Can someone explain calc reactors to me???

[steri]

I am planning to buy a Phosban reactor 150 when I upgrade tanks to use as a phosphate remover. I can find them for $35 brand new. I have never had one before, but the sump I have is big enough to have one so I figure, "why not?"

My question is that after looking at these I started looking at some calcium reactors. How are these different from a Phosban Reactor? Really?

If I wanted a cheap Calc reactor, could i just buy 2 Phosban reactors and use one for phosphates and one for calc? Would that even work?

If this is a stupid question, my apologies, but an education in this would be helpful

 

[boxer385]

Calcium reactor and a phos reactor are two completely different items.
put "what is a calcium reactor" under google and it will explain it all to you.

 

[Jeff]

Here is a good description from an RC member with pictures. http://www.melevsreef.com/calcium_reactor.html

 

[JNye]

theoretically you could make one work...but calcium reactors work under more pressure then phosphate reactors so it would not be worth it. besides i have never read a good review on a cheap calcium reactor.

 

[bigevill1]

I think he meant a kalk reactor

 

[casualreefer]

Its not a stupid question but normally when you try and cut corners in this hobby you end up spending twice the money than if you would have done it right the first time. Plus you would need to do some modifications to the phosban reactor, you have to buy a Co2 tank, regulator, bubble counter so its really not that simple. if you don't have a huge coral load look into a kalk reactor, that what im gonna be running.

 

[badazztealcobra]

I think he meant a kalk reactor

I agree, he meant kalk reactor.....

You need to occasionally mix the kalk in the reactor Steve, most reactors use a little pump for it, and some use a stirring rod. Then you slowly feed your RO for top offs through the reactor to top off with a constant kalk drip....

 

[casualreefer]

i think the spelling of calc (kalk) threw us all off. LOL.

 

[steri]

sorry for the confusion, but I meant calcium reactor.

What is a kalk reactor? Holy cow man, a whole new world is opening up before me :lol:

 

[SlowCobra]

A calcium reactor requires many working parts including a chamber, CO2 tank, regulator, bubble counter, media, feed pump, mixing pump, Ph controller. It is used to keep a stable Ca, Mag, Alk level in the tank. It is not meant to raise or lower existing parameters. Many people fail at that part of it. You need to get the tank in check first then you get the Ca reactor dialed in.

A phosban reactor is for filling with either phosban or carbon and is used with a small pump that slowly filters water. It enters through a center tube and then gets forced out through the media. The phosban is for assistance in removal of phosphates, carbon helps clean the water.

A kalk reactor uses kalkwasser and generally does double duty as an ATO. It provides the same end result as a Calcium reactor it just uses different media and hardware to do it. Kalkwasser, if used wrong, can immediately crash a tank. It can cause huge Alk spikes as well as sending Ca through the roof. For that to happen you have to dump a significant amount into the tank.

 

[badazztealcobra]

A kalk reactor is a reactor that doses kalkwasser saturated water. It's a great way to add alk and calcium by dripping your top off RO water through it.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php



Calcium reactors use CO2 and media to add calcium to your tank.

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/component/zine/article/44

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/component/zine/article/54



You can also look into the balling method and two-part for your Ca and Alk needs....

Always more than one way to skin a cat. :thumbsup:

 

[mnestroy]

Unless your going to focus on coral that suck up Calcium, such as SPS, clams, etc.... you'll most likely be fine with just water changes.

If not, you can always dose liquid calcium.

I have a large thriving Birdsnest, few other SPS, and a clam.. that are all happy with the calcium they get when I do a monthly water change

 

[mystery_reef]

set up a cheap ato, and use kalkwasser, easy and will save you $$$ not to mention all your corals will love it, especially any sps.

 

[spoofer]

great thread!

 

[steri]

thanks! I am finding it extremely informative :thumbsup: