kalkwasser reactors vs Calcium Reactors

[yzfr6]

Which one should I go with. I want to house both LPS and SPS and I am confused as to which one to go with. I know people use both but on a 75 gallon tank I don't want or have the money to do that. Any ideas?

 

[Bebo77]

people usually run CA reactors... if you tank has PH problems then you may want to run Kalk.

 

[Michael]

i use kalk and it works for me, but i think most successful reef tanks use the reactor, true both works as the ph needs to be low for the aragonite to work in the reactor and then the kalk brings it back up, im currently looking into this method, if your unsure do a little research, but i think kalk is a good start to boost calcium levels tbh

 

[Sk8r]

A kalk tank will work fine for a 75 until you are packed with corals. You don't even need a reactor---just put kalk into your topoff reservoir and let your ato system do the work. DO set your ato pump up on something a few inches to prevent it sucking up pure kalk off the bottom. One stir does it, on addition of kalk: ro/di dissolves just the right amount of it for your tank, pretty well instantly, and it doesn't come out of solution. The ATO reservoir must be lidded: I use rolled paper towel for a gasket, which works great and lets the hose exit. I also reduce the maxijet's 1/2 inch hose to a locline 1/4 inch. DO be sure to secure that drip line in your tank so it can't flop out: there's nothing worse than kalkwasser in your carpet.

 

[chris4869]

Like Sk8ter said.. If you have to pick one, I recommend getting the kalk reactor first. Your ca & alk demand are probably not high enough to warrant a ca reactor for the first year or so. You won't have the low pH problem to deal with. Add the calcium reactor later if the kalk reactor can't keep up with the ca & alk demand.

If your tank has a lot of SPS and clams, or will be stocking your tank with a lot of them up front, then maybe you should start with the calcium reactor instead. Mix the kalk in your ATO or fresh water container to combat against the low pH effect of the calcium reactor.

 

[yzfr6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14730043#post14730043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sk8r
A kalk tank will work fine for a 75 until you are packed with corals. You don't even need a reactor---just put kalk into your topoff reservoir and let your ato system do the work. DO set your ato pump up on something a few inches to prevent it sucking up pure kalk off the bottom. One stir does it, on addition of kalk: ro/di dissolves just the right amount of it for your tank, pretty well instantly, and it doesn't come out of solution. The ATO reservoir must be lidded: I use rolled paper towel for a gasket, which works great and lets the hose exit. I also reduce the maxijet's 1/2 inch hose to a locline 1/4 inch. DO be sure to secure that drip line in your tank so it can't flop out: there's nothing worse than kalkwasser in your carpet.

Great, where can I buy KALK, I already have a ATO with a lid so that would work. Thanks for all the advice...

 

[THE ROOK]

Just to add to Sk8r's advice (hope that's ok), you don't need either until your weekly water changes can't keep up with the tank's demand for calc & alk. Only way you'll know is by testing regularly. Every few weeks is fine. You'll need Alk, Calc & Mag tests.

Once the demand starts to become greater than the water changes, start using kalk in your ato as Sk8r advised. This will help maintain levels between water changes. I would guess it will be at least a year before a 75 would need a calcium reactor if started with mostly frags.

I've got some LPS, SPS, large toadstool leather, zoos & a BTA in my 75 & weekly 5-7 gallon water changes with Reef Crystals is stil able to maintain my levels. I've used kalk but my tank doesn't really require it just yet. Now most of the SPS are still frags & don't really consider it a reef yet but hopefully this may help with a timeline for future upgrades.

Better IMO to spend the money on a good lighting system & a quality skimmer.

 

[THE ROOK]

Oh & take it slow if do start with the Kalk. Full strength is 2tsp per gallon of ato water. Even with slow addition to the sump it can & will send your ALk thru the roof if your not careful or your tank doesn't need it. Must test first. I learned this the hard way & sent my Alk to over 17 within a week. Not good.

So test first & use maybe 1/2 tsp per gallon to start & work up to full strength over a few weeks.

Mrs Wages pickling lime is what you want locally. Usually at a feed/grain type store or sometimes @ walmart or supermarkets.

 

[Aquarist007]

Two part b- Ionics is alot less messier to work with and brings stability to alk, calcium and pH.
Here is a blog on how to use it:
http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=262