Reef aquarium comparisons
The reef hobby is full of false dichotomies that vendors love and hobbyists fight about. These pages compare the actual specs side-by-side and tell you which choice fits which situation — sourced, not opinionated.
Salt mixes1
Dosing & supplements3
- Randy Recipe #1 vs BRS Two-PartRandy Holmes-Farley's Recipe #1 (baked baking soda + CaCl₂) vs BRS's two-part (soda ash + CaCl₂) compared on cost, prep, purity, and dose ratios. Baked baking soda is soda ash, so the alkalinity chemistry is identical — the real differences are price and convenience.
- Calcium reactor vs Two-part dosingCalcium reactors vs two-part dosing compared on uptake range, monthly cost, complexity, and what happens when things go wrong. Pick by consumption rate, not by hobby trend.
- Kalkwasser (lime water) vs Two-part / Calcium reactorThe three main calcium and alkalinity supply methods compared. Kalkwasser drips with top-off, two-part doses via pump, calcium reactor dissolves aragonite media. Each has a sweet spot.
Tanks & hardware1
Substrate1
Filtration & nutrient export1
Lighting3
- Apogee MQ-510 vs Seneye ReefApogee MQ-510 vs Seneye Reef compared as PAR measurement tools. Underwater correction factors, accuracy, cost, and what each device actually measures — because they don't measure the same thing.
- T5 HO fluorescent vs LEDT5 high-output fluorescent vs LED reef lighting compared on PAR, spectrum, electricity cost, lifespan, and coral coloration. The right answer in 2026 is usually 'hybrid' — here's why.
- Kessil A360X vs Radion XR15 Pro Gen 6Three-way comparison of the most popular ~$400–500 reef LED fixtures. PAR coverage, spread shape, controllability, and use-case verdicts for SPS, mixed reef, and softie tanks.
Testing2
- Triton Lab vs ATI LabserviceTriton Lab vs ATI Labservice ICP-OES water testing compared on elements measured, turnaround, reporting clarity, and dosing guidance. Both use ICP-OES — but the report quality and method guidance differ.
- Hanna HI772 Checker vs Salifert KH Profi-TestSide-by-side comparison of the Hanna HI772 marine alkalinity checker and the Salifert KH/Alkalinity Profi-Test. Real precision specs, per-test cost, and a hobbyist verdict on which one to trust when they disagree.
Equipment1
Other2
- Neptune Apex A3 vs CoralVue Hydros Control 4Head-to-head of the Neptune Apex A3 and CoralVue Hydros controllers. Hardware specs, app ecosystem, expansion costs, and the real-world differences that decide which one fits your budget and patience.
- BRS 5-stage Premium Plus 75 GPD vs SpectraPure MaxCap 90 GPDHead-to-head of the Bulk Reef Supply 5-stage 75 GPD and the SpectraPure MaxCap. Membrane rejection rates, waste ratios, real per-gallon cost, and which one to buy depending on your tap water.
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