What about Calcium reactors?

virginiadiver69 · 11/18/2008, 06:32 PM

At the moment I dose two part. I've been toying with the idea of going to a reactor.
I've heard passing comments pro and con but never paid allot of attention because it wasn't a consideration for me, now it is.
So...to those that have used BOTH, what are your thoughts?
How would one affect my already low pH of 7.8?

sps1-2-b · 11/18/2008, 10:43 PM

Calcium reactors do tend to lower pH by the CO2. I have a ca rx and like it. Haven't really done the 2 part so I can't compare.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 11/19/2008, 07:10 AM

I compare the various methods here:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

For my system, I use only limewater as I do not have especially high demand in my tank.

LobsterOfJustice · 11/19/2008, 08:15 AM

FWIW, the pH-lowering effect of a reactor can be almost completely mitigated by using a dual-chamber model.

crvz · 11/19/2008, 08:20 AM

I used to use 2 part, but my tank required almost daily attention for supplementation. Now that I have gone to the reactor, I very much appreciate the more "hands-off" approach. While my pH may suffer a bit (it stays in the 7.8-8.1 range), I've noticed nothing the worse because of it.

virginiadiver69 · 11/19/2008, 03:51 PM

I forgot about the two chamber method, thanks.
My dosing system is pretty hands off but it's a rather bulky set up. I'm trying to consolidate some of my equipment.
I'm trying to decide between a litermeter or a reactor.
For those of you that use one...how often do you test and how often do you find yourself having to make adjustments?

crvz · 11/19/2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LobsterOfJustice
FWIW, the pH-lowering effect of a reactor can be almost completely mitigated by using a dual-chamber model.

I have a 2-chamber reactor, but I still blame my low pH on it.

I test about 1-2 times per month to make sure everything's in line.

1628mna · 11/19/2008, 06:39 PM

crvz why dont you make or buy a kalk reactor. my ph stays really steady around 8.5

11/18/2008, 06:32 PM	#1
virginiadiver69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 4,400	What about Calcium reactors? At the moment I dose two part. I've been toying with the idea of going to a reactor. I've heard passing comments pro and con but never paid allot of attention because it wasn't a consideration for me, now it is. So...to those that have used BOTH, what are your thoughts? How would one affect my already low pH of 7.8? __________________ Semi-aggressive mixed reef w/ shallow sand bed 96x30x27 310gal custom acrylic w/ ext. "fail safe" overflow 125gal sump/cryptic fuge w/ 6" DSB 3 400w Plus Rite 20k MH in Lumembrights 2 250w Plus Rite 20k MH in spider reflectors VHO actinic supplementation 2 Tunze wave boxes 2 Tunze 6060 in Tunze Rocks 2 Tunze 6125 Reeflo 250 skimmer Hammerhead return on OM 4 way Aqua controller lll Leviton power panel Deltec Eco-Cooler Randy's Two part 6.5 kw generator

11/19/2008, 07:10 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I compare the various methods here: How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm For my system, I use only limewater as I do not have especially high demand in my tank. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

11/19/2008, 08:15 AM	#4
LobsterOfJustice Recovering Detritophobe Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 7,443	FWIW, the pH-lowering effect of a reactor can be almost completely mitigated by using a dual-chamber model. __________________ If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. I remember when zoanthids were called things like "green" and "orange" and not "reverse gorilla nipple." Current Tank Info: 180g reef with all the bells and whistles

11/19/2008, 08:20 AM	#5
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I used to use 2 part, but my tank required almost daily attention for supplementation. Now that I have gone to the reactor, I very much appreciate the more "hands-off" approach. While my pH may suffer a bit (it stays in the 7.8-8.1 range), I've noticed nothing the worse because of it. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

11/19/2008, 03:51 PM	#6
virginiadiver69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 4,400	I forgot about the two chamber method, thanks. My dosing system is pretty hands off but it's a rather bulky set up. I'm trying to consolidate some of my equipment. I'm trying to decide between a litermeter or a reactor. For those of you that use one...how often do you test and how often do you find yourself having to make adjustments? __________________ Semi-aggressive mixed reef w/ shallow sand bed 96x30x27 310gal custom acrylic w/ ext. "fail safe" overflow 125gal sump/cryptic fuge w/ 6" DSB 3 400w Plus Rite 20k MH in Lumembrights 2 250w Plus Rite 20k MH in spider reflectors VHO actinic supplementation 2 Tunze wave boxes 2 Tunze 6060 in Tunze Rocks 2 Tunze 6125 Reeflo 250 skimmer Hammerhead return on OM 4 way Aqua controller lll Leviton power panel Deltec Eco-Cooler Randy's Two part 6.5 kw generator

11/18/2008, 10:43 PM	#2
sps1-2-b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 1,248	Calcium reactors do tend to lower pH by the CO2. I have a ca rx and like it. Haven't really done the 2 part so I can't compare.

11/19/2008, 06:39 PM	#8
1628mna Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: brunswick ohio Posts: 725	crvz why dont you make or buy a kalk reactor. my ph stays really steady around 8.5