reactor media potential

[LittleBlueGT]

If use X amount of 2-part to keep up alk and calcium would the same weight of calcium reactor media have the same potential alk/calcium?

It just seems that when I used to use the 2-part additives everyday I used a lot. Now that I use a calcium reactor it seems I don't go through as much (weight wise).

How about kalk. Does it add a similiar amount as 2-part or reactor media?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is hard to answer that question exactly, but since they are all adding the same things (calcium and alkalinity), one can expect reduced needs for any method when adding other methods.

That said, pH has a big impact on demand and coral growth rates. Reduced pH will decrease the demand and raised pH will increase the demand. Since CaCO3/CO2 reactors reduce pH and limewater raises pH, they may have different effects even with the same amount of calcium and alkalinity added.

Also, the higher the alkalinity the higher the demand. So adding twice as much may simply push you to a higher stable level of alkalinity, rather than keeping it rising forever.