Calcium reactor question

[robz]

I have had my new 100 gal. up and running for a couple months now. I bought it as an established reef with a few LPS and SPS corals. After adding livestock from my 55 it now has quite a variety of life. A coule Caps, 5 different acros, 2 clams. Most corals are just frags. I have heard many people rport much increased growth, and coloration when adding a CR. I have been uuseing limewater in my autotopoff system and adding enough Kent turbo Cal. to keep good cal-alk levels. What I want to know is how many of you have had success with the method I am employing? And would it be in the best interests of my reef to add a CR? As long as the levels are good shoulden't I have the same growth and color as someone with a calcium reactor?

[Fish Lips]

In my experience the CA reactor has been a great ease! I used a kalk drip 5 gallons a month and ESV 2 part and it worked great. But since the reactor much steadier lvls and WAY LESS messing around. Well worth the cash!!!
Lips

[funstarfish]

the reasoning behing the ca reactor is that there is a constant supply of calcium and such. when you dose you get a blast of calcium which is then depleted over time until more is added. the the reactor, you get a constant, steady dose which makes a hihgh level of calcium available at all times rather than at the point of dosing. its kinda like an auto topoff system vs just dumping a gallon of fresh water when the sump looks low. keeps thing more steady, more consistent.

[robz]

That is what I was doing in the beginning. Just dupming water in every day for evap. That only lasted about a week and got old fast. Now I have the float valve in the sump so it is always adding limewater as it evaps out. Doing tests every few days for the last month I have noticed a good consistent cal/alk level. Seems to be working fine for now so I will wait on a CR. I am sure as the reef matures and frags grow into colonies the calcium demand will be much higher. For now I think I'll be fine. Does anyone have a mature reef on this board useing limewater?

[Krux]

check out this link as well robz, several "advanced" reefers are using this method to keep their tank stable. personally i like the idea of automation, especially as i tend to be a bit forgetful some times, but this is a good alternative.


http://thereeftank.com/forums/showth...t=washing+soda

[WAVESHAUN]

Originally Posted by robz

Does anyone have a mature reef on this board useing limewater?

I use Kalkwasser(limewater) on my own tank, along with a calcium reactor. Depending on the coral species, I get very good growth and color. Other corals may take months before noticable growth. (especially when you have your nose pressed to the glass)

IMO, the most important part of dosing kalkwasser is the added pH buffer and PO4 precipitation (removal of phosphate), not the calcium. Your CA reactor, if set properly, should easily keep up with the demands of your tank.

Increasing your pH to 8.4, with no PO4 and photosynthesis occuring, your calcification can be close to 90% - which is huge for SPS corals! Your quality of light and photo period (duration) can also play largely on your growth growth rates.

Phosphates BLOCK calcification in corals.

The above being said, stability is key to a success reef aquarium. Stick with what you are doing, and eventually you will see the results you want.

NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS FAST IN REEF AQUARIUMS.

Shaun Monahan
Waves Marine Aquaria

[michael7979]

Shaun it is nice to see you hanging around here. I know you must be busy so I personally appreciate your words as I'm starting to switch to sps'.( You 2 R2)

[robz]

I do notice more growth in my sons 10 gal. nano because because I don't have my nose pressed against the glass lol Great mythology. It is so true that you notice more growth when not camping in front of the thing. But it's still new. Give me another few months for the newness to go away. I know only bad things happen fast in these systems. I am being patient, I just want the best system I can get. The Kalk topoff seems to be working fine for me thus far. Thanks for all the info And the links Krux Much appriceated.