Kalk reactor?

Ding2daDong

Ding2daDong

New member
After spending so much money on two part dosing solutions I just want and easier way to maintain my Calcium and Alk.

I have been looking at Kalk reactors because right now a calcium reactor would be to much money so I was just wondering if anyone runs a kalk reactor with good results? Any recommendations for different brands?

I have heard good things about GEO.

Thanks

-Matthew
 
Matt, Kalkreactor will not replace the 2 part in any way. it will supplement the calcium, increase the ph and decrease the alkalinity.
Having said that, I use it in conjunction with a calcium reactor and have had great results, I have the Precision Marine "PM" and works very good, I really like the Deltec.
 
I thought that it worked similarly to running a Kalk wasser auto top off and doesn't kalk wasser stabilize ALK as well?

Thanks

-Matthew
 
Matt the kalk rx will only help with the low ph that the reactor usually causes.
it will help keep your ph stable that being said I don't run one now but will in my next build.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10968496#post10968496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ding2daDong
I thought that it worked similarly to running a Kalk wasser auto top off and doesn't kalk wasser stabilize ALK as well?

Thanks

-Matthew
Click to expand...

You can connect the reactor inline with your ATO. I have it that way, but, as far as stabilize Akalinity, no it doesn't, it will actually lower it. This is why;
Remember you are pouring kalkwasser liquid to replace your evaporation water, the KW is ph 12 and your tank will need to stabilize that offset thus utilizing your Alklinity in the process.
 
so if you use kalkwasser as top off you should also be adding something to supplement the alkalinity? that explains the tank crash from a couple weeks ago. what could I use to help raise the alkalinity?
 
would it be safe to add kalkwasser as top off which I am doing and then supplementing the alkalinity with washing soda. no clue how much it would take to keep the levels constant, but it seems a lot cheaper!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10968627#post10968627 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rogger Castells
as far as stabilize Akalinity, no it doesn't, it will actually lower it. This is why;
Remember you are pouring kalkwasser liquid to replace your evaporation water, the KW is ph 12 and your tank will need to stabilize that offset thus utilizing your Alklinity in the process.
Click to expand...

Sorry, one of us is confused. Limewater is a balanced additive that increases both calcium and alkalinity in the same proportions it is used in calcification. It does not lower alkalinity under normal circumstances. The high pH is from hydroxide ions, which combine with CO2 in the tank to form bicarbonate, the form of alkalinity that is used by the calcifying organisms, and carbonate. So when the tank neutralizes the pH of the incoming limewater, it is actually increasing bioavailable alkalinity. Thats why limewater works. Only in an overdose situation will you could cause CaCO3 precipitation (a "snow storm,") which will lower alkalinity (and calcium.)

The thing is that limewater doesn't have a lot of Ca/KH and it is likely that it wont be enough to meet the calcification demands of your tank. Even a tank with nothing but coraline encrusted live rock can exceed the limits of limewater without using fans 24/7 to maximize evaporation. In that case either you need to increase the solubility of the lime with an acid like vineagar or something else needs to be added to keep calcium and alkalinitiy up - 2-part or a Knop reactor usually.

This article is a pretty thorough treatment of limewater: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php
 
This is a really nice article, I have read it a few times and like you, I've been confused many times, however, in my case I go by my own experience, observations and testing of the water. There is a lot variances in each set-up that will determine the end result this include husbandry frequency, type and size of tank, type of corals, size of corals, bioload etc.
In my case alkalinity will take a hit over time and I monitor it regularly.
If you have different results in your set-up feel free to share with us.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10969465#post10969465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 45commando
http://www.reeftek.com/Nilsen_Reactor.htm
Matt,this is the brand I went with.Very well made & if I remember correctly,less expensive than other brands.I have it fed by a Tunze osmolator for auto top off & evap about 2 1/2 gallons a day.If you want to come by & take a look at the unit,give me a shout.HTH,Darcy
Click to expand...

I also went with this Reactor.......
BTW if you go to the link that 45commando posted and click on the link +view the reactor in operation. the picture is of my setup
:)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10970164#post10970164 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 45commando
I've never had alk issues
Click to expand...

I would like to come by and see yours again. I also have the tunze auto top off to run with it.

Thanks

-Matthew


PS. PM BOX CLEARED!
 
i auto top off with kalk on a float valve and dose 1 tsp a day of kent marine calcium additive alk stay betwwen 9-11dkh
75 gl system
 
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