got a few questions

[M0rph3us]

hi all i got a few questions to ask..

1) how often shld i dose k2so4?

2) how does an external co2 reactor work? do i need an additional powerhead to run it?

3) Is tiren brand regulator + solenoid so good?

[tawauboy]

the normal practice is to dose k2so4 weekly to achieve 20ppm.

external co2 reactor is connected to the outlet of you filter.

[PeterGwee]

Morpheus, do note that with dosing of K2SO4, you need to make sure the proportion of calcium and magnesium is balance with it or else you could get deficiency of this 2 nutrients.

[M0rph3us]

hmm where can i get calcium and magnesium from?
im currently dosing k2so4, flourish and trace.. will be changing to tmg soon after i finish using flourish and trace

[PeterGwee]

Oh, calcium and magnesium do exist in our tap water but is on the low side. With addition of K2SO4, the uptake of nutrients could well be boosted to a level such that your calcium or magnesium might not be adequate.

Morpheus, don't panic...I am just to giving you a heads up just in case you face crumpling new growth and don't know what happen. In case such deficiency were to happen, you could go for coral chips (a handful in your canister filter will do but affects your KH as well), Seachem equilibrum or chemicals from Dr. Mallick.

[vinz]

2)

+->canister filter
+    +
+    + 
+  external reactor<---CO2 source
+    +
+    + 
+--aquarium

3) I've been using a Tiren regulator for about 1.5 yrs. No problems so far. No problems with solenoid either.