what is the difference?

[rogergolf66]

I am looking at a kalk reactor and the Tunze Osmolator Calcium Dispenser 5074 . What is the difference? what do they do that is different then the other unit? also pro, con

Thanks Roger

 

[rvitko]

The Calcium Dispenser is a simplified reactor that works only with the osmolator, it mixes a saturated solution while most kalk reactors with mechanical stirrers dose a stronger slurry. In general Kalk cannot supply all the calcium needs of anything but the most basic soft coral, polyp tanks with a few LPS. If you have higher demand you need a Calcium Reactor and should just use kalk to stabilize pH and bind free CO2 and PO4.

 

[rogergolf66]

Exactly I have a cal reactor already. I wanted to use this for control of ph and add a bit of cal and alk. so you would recommend this to control PH? any Cons to this unit vs the kalk reactor, and any pros compared to the kalk reactor?

you have in your post bind free CO2 and PO4 do you have or know where I can find artical on that from using limewater?

 

[rvitko]

The binding is fairly basic chemistry, it should be easy to find on line, CaCO3 is relatively insoluble and forms quickly when CO2 and CaOH interact, that is how the CO2 is removed and the same applies to the Phosphate.

Pros , it is cheap and fairly easy, cons, it isn't going to be as solid as a $300 unit and it will need to be refilled more often, usually once a week.

 

[rogergolf66]

thanks for the info

Roger