Calcium Reactor vs. Kalk Doser?

[Lps157]

Hey all.

Thanks to everyone for all the great info on this forum.

I know this is a highly discussed topic, but after a lot of reading i'm unclear of the essential differences between Kalk & Calcium reactors. From what I understand they both help to keep Ca, Alk and PH up. So are there some key differences between the two

The Kalk Reactor looks really simply to DIY compared to the Ca Reactor.

Also, my tank is a 55g with only a small amount sps so it seems that topping off with only Kalk water would possible put my levels to high. Is it then suggest to continue using my normal RO top off and just additional dose the kalk water *** needed?>

Thanks
Dan

 

[sjm817]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Kalk will add ca, alk and raise pH. CaRX will all ca, alk and lower pH. Kalk can be simply mixed in the ATO reservoir. No reactor is needed. You dont have to mix it full strength if you dont need it.

 

[Lps157]

Thanks,

Ok makes much more sense. I know CO2 will lower the PH so I was confused on that. I must have miss read some where.

So for Kalk basically just make a mixer and adjust dose or solution according to need. Is that right? Also, do many of you tend to use one vs. the other. I very seldomly have to lower my ph, is that normal or is it different for everyone.

I have a 15g fuge/sump running on reverse lighting and PH always stays between 8.0 - 8.3.

 

[bergzy]

a kalk reactor is great for tanks with lower ca demands. the added benefit also is the freshwater top off that comes with it. the disadvantage is that if your alk/ca demands exceeds saturated alk/ca fw top off demands then one might have to look at alternate methods for alk/ca supplementation.

the ca reactor can be tricky to set up and use, esp for first timers. the benefit of a ca reactor is a constant alk/ca feed. the downside is a lowered tank pH. thus, a lot of people combine a ca reactor with alk addition for pH elevation.

 

[Lps157]

Perfect thanks. Well I've just been manually dosing up to this point but I think this weekend I'll make up a kalk system and try it out.

Thanks again.

 

[sjm817]

Kalk must be added slowly. It basically requires a decent ATO system. You can start by mixing 1 teaspoon/gallon and see how it goes. You can use up to 2 tsp/gallon max saturation. You mix it in the container, cover it and let it settle and use it. Have it set up so that you dont pick up what settles on the bottom. Do not remix. It adds CO2 and weakens the mix.

 

[larryfl1]

where does it get the co2 from when remixing? if it is a sealed reactor will it still get co2?

 

[Lps157]

I was thinking of using a chlorinator container, I happen to have a bunch of new ones.

It is pre-taped for most of the fittings needed and is about the right size. Since my demands aren't to great at this time I thought i would just use this as a mixer and use a pump to dose though out the day. Once I have a idea of how much is needed regularly I should be able to hook it up to my T/O easily. I hope.

I just want to make sure I have my system fully setup before I add any additional sps and can't meet the demands.

 

[Lps157]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15646010#post15646010 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by larryfl1
where does it get the co2 from when remixing? if it is a sealed reactor will it still get co2?

If I've read correct it reacts with the air in your mixer while shacking and creates Co2. Not positive though.

 

[sjm817]

I was posting about mixing in the topoff container, not a reactor. Yes, the CO2 comes from the air.

 

[larryfl1]

in a reactor its pretty much void of air correct?