do I have to use CO2 for calcium reactor

corbett_n · 08/12/2009, 01:12 PM

Do I have to have a CO2 tank to use a calcium reactor. What would happen if I just put some calcium media in a two little fishes type reactor )phosphate reacor, and put a venturi on the powerhead so it blows in air to the reactor. Will this add any calcium to my tank. It is a 75g mixed reef with a few SPS and a clam.

Nanz · 08/12/2009, 01:23 PM

Nope. You need the CO2 to lower the pH to disolve the media.

TheH · 08/12/2009, 01:50 PM

The media won't dissolve much in regular pH (7.8 - 8.4). You need something in the range of 6.5 - 6.8 . That's why the CO2 is added; to reduce the pH.

sedor · 08/12/2009, 02:00 PM

If you want to go cheaper try the 2 part dosing. In the long run I think Ca reactors are cheaper though.

woowoodengy · 08/12/2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ryandlf
If you want to go cheaper try the 2 part dosing. In the long run I think Ca reactors are cheaper though.

and easier

08/12/2009, 01:12 PM	#1
corbett_n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SC Posts: 1,271	do I have to use CO2 for calcium reactor Do I have to have a CO2 tank to use a calcium reactor. What would happen if I just put some calcium media in a two little fishes type reactor )phosphate reacor, and put a venturi on the powerhead so it blows in air to the reactor. Will this add any calcium to my tank. It is a 75g mixed reef with a few SPS and a clam.

08/12/2009, 01:23 PM	#2
Nanz Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,389	Nope. You need the CO2 to lower the pH to disolve the media. __________________ S.G. = 1.025, Temp = 78.5, pH = 8.00 Ca = 550 ppm, Alk = 176 ppm (9.85 dKH), Mg = 1300 ppm NO3 = 0.97 ppm, PO4 = 0.07 ppm Nuvo 30, Razor Nano LED, Tunze ATO, Tunze 9004 skimmer, Vortec mp10,

08/12/2009, 02:00 PM	#4
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	If you want to go cheaper try the 2 part dosing. In the long run I think Ca reactors are cheaper though. __________________ Ryan

08/12/2009, 01:50 PM	#3
TheH Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,278	The media won't dissolve much in regular pH (7.8 - 8.4). You need something in the range of 6.5 - 6.8 . That's why the CO2 is added; to reduce the pH.