Calc reactor vs. Kalk reactor

[BJJ]

Which one is better?

Option 1 - to purchase a calcium reactor c.w co2 tank reg...

or

Option 2 - use a Kalk reactor connected to my RO/DI outlet and controled by my top-off float valve.

Option 2 seems simpler to set up - but then again I have never used either before.

 

[ErikS]

Kalk reactor - simpler & cheaper to install, downside is that it can't keep up with too high of a demand as you can only evap so much water.

CA reactor - more complex & expensive to install, can keep up with even high demand tanks. Downside is that it can drop PH in the tank, though generally not to dangerous levels.


Additives - good for all systems, can get expensive as demand grows.

Kalk reactor - good for medium demand systems, LPS & some SPS typically

CA Reactor - good for high demand systems, clam & sps dominant tanks.

 

[thrlride]

ErikS hit it perfectly. My tank has a good deal of SPS frags but it is still more demand that kalk alone can provide. So, it all depends on what you want.

 

[samsfishnchips]

BJJ,

second option is not that simple, what happens if the float stuck?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=310898&highlight
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=270123&highlight
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=184716&highlight

safety features need to be implemented on both, in my setup I use both

calc reactor keeps up with my parameters : can be dial in, something kalk is harder to do

safety:
-ph controller shuts off co2 if anything gets clog or ph tank goes too low
-flow meters, just a look needed to make sure lines are ok

kalk: keeps my ph up
safety:
-ph controller shuts pump if ph goes too high
-tunze osmolator to control water level, doesn't use float valve that can be get stuck, safety features shuts off pump if pumps runs for more than 15minutes, shuts of and alarm sounds if sumps reaches too high

if after that something goes wrong, than its fate

good luck with your choice

sam

 

[SunnyX]

I personally use both a Ca reator and a Kalk reactor.

Ca reactor to maintain Ca and alk, Kalk reactor to maintain high Ph.

My kalk reactor is directly hooked up to my RO/Di unit, and then runs through a valve. Basically immpossible to over does, no float switch here.

 

[BJJ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6910542#post6910542 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
My kalk reactor is directly hooked up to my RO/Di unit, and then runs through a valve. Basically immpossible to over does, no float switch here.

SunnyX, Do you have pics of your reactor plumbing? You said you run it through a switch but not a float valve, can you provide details? Thanks

 

[BJJ]

All this talk about float valves is concerning me. I have used the Kent float valve on my previous set-up for a few years without problems, but this tank is my first with some sort of CA dosing. Are there better more reliable alternatives to float valves?

 

[BJJ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6910027#post6910027 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ErikS
Kalk reactor - simpler & cheaper to install, downside is that it can't keep up with too high of a demand as you can only evap so much water.

How often do you have to refill with kalkwasser mix? I understand it will depend on the load but I looking for a ball park.

I was told that with a CA reator and 10lbs CO2 tank, you can go 2-3 months between media refills, and almost 6 months for CO2 refills.

 

[ErikS]

You refill when the PH of the output drops to somewhere in the 9 range - it should be above 11, close to 12. Any less and it's running out.