Calcium Reactors

[ReeferMedic]

Is it necessary to run a calcium reactor if I'm keeping softies, lps, and only a couple of sps?

 

[Corwyn]

It isn't necessary to run a calcium reactor at all, unless you are running a VERY large tank, VERY heavily loaded.

It's just that it automates things and nice to have if you have a spare $400-$500.

Or you could build one for about $200 or so.

 

[PenMan]

You should be testing your calcium. You can use ESV or similar commerical additives to raise the calcium or you can use the Dow Flake and other home made fixes that also work. If you have any SPS, caps or clams, you probably will be adding something. When you a dumping 4-8 ounces of each of the two part additives, it is time to go the the reactor. At that point the cost will pay for itself pretty quick.

 

[ReeferMedic]

I can pretty much keep my calcium at around 450 with kalk and the occasional additive. I'll have to keep an eye on it and consider it when I notice a significant amout of calcium being used. The tank is a 180 by the way. Thanks for the info..........

 

[dz6t]

I don't think you need the reactor but it will help to cut down your work.

 

[marco67]

IMO the biggest advantage of a Ca reactor is rock solid peramiters. Not high CA levels. If your dosing, sure you can keep up with the demand but you will also have swings in your PH, DKH and CA.
It's all about stability!

 

[ReeferMedic]

Stability is what I'm looking for, thanks. What kinds are the most popular these days? They are a little expensive to do the trial and error thing.

 

[marco67]

The trend is moving to the fluidized style. They are much more efficiant. I'm running a DIY here at the store (it's ok but needs lots of attention). Since picking up Deltec I've had nothing but good experiences with their line. Of course there are alot out there and they all have their strong points. I'd say the only real mistake you could make would be buying a cut rate cheapo.

 

[ReeferMedic]

I've also heard that I should look for one with twice the capacity for my tank size. Is that pretty much the standard?

 

[NateHanson]

Depends, do you plan on keeping a lot of SPS and clams? Or mostly softies?

Another way to automate calcium dosing for low-demand systems is to use kalk for your top-off water or run your top-off water through a kalk reactor. This will only work for lower capacity systems, but it should be just as rock steady as a calcium reactor if you use accurate valves to mix RODI back into the Kalk after the water, and it's maintenance free and much cheaper than a Calcium reactor. That said, it will only work if you really have a low Ca useage, and/or high evaporation rate.

Nate

 

[One Eye]

Nate, I use kalk for all my top off water but my evaporation rate varies with my room temp. So the ammt of ca. and alk being put back into the system is varying with evap. and room temp.

 

[ReeferMedic]

I don't plan on keeping many sps or calms, maybe just one clam and a couple of sps. It's mostly softies and lps. My evaporation rate is about 1 gallon a day. I do use kalk for all my top off water but I don't use a doser as of now. I will be using some sort of doser/reactor soon though.

 

[NateHanson]

That's a good point one eye. Just trying to think of less expensive alternatives for low-consumption tanks.

 

[One Eye]

I hear the low cost thing. I just, this weekend broke down and bought a calcium reactor. I spent the $500 on a Deltec. When I look back and add up the $ spent on additives I've dumped far more than $500 and had way to much flux in Ca and Alk. With the additives it's always been a battle.

 

[me2003]

I purchased an aqua lifter from Aqua Addicts that I plan on using it with a timer
as a low cost automatic dosing system for topoff limewater. A triac with a water
level switch with could replace the timer.
Aqua Lifter
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KTALP
Filter
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=KTALPF

I have a calcium reactor that I will use also. Once they are setup
they reduce the maintenance enough that it is worth it to me.


Calcium reactor info
http://216.235.242.50/forums/showpost.php?p=58368&postcount=29
http://216.235.242.50/forums/showthread.php?t=5564
http://216.235.242.50/forums/showthread.php?t=7485
Shuran Jetstream 1 Calcium reactor
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/s...threadid=397189

 

[ReeferMedic]

Thanks for links.