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Calcium Reactor Info 3/26/08 Hey there guys. I am debating on whether to get a calcium reactor and I cannot find any information on calcium reactors on your site. <There is indeed plenty.> My Calcium and alkalinity are always low and no buffer ever seems to do the trick. My question is could a calcium reactor be a bad thing? <Not anymore so than any other Ca/Alk supplementation.> Could it sky rocket my PH or add phosphates or things? <Not when tuned properly, again all the negative things that can happen with a Ca reactor can happen with supplements too.> Thanks guys, Jay <Welcome, a link to reactor info below, Scott V.> http://www.wetwebmedia.com/calcreactors.htm Calcium in the Tank -- 4/28/07 Hello WWM Crew! I have just one question for you. I have a 90 gallon reef tank at home. It has been doing well over the course of the last three months since I got rid of my sump and added a 25 gallon refugium. Made all the difference in the world (I have written to you before concerning my refugium and its success). Here is the list of corals I have: 1X Cat's Paw SPS 4 X various moons polyp/zoanthid corals 1 X Pulsating Xenia 1 X Trumpet coral 2 X Colt corals 1 X purple Gorgonia I have many invertebrates and a T. Crocea clam as well. I am starting to notice a decline in my calcium of about 10-20 ppm every day. I try to keep the Ca at about 400ppm. With all the corals I have in the tank, is this rate of calcium decline normal? <Not unusual, or not to be unexpected...> Everything is growing fine (some faster than others). Water parameters are as follows: Ammonia: 0 Nitrites: 0 Nitrates: 0 Ph: 8.3 Alkalinity: 10dKh Salinity 1.022 I have spoken to people at different LFS's. Some say they don't really add calcium to reef tanks but once a week and only see a minimal decline. <Mmm, such loss of Ca is dependent on a few principal factors... the overall metabolism of all the biomineralizing life in the systems... presence of other chemical species...> Others say they have to add calcium just about every day. I am adding it about every other day to bring it up about 20ppm to stay around 400ppm. Am I good to go? <Highly likely so> I am just being cautious because I am just starting to add hard corals for the first time. I have been rather successful with the soft corals (after reading our site). R/ Jeff <Do give the Calcium articles and FAQs files a going over on WWM... Bob Fenner> Calcium Reactors/Kalkwasser Reactors Hey Crew, <Ron> Happy Holidays! <And to you and yours> My 50 Gallon SPS reef tank is doing well. I dose B Ionic 2 part DAILY!! I drip ESV Kalk nightly for evaporated water... This has been becoming difficult, as I am a touring musician. <Yikes... perhaps a controller, automated dosing gear...> Should I get a reactor or Kalk reactor on such a small reef tank, or can you suggest other options so as to minimize the daily maintenance to the system??? <The best would be a simple reactor... a small Knop unit would be my first choice, but a local hobbyist/marine club may have an upcoming workshop where you could fashion your own> Thanks for your time. Also, SPS doing ok, but growing slowly. I understand many factors are involved. Besides water motion/quality, lighting, what else helps?? <Many other factors...> Feeding? <Of a certainty, yes> if I feed,, I get phosphates and brown stuff on the sand. My Phosphates are generally around .03-.04... Thanks! Jennifer NYC <Do try the feeding, extending your light period, vitamin and iodine/ide additions. Bob Fenner> Calcium and SPS 11/01/06 Hi crew, <Hello> What will best meet the calcium demands in a SPS setup, a Kalk reactor or calcium reactor? Thanks Mohamed <Hands down a calcium reactor. It is not so much the calcium, but more so the alkalinity. SPS can have perfect calcium, but without the proper alkalinity levels, they cannot utilize the calcium. Kalk doesn't raise calcium in a system, but rather maintains it. Over time, Kalkwasser will begin to drive the alkalinity levels down, thus defeating the purpose. I'm not saying it can't be done with Kalk, but it is not the best route to go in my opinion. Cheers! -- Dr. J> - Calcium Reactor Questions - Greetings <Good morning to you - JasonC here...> My restlessness is on the reactors of calcium. ¿Is it true that you/they are exclusive for aquariums with hard corals? <Not really - there are other mechanisms for supplementing calcium in a reef aquarium. That being said, a calcium reactor is probably the best way to supplement calcium, but does represent an investment in equipment.> My aquarium belongs to a mixed population in its majority soft corals (15) and some few hard (6) The soft corals don't benefit in (! anything!) of a reactor? <Untrue - soft corals do have calcium in their bodies, and do benefit from the addition of calcium.> Do I have understood that a reactor "no" alone it produces calcium. <Calcium reactors add calcium and increase carbonate hardness in the system - both very useful for reef aquaria.> Ahead of time I give them thank you for the attention and the orientation that can give me Greetings Gsoler PD. Excuse the translation but I am not very I practice with English <Your English is very much better than my Spanish. Cheers, J -- > <Kalkwasser Reactor vs. Calcium Reactor> Hello all, hope things are going well. I am looking into purchasing a calcium reactor and have been reading the different FAQ's on your site. During other research I have been reading about < http://www.aqua-web.org/users/ealex/calcium/> Kalkwasser Reactors, any experience with these? <Not directly...> In your opinion is one better than the other? <In my opinion, yes - the calcium reactor would require less maintenance.> Did not see anything being discussed on your site about these. <There will be now.> I want to try to eliminate the need for daily Kalk/buff dosing so I really want to make the correct purchase. As always thanks for your suggestions <Go with the calcium reactor. Cheers, J -- > - Ca & Alk, Calcium Reactor - Hello again and thanks for all the past help. My system has been running at pH 8.2, Ca 320ppm and Alk 10-11dKH since installing calcium reactor three months ago. I have tried to increase Ca by increasing bubble count to 120/min (started at 60) while keeping flow constant at manufacture's recommended starting point of 2-3l/hr. Effluent is close to ph 6.5 and 40 dKH. Trend seems to be that as I increase bubble count, alk increases but not Ca. I understand that Ca is necessarily lower when alk is high. Is this just a function of reactor media (ARM) and will I have to supplement Ca or will I eventually be able to dial in Ca to 350-400ppm with the right combination of CO2 and flow. <Well, two things come to mind - first, the ARM media is notoriously impure, which means you really can't rely on it for consistent results. Second, calcium reactors are 'really' alkalinity reactors, and by boosting alkalinity promote better availability of calcium - of course it helps that the effluent is calcium carbonate, but really, I don't see anything wrong with those numbers. Do also use the growth of your calcium consuming organisms as a guide.> Perhaps I need different media (suggestions?), <Knop Korallith.> or is 320ppm & 11dKH just fine and I should leave it alone? <Yes to that as well.> A. yongei frag is doing well so far but want to get everything right before starting to stock in earnest. Regards, George. <Cheers, J -- > - Calcium Reactor Question - Hello Coral Oracles - Another mundane question. I am in the process of planning out my new 265 gal reef tank. Upgrade from a 110. I am considering adding a calcium reactor to the new system. I am currently using the B-Ionic 2 part system with satisfaction. I would like to see more growth in my Acro's but maybe its a timing thing. Anyways, what is your opinion on one vs. the other? <A calcium reactor is a fabulous investment. You will 'buy' a reactor's worth of calcium supplements if you continue the way you are going. Not to dis ESV, as their product is very good, but you have to dose and dose and dose and... buy more bottles and so on.> Is the calcium reactor worth the cost? <Absolutely - once the cost of procuring one is past, your only reoccurring costs are the CO2 and the media and neither of these is changed very often.> Thanks for your help (again)... <Cheers, J -- > Calcium Reactor Not Required? <Hey there, Scott F. here with you tonight.> I have a 400 watt 10k bulb on with a spider reflector, metal halide lighting setup. My question is how can I keep Acropora hard corals in it without a calcium reactor? <How? By regular additions of calcium in the form of Kalkwasser or two part Calcium\Alkalinity additives such as B-Ionic, or C-Balance, etc. Yes, a calcium reactor is more convenient with some respects but wonderful reef systems can be maintained with calcium supplementation as outlined above.> If so, what can I start out with that's not too demanding as far as Acropora goes? Are there any easy SPS that will thrive under these conditions? <There are many species that will fill the bill. I highly advise that you purchase a good coral reference such as Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals" or Anthony Calfo's "Book of Coral Propagation.> I just want clams and SPS corals. Can I get away without purchasing a calcium reactor? <Sure, as I already mentioned above.> In dire need, Carlos, in Salinas, California. <Good luck Carlos, and happy reefing! Regards, Scott F.> Using a calcium reactor Hello, <Hi there> I get my saltwater from a research lab pumping it out of the sea here in Cape Town. However it is very low in alkalinity so I am continually adding loads of buffer. My tank is 400 gallons with fish and live rock, no coral. Does a calcium reactor keep the alkalinity high meaning I don't need to add buffer or is it for something completely different? Please forgive my ignorance. Many Thanks James. <It is my opinion that for especially larger "reef" systems with much in the way of biomineralizing life, there is no way better to assure/supply alkaline reserve, steady pH and alkaline earth elements (calcium, strontium, magnesium) than the use of a calcium reactor. Bob Fenner> Calcium reactor question Gentlemen,
Sorry to bother you, but I have a basic question regarding calcium
reactors..... <That's why were here Jason, No problemo!> Are
they a needed component for a successful marine tank? <Nope>
Although the idea of them seems very handy, I'm not sure I want to
part with $1000.00 unless I have to. I have a 92 gallon marine tank,
with MH/Actinic lighting, a big sump, BakPak skimmer, and about 60lbs
of live rock, with an aragonite/carbonate sand base. I periodically add
trace elements (strontium, Iodine) and add Kalkwasser about three times
a week (works out to about 6L a week, adding 2L at a time). My Calcium
is about 400ppm and alkalinity 11Dkh. (I'm sure those were the
numbers. I'm at work right now, so am not positive. If they seem
out of whack, I assure you they were in the recommend range for a reef
tank). Anyway, I have some cool fish, but have never really been able
to keep extensive inverts (shrimps, snails, anenomes, and coral).
Ammonia, Nitrate are 0. The only reason I can come up with to explain
my lack of invert keeping ability is water quality/chemistry. I use RO
water in my water changes at 15% a month. So that leaves Chemistry. Am
I being sloppy with my supplements? are they that important? Will a
reactor help me get the tank I have always wanted? I am thinking about
getting a Marine Precision reactor. Any comments you have would be
appreciated. Thanks Jason Nycz Calgary <You can buy a heck of a lot
of carbonate/alkalinity supplements and hydrated lime/pickling
lime/Kalkwasser mix for $1000. To keep inverts I would look to several
things. One, a bigger, more efficient skimmer. You're pushing it
with a Bak pak on a 92. Check out skimmers at some of the
WetWebMedia.com sponsors, they make this all possible! Two is your
water and how you supplement and top off. This needs to be
"seamless" and less abrupt. Also, your R/O top off should be
aerated and then buffered to 8.3 and heated to match your main. The
Kalk should be dripped at night and averaged so it is dripped with
replacement/top off each night, not three times a week. The three times
a week deal can/is/will contribute to inconsistent pH, alk and calcium,
but the biggee is a wandering pH. Kalk is something like 12pH, so it
must be dripped slowly and consistently each late night until lights on
in the AM. As far as your supplements, please test before using
supplements. They can be the problem if used indiscriminately. So, the
answer is, no you don't need to have a reactor. If you don't
like to hassle setting up your top off and regular supplements, (with
the exception of iodine) and you want really consistent water
parameters, then a reactor might be for you. Check out the Knop
reactors at Di's Aquatics at
http://www.disaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=
DA&Product_Code=TCMAS if you decide to go that route.
Craig> - Calcium Reactor and/or Chiller - Do I need to have a calcium reactor for my 55 gallon tank and yes I will have a maxima clam? <I would - you will find that otherwise, you will spend a calcium reactor's worth of money on additives - the calcium reactor will make maintenance of calcium easier and more stable.> Also will I need to have a chiller? <That depends on where you live and how warm your house gets. Cheers, J -- > Calcium reactor FOWLR Is running a calcium reactor for a fish only tank (with liverock) a bad idea ? What are the drawbacks ? <No. The benefits, high, stable pH, calcium and alkalinity are tangible for all living marine systems> I know it is almost a pre-req for reef tanks with the calcium that they draw, but is there any downside if you don't have a large user of calcium ? I'm mainly interested in using it to control ph/alk, rather than dosing/buffering. Thanks <Not really downsides other than upfront costs of acquiring the gear. If your situation (checked by water testing) doesn't call for much adjustment other than regular maintenance (as in gravel vacuuming, water changes... you might get by w/o... Stocking rates, feeding, use/non-use of live rock... many other factors might contribute to yes/no question of reasonableness of calcium reactor use/augmentation. Bob Fenner> Jim Calc reactor I was told that a calc reactor is a waste of money and that Kalkwasser was cheaper and a safer way to go, safer because with calcium reactors you always have the problem with hair algae. Is this true? and what is it with a reactor that would cause the hair algae? >> I'd be willing to bet most anything that in a few years your PC will be faster, your car will get better gas mileage, and most all serious reef aquarists will have calcium reactors... they are the easiest, simplest, safest, and LEAST EXPENSIVE means of adding biomineral AND necessary alkalinity... The folks who state otherwise are likely ignorant or trying to keep you on your "supplement" and "livestock replacement" habit... Don't know what someone is angling at with the "hair algae" reference... Bob Fenner, who says, take a look at the articles and more about these tools, supplements, calcium.... stored at www.wetwebmedia.com Calcium Reactors Bob, do you know of any articles and/or
literature about calcium reactors. I really want to get one but before
I spend $500 I'd like to do as much research on its
advantages/disadvantages. are these things really that good? i heard
they maintain your reef water perfectly, aside from water changes, of
course. any websites that you know of that has literature on these
things? oh, and could you recommend any particular calcium reactor or
are they all they same? >> There are numerous (hundreds in my
files) of articles, promotional materials pieces on Calcium Reactors...
I would take a look at the last year's worth of hobby magazines in
all the languages you understand... And use the Internet to look at the
manufacturer's input... and hobbyist opinions on their respective
features, utility. Bob Fenner, who has seen the near future of easy
reef keeping... and it is in large part these devices. Search for Calcium... Reactor Okay Dr. Bob (is that greeting
okay with you?) <What comes is acceptable> In the spirit of a
picture is worth a long list of animals, I have include a jpg of my 75.
My parameters are: <Hmmm> Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate all zero.
Phosphate is a 2 <Yikes> , but will come down with water changes.
I use only RO, and have just thrown my bottle of Kent Micro Vert in the
trash after I read that it is a pollutant (source of PO4?).
<Yes...> I add Kent Part A&B 30 ml per week. Kent Iodine 15
ml/week Kent Strontium/Molybdenum 15ml/week, Kent Tech M 7ml w/water
change (Instant Ocean). I am running a Top Fathom 110 in my otherwise
empty sump. <Wish my name was Kent> I know that you are a big
advocate of calcium reactors, and I'm almost convinced. This leads
to my questions. <Aahhhhh> 1) I'm a faithful reader of your
Q&A where you mentioned that Knop & K2R would be supplanted.
Can you tell me by what, the time frame, and what price range? Should I
wait for these new units? <Ahhhh, my young friend... do I see? No,
no waiting.> 2) I understand that a Calcium Reactor will eliminate
my need for Part A&B, but what about the rest of my additives?
<Almost all... would be adding iodide every week depending on the
types of livestock kept... but yes... this is... about....... it>
Any other general suggestions would certainly be welcomed. <Keep
your bowels empty and your mind full.... this is borrowed> As always
thanks for your time, consideration, and your helpful website, Marty
<Be mindful of our limitations my friend. Humans only live about
22,000 days. Bob Fenner> Calcium reactors, supplements Bob am i reading this right, calcium reactors are much better than dosing Kalk? <Yes, absolutely. Much more safe, dependable, constant... does more... in supplying all biominerals in correct proportions, alkalinity...> will they provide all the necessary supplementation, like strontium, magnesium, iodine etc <Not the iodine...> i have an awful time trying to get/keep calcium levels at or above 350ppm, look forward always to hearing from you, and can u plug any best model reactors from your experience and materials to fill the reactors, <Best to experiment here, use the new Chatforum on WWM... I am "not happy" with what the trade offers currently... a lot of it ridiculously expensive... Do look into melting down "just" a simple beach-collected material... a bit more maintenance to stir up, replace more frequently, but a better deal by far> i have heard some one say that reactors will not promote good coralline growth is that possible <Absolutely> thanks in advance rob Huss <Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner> Ca reactor Hi again, Bob! I have a question regarding calcium
reactors. I noticed that there is no information on the reactor page at
WWM. <Yes... much needs to be written, placed... and much of this is
at/with magazine and book editors and can't/won't be released
till those works are in pulp print.> I read through the FAQs and
couldn't answer my question. What is the purpose of the CO2 in
using ca reactors? <The carbon dioxide in solution (carbonic
acid) is a weak and dilute source of acid (proton donor, electron
acceptor) to "melt" down the alkaline feeder material
(generally some sort of calcium carbonate et al.) to provide the
effluent water with alkaline reserve and biomineral materials> I
assume that you can't work one without the proper CO2 setup.?
<Hmm, well, there are several designs... and many systems that
aren't overcrowded, overfed, overlit have sufficient quantity and
quality of soluble substrates (rock, gravel)... have sufficient water
movement, reductive events to supply these necessary materials
otherwise> I noticed people referring to effluent pH in the FAQs.
What is that a measure of? <relative concentration of
hydrogen/hydroxyl ions... Please read through the "pH,
alkalinity" section on the WWM site here> And what if the CO2
regulator breaks (can it?) and releases too much CO2 into the reactor?
How will this affect the system? <Not likely, but if so, would drive
down pH too much, too soon, could be deadly> Sorry so many
questions, but all I can ever find is "You need this, and
this..." without explaining what all these parts are for. Any
information you can provide would help. Thanks. Jason <Get your
hands on the books listed on the "bibliography/further
reading" and subscribe to the hobby magazines for a while here...
Let your curiosity drive you to understand the underlying principles in
what you're interested in. You will find this very satisfying. Bob
Fenner> |
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