kalk reactor vs calcium reactor

[scott11]

if a tank has constant calcium readings, but fluctuating alk- which equipment would solve this problem better?

Please respond only about the effectiveness of solving the problem, not the cost, ease of use, ph considerations etc.

 

[Ehaze]

both really, you can only dose so much kalc before you ph has gone too high, and calc reactor you would just have to adjust the the flow of the co2 and effluent.

 

[chadfarmer]

manually dosing

both will increase calium but the kalk will not add magnesium

 

[chadfarmer]

manually dosing

both will increase calcium but the kalk will not add magnesium

 

[sjm817]

Calcium and alk both need to be added and both will do that. Fluctuating alk and steady ca is kind of a mirage. They both fluctuate at an equal ratio, but the alk is more noticeable because of the scale.

I struggle with low PH so using Kalk ATO is a real benefit. A ca rx lowers PH which would not work for me.

 

[dan223]

why not just dose alk by using calcium carbonate with a dosing pump, set the time and you control exactly how much you put in, not guessing and readjusting. then if your calcium starts to drop you could add the other 2 part ingredient.
once you level out your kh chances are your cal with start to drop, when the 2 are not balanced calcium uptake can go down.

 

[wrott]

I believe you should have both reactors ideally.
I have just a Ca reactor currently, but my pH is 7.9-8.2.
A Ca reactor will supply a balanced amount of alk+Ca by adjusting BPS of CO2 and the effluent flow rate. It just needs to be dialed in, and levels can be supplimented periodically and with WCs.
I'm looking for a Kalk reactor now to increase pH to 8.0-8.3, but I 've had no issues of lack of SPS growth due to low pH, but I'm sure my tank will be much healthier with increased pH.