Where can purchase a good inexpensive Calcium Reactor
- Thread starter CMDRAPER
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jay24k
Active member
aquaticsystemsdesign.com
I ordered mine from there and everyone I talked to loves it.
It's alot cheaper then most of them out there. Only bad thing is it takes about 3 weeks so if you plan to order one, do it quick. I waited and now I find out he is booked solid.
I've looked and you won't find a quality one at his price. In all reality, it's not like the stuff is expensive, it's just knowing what to do to make em.
I ordered mine from there and everyone I talked to loves it.
It's alot cheaper then most of them out there. Only bad thing is it takes about 3 weeks so if you plan to order one, do it quick. I waited and now I find out he is booked solid.
I've looked and you won't find a quality one at his price. In all reality, it's not like the stuff is expensive, it's just knowing what to do to make em.
Hal
New member
A calcium reactor uses carbon dioxide to dissolve the calcium product. You need to refill your carbon dioxide tank periodically, in addition to replenishing the media. Usually the equipment cost of a calcium reactor is substantially more than a kalk/nielson reactor, because you need to buy the reactor, the co2 tank, a regulator, bubble counter, and maybe more (not sure here).
A kalk/nielson reactor only needs to have kalk added to it periodically. It is essentially a reactor tube with a mixing device, either a power head or a stir bar. The powder sits on the bottom and the kalk saturated water is drained off the top and into your tank/sump.
I'd estimate that a calcium reactor will run you $350-450, while a kalk reactor is $200.
I'm not sure I agree that the cost of media for the kalk reactor will end up making that system cost more over time. The $150 minimum price difference can buy a lot of kalk.
From what I read here, the real difference is that a calcium reactor is generally capable of adding more calcium to your tank. So if you have a tank that is a calcium hog, the kalk reactor may not be able to keep up. Having said that, some people run both, and it seems like many people get a kalk reactor first, and then if/when their tank starts needing more calcium, they get a calcium reactor. This certainly seems to be the more prudent economic way to do it.
A kalk/nielson reactor only needs to have kalk added to it periodically. It is essentially a reactor tube with a mixing device, either a power head or a stir bar. The powder sits on the bottom and the kalk saturated water is drained off the top and into your tank/sump.
I'd estimate that a calcium reactor will run you $350-450, while a kalk reactor is $200.
I'm not sure I agree that the cost of media for the kalk reactor will end up making that system cost more over time. The $150 minimum price difference can buy a lot of kalk.
From what I read here, the real difference is that a calcium reactor is generally capable of adding more calcium to your tank. So if you have a tank that is a calcium hog, the kalk reactor may not be able to keep up. Having said that, some people run both, and it seems like many people get a kalk reactor first, and then if/when their tank starts needing more calcium, they get a calcium reactor. This certainly seems to be the more prudent economic way to do it.
tinyreef
New member
you might want to try pickling lime instead of kalk from aquarium stores/sources. e.g. mrs. wages
the comparison from aquarium kalk ($7.00/lb.) to pickling lime ($3.75/lb.) is very significant. i've been using mrs. wages for a couple of years now (buy a box). i know many reefers that opt for that instead of brandname kalk.
otoh, a calcium reactor can't be beat but it is a lotta $$$. :bling: hth
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