Will a Ca reactor be enough for a true mixed reef system?

[MarlinHooker]

I've finally started to setup my new 150g system after finally finishing the cabinet & canopy (see atch image) and an trying to plan ahead for equipment space as I install everything ...


I know it will not be possible to give a definite answer whithout knowing the specific inhabitenants of my tank, but in general, if I have a true mixed reef (not an SPS dominated tank) of stonies, softies, Zoas, fish, clams & inverts will it be possible to just have a Ca reactor or will I probably need to add Kalk as well?

I already have a Geo 612 Ca reactor for the tank and am trying to understand if I will need to plan for space for a Kalk reactor ... thanks

[Stanley-Reefer]

I getting ready to put my geos online in my tanks. A trusted reefer friend has encouraged me to keep extra 2 part on hand just in case I need to even thing out a bit as the tanks needs change and grow in between adjustments of the effluent.

[Gary Majchrzak]

kalkwasser is usually used in conjunction with a calcium reactor.

reason:
calcium reactors tend to lower the pH of a system.
kalkwasser raises pH.

[mike_cmu04]

You are gonna still want the kalk. I would keep a spot open for it.

[outy]

use kalk with yout top off water, I use it in my ATO and it will just compliment the cal reactor

[das75]

I had a stuffed mixed 145g reef and my DIY reactor (only) easily kept up my CA and Alk levels..

Might caution though about mixed reefs in general. After a few years my SPS crashed and still not a 100% on why but really leaning toward allelopathy as the cause. Make sure you stay on the water and carbon changes.

[MarlinHooker]

while I'm still no expert when it comes to Ca & Alk I've heard this before that Ca reactors tend to lower Ph & Kalk raises it but I thought one of the main reasons Ca reactors lower Ph is when excess CO2 gets into the tank? If you setup your Ca reactor correctly & manage it properly wouldn't you eliminate this issue & therefore have no need for Kalk? Also, how come you don't hear things like " ... when using a Ca reactor you will always need to balance this with Kalk addition"?

While I haven't done any kind of precise survey, it does seem that most people who use both a Ca reactor & Kalk have SPS dominated tanks with very heavy Ca demands ...?

I've also been told by some that I should start with a Kalk reactor & then once that system is unable to keep up with demand, add a Ca reactor. I assume part of that, at least, is due to the initial expense of setting up a Ca reactor? Since I already have the Ca reactor, I assume there is no issue with just startimng out with it vice Kalk??

still confused about all this .... I have many years of fish experience but am new to the coral thing & making sense of Ca/Alk chemistry is still eluding me for some reason...

[sirreal63]

I run a calcium reactor and have for many years, and I do not dose Kalk. But I also do not have a reactor that expels excess co2 out the effluent. ( I had to tweak it a little) Your Geo is capable of doing that in it's stock form but is a great reactor. I would monitor it, if your PH drops too much then Kalk is a good addition and dosing is very easy, a simple drip is all it takes.

[outy]

you use kalk as a top off fluid and it will help to raise PH if it gets to low.

cal ceactors are adjustable to meet the demands of the tank.

if your using kalk youll be able to turn down the ca reactor a little to adjust for what the kalk is adding

[MarlinHooker]

ok, that all makes sense ... one more question. Most people who use Kalk seem to drip it as part of their ATO which is fine by me. My question is: what's the reason for using a Kalk reactor vice a simple ATO drip?

[Pen3]

less refill with the kalk reactor

[Gary Majchrzak]

hooker- you're in Florida.

Chances are great that you run AC.
Closed up dwellings are prone to CO2 buildup from human respiration.

I don't see any reason NOT to use kalkwasser (for topoff due to evap).

[sirreal63]

I agree with Gary, it is only a benefit.

[MarlinHooker]

hmmm ... interesting point. Now that you mention it I do remember something about CO2 in a closed house in the water chemistry discussion at MACNA this past Sun ... I came into the discussion at the tail end and just caught something about " ... opening up your room to the outside every once in a while ..."

Sounds like I'll leave room for a nice Geo KR618 just in case ... should have plenty of room given my cabinet setup ... thanks again for the help ...

here's what the system looks like with the cabinet doors finished ...

[Stanley-Reefer]

First full day of my Geos in use in my two tanks. alk is where it was with 2 part and ph is the same as well. I put my efflent over the intake of the skimmer like teh directions say to. So far no effect on my ph.

Just didn't feel right getting up this morning with no 2 part to put in

[MarlinHooker]

hmmm ... why put the reactor putput at your PS input? I was planning to locate mine into my fuge where the macro aglae could work on any excess C02 ...?