Kalk or Calcium Reactor?

bagpiper jim · 06/18/2009, 06:08 PM

I am starting a reef tanks and I do plan on placing LPS and maybe some SPS in it which are going to require higher calcium levels. I have been doing a lot of reading about calcium and Kalkwasser reactors. Now I am faced with deciding which is going to be the best for my situation.

I like the idea of the Kalkwasser because I don't have to worry about the extra equipment needed to supply Co2. How many out there use Kalkwasser and how many use Calcium Reactors?

Jim

Crustman · 06/18/2009, 07:07 PM

I don't know why but some of the Kalk reactors cost the same as calcium reactors. You should be able to maintain a higher PH using a Kalk reactor but it is more labor intensive.

mikid · 06/18/2009, 09:08 PM

agreed,perfer my cal reactor.............................and as for cost,aqua euro cal reactor 250..eg on ebay..80..tank,used 50...is that to much-380....been in service for 2 years...

bagpiper jim · 06/18/2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mikid
agreed,perfer my cal reactor.............................and as for cost,aqua euro cal reactor 250..eg on ebay..80..tank,used 50...is that to much-380....been in service for 2 years...

This Aqua Euro calcium reactor 135 sounds perfect for my tank. I even found one on line for $189.00. I will take a closer look at this.

Thanks for the info, Jim

Tswifty · 06/18/2009, 11:15 PM

I use both a Kalk and Ca Reactor. Neither is really necessary at the start of a reef tank, and Kalk will be all you need until your tank becomes heavily stocked.

I recommend starting out with 2-part dosing... then moving to kalk (either reactor or still reservoir)... then adding a Ca Reactor.

Also, you do not need a Kalk reactor to get all the benefits Kalkwasser has to offer. It can be mixed into your top off water and dosed via your ATO unit... called dosing from a "still reservoir."

bagpiper jim · 06/19/2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tswifty
I use both a Kalk and Ca Reactor. Neither is really necessary at the start of a reef tank, and Kalk will be all you need until your tank becomes heavily stocked.

I recommend starting out with 2-part dosing... then moving to kalk (either reactor or still reservoir)... then adding a Ca Reactor.

Also, you do not need a Kalk reactor to get all the benefits Kalkwasser has to offer. It can be mixed into your top off water and dosed via your ATO unit... called dosing from a "still reservoir."

Yeah I just found an article on all that you mention here. You are right, It will be a while before I will need a reactor. I did find a good deal on a Ca reactor so I ordered it. It is an Aqua Euro 135. Perfect size for my tank and I got it for $179.00. I can store it until my tank is ready. My problem is finding enough room to put two reactors under my stand. My tank is sitting against a wall that has a very big walk in closet behind it. I am already kicking some ideas around in my head that uses some of that closet space for something like a Co2 cylinder... My wife is going to love this idea... NOT!

Jim

Jim

Herb A Vore · 06/19/2009, 10:48 PM

Use both. Co2 lowers you PH. Kalk raises it. Some people go the extent of running Kalk and night when the tank tends low have a lower PH and the reactor in the day when the PH goes back up.

rudipez · 06/19/2009, 10:56 PM

Yeah, I'm all about the 2 part. Cheep and does the job. You can even make your own. I think they have the recipe on here somewhere!!

Michael · 06/19/2009, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tswifty
I use both a Kalk and Ca Reactor. Neither is really necessary at the start of a reef tank, and Kalk will be all you need until your tank becomes heavily stocked.

I recommend starting out with 2-part dosing... then moving to kalk (either reactor or still reservoir)... then adding a Ca Reactor.

Also, you do not need a Kalk reactor to get all the benefits Kalkwasser has to offer. It can be mixed into your top off water and dosed via your ATO unit... called dosing from a "still reservoir."

totally agree, i have a calcium reactor now as my system needs it, however as tswify really, no need for one now, 2 part or kalk via a top off is more than adequate for you when you need to supplement calcium, i wouldnt worry about considering either kalk or calcium reactors yet

bagpiper jim · 06/20/2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael
totally agree, i have a calcium reactor now as my system needs it, however as tswify really, no need for one now, 2 part or kalk via a top off is more than adequate for you when you need to supplement calcium, i wouldnt worry about considering either kalk or calcium reactors yet

Thanks for the advise. I did order a calcium reactor but it was just because I got such a goo deal on it. I will store it until I can make good use of it. I will look into setting up a 2 part or drip for now. Sounds fairly simple but I will do some more reading on the subjects.

Thanks again guys, Jim

che25 · 06/20/2009, 07:15 AM

Adding Kalk to the Auto Top-Off is quick, simple, cheap, and easy. Also, it is a fun DIY project. Here is the trick: you want to elevate your ATO pump above the undissolved Kalk which will settle in the bottom of your top-off water. I took some egg-crate which the LFS gave me for free, and cut 4 sections of PVC pipe about 1 1/2" - 2". Attach the cut PVC pipe to the egg crate with twist-ties to make an elevated platform. Saturated Kalk water will feed to the tank while the milky undissolved junk will always be below the pump. Viola! you have just created a sophisticated Kalk feeding system for less than $5.00! Marine Depot eat your heart out!

bagpiper jim · 06/20/2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by che25
Adding Kalk to the Auto Top-Off is quick, simple, cheap, and easy. Also, it is a fun DIY project. Here is the trick: you want to elevate your ATO pump above the undissolved Kalk which will settle in the bottom of your top-off water. I took some egg-crate which the LFS gave me for free, and cut 4 sections of PVC pipe about 1 1/2" - 2". Attach the cut PVC pipe to the egg crate with twist-ties to make an elevated platform. Saturated Kalk water will feed to the tank while the milky undissolved junk will always be below the pump. Viola! you have just created a sophisticated Kalk feeding system for less than $5.00! Marine Depot eat your heart out!

I have seen a some very innovative and simple DIY 2 part/Kalk drip systems. I will defiantly put something together to take care of my needs until the supplemental demands call for the use of a reactor.

Thanks again guys for all the great advise, Jim

06/18/2009, 06:08 PM	#1
bagpiper jim Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 69	Kalk or Calcium Reactor? I am starting a reef tanks and I do plan on placing LPS and maybe some SPS in it which are going to require higher calcium levels. I have been doing a lot of reading about calcium and Kalkwasser reactors. Now I am faced with deciding which is going to be the best for my situation. I like the idea of the Kalkwasser because I don't have to worry about the extra equipment needed to supply Co2. How many out there use Kalkwasser and how many use Calcium Reactors? Jim __________________ -90 Gal tank with overflow. -2 Hydor Koralia 4 powerheads. -75 gpd RO/DI and auto top off at sump. Vertex IN-100 skimmer. Finnex 48" MH 150WX2 + T5 HO 54WX2 Current Tank Info: 90 gal. reef

06/18/2009, 07:07 PM	#2
Crustman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 941	I don't know why but some of the Kalk reactors cost the same as calcium reactors. You should be able to maintain a higher PH using a Kalk reactor but it is more labor intensive. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: 65 gallon reef with 8 T-5's, ATI Blue Plus, Blue Special, KZ Fiji Purple, Vertex IN 100, phosphate and carbon reactor Coralife Turbo Sea Pump

06/18/2009, 09:08 PM	#3
mikid Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: fair oaks,california Posts: 1,767	agreed,perfer my cal reactor.............................and as for cost,aqua euro cal reactor 250..eg on ebay..80..tank,used 50...is that to much-380....been in service for 2 years... __________________ Mike Dickenson....Marine Aquarist Roundtable of Sacramento, Co-Founder Current Tank Info: 187 Gal Display/125 Gal sump/Reefkeeper Elite/Rw20s/Leds

06/18/2009, 11:15 PM	#5
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	I use both a Kalk and Ca Reactor. Neither is really necessary at the start of a reef tank, and Kalk will be all you need until your tank becomes heavily stocked. I recommend starting out with 2-part dosing... then moving to kalk (either reactor or still reservoir)... then adding a Ca Reactor. Also, you do not need a Kalk reactor to get all the benefits Kalkwasser has to offer. It can be mixed into your top off water and dosed via your ATO unit... called dosing from a "still reservoir." __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

06/20/2009, 07:15 AM	#11
che25 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 173	Adding Kalk to the Auto Top-Off is quick, simple, cheap, and easy. Also, it is a fun DIY project. Here is the trick: you want to elevate your ATO pump above the undissolved Kalk which will settle in the bottom of your top-off water. I took some egg-crate which the LFS gave me for free, and cut 4 sections of PVC pipe about 1 1/2" - 2". Attach the cut PVC pipe to the egg crate with twist-ties to make an elevated platform. Saturated Kalk water will feed to the tank while the milky undissolved junk will always be below the pump. Viola! you have just created a sophisticated Kalk feeding system for less than $5.00! Marine Depot eat your heart out! __________________ Ave caesar! Morituri te salutamus Current Tank Info: 75 gal. glass, mixed reef/fish(SPS, LPS and softies), 2X150 MH w/130 watt actinic, Euro Reef RS80 Skimmer. DIY ATO w/Kalkwasser and 10 gal. DIY Fudge. DIY RODI system.

06/19/2009, 10:48 PM	#7
Herb A Vore Moved On Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 58	Use both. Co2 lowers you PH. Kalk raises it. Some people go the extent of running Kalk and night when the tank tends low have a lower PH and the reactor in the day when the PH goes back up.

06/19/2009, 10:56 PM	#8
rudipez Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Elmwood Park, Il. Posts: 175	Yeah, I'm all about the 2 part. Cheep and does the job. You can even make your own. I think they have the recipe on here somewhere!!