

 

[Skaters216]

Well keep us posted and good luck with tank looks great

 

[theMeat]

Calcium reactor is a great way to control alkaline and calcium, as well as add many other trace elements. Not good at regulating ph, althou the ph dropping with calcium reactors is not the big issue it's made up to be, a reactor certainly won't boost your ph, in almost all cases. Think most ppl that notice a drop in ph when the reactor is introduced is because of a very high demand, or a lot of co2 present, or both.
With that said think adding kalkwasser to your ato water is the best, easiest, and cheapest way to go. A rarity in this hobby. And it will also regulate your ph. But on hi demand sps tanks it might not be enough, and another source of calcium might be needed.

 

[atorres53]

No, it's been a little higher since I added calcium reactor, it use to be around 805-810,

I've had a cal reactor on my 125 gallon SPS reef for more than 1 year and it lowered my ph to 7.9 at night controlled by my Apex and 8.1 during the day. I also dose Kalkwasser at night.