Calcium Reactors

jjohnny · 08/25/2009, 09:46 AM

A calcium reactor uses carbon dioxide and a chamber system to dissolve a crushed calcium substrate into your tank. The calcium saturated result is then added to your system at an advanced rate for growth of things like corals.

The question I have is are they really worth the money and what are some cheaper alternatives and what would I sacrifice by not using a calcium reactor?

Where are others purchasing the small 5lb Co2 bottle used to run the thing (preferably around the Atlanta Ga. area or internet)?

Shane Hoffman · 08/25/2009, 09:55 AM

I would suspect you have no need for a reactor unless your 75g is packed front to back and side to side with sps and other skeletak corals. Simply dosing liquid calcium or 2 part solution will suffice....

Amoore311 · 08/25/2009, 10:24 AM

You can get the Co2 tanks at welding supply stores.

As far as "needing" a calcium reactor.... that's debateable.

You could drip kalk, or dose 2 part. Either of those will work just as well as a calcium reactor, depending on how stocked your tank is with corals.

Kalk is fine up to medium demand.

2 Part is fine for any demand, but you will use up 2 part fast on a fully stocked reef.

Calcium reactor is best for high demand tanks.

If you make your own 2 part, and have something like a drew's doser pump add them to the tank at the appropriate rate.... you will save money in initially, and in the long run vs. a calcium reactor, unless your wall to wall SPS... then the calcium reactor could have the advantage.

08/25/2009, 09:46 AM	#1
jjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 10	Calcium Reactors A calcium reactor uses carbon dioxide and a chamber system to dissolve a crushed calcium substrate into your tank. The calcium saturated result is then added to your system at an advanced rate for growth of things like corals. The question I have is are they really worth the money and what are some cheaper alternatives and what would I sacrifice by not using a calcium reactor? Where are others purchasing the small 5lb Co2 bottle used to run the thing (preferably around the Atlanta Ga. area or internet)?

08/25/2009, 09:55 AM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	I would suspect you have no need for a reactor unless your 75g is packed front to back and side to side with sps and other skeletak corals. Simply dosing liquid calcium or 2 part solution will suffice.... __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

08/25/2009, 10:24 AM	#3
Amoore311 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ulster County, NY Posts: 2,521	You can get the Co2 tanks at welding supply stores. As far as "needing" a calcium reactor.... that's debateable. You could drip kalk, or dose 2 part. Either of those will work just as well as a calcium reactor, depending on how stocked your tank is with corals. Kalk is fine up to medium demand. 2 Part is fine for any demand, but you will use up 2 part fast on a fully stocked reef. Calcium reactor is best for high demand tanks. If you make your own 2 part, and have something like a drew's doser pump add them to the tank at the appropriate rate.... you will save money in initially, and in the long run vs. a calcium reactor, unless your wall to wall SPS... then the calcium reactor could have the advantage. __________________ 30 Gallon FOWLR 2004-2006 90 Gallon LPS Reef 2006-2008 180 Gallon SPS Reef 2008-20012 100 Gallon Custom Rimless Mixed Reef 2012-2014 29 Gallon Biocube Reef! Current Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon Biocube, StevesLED Upgrade, Neptune Apex