calcium reactor media

[atzak]

what's the best media for a calcium reactor?

[goodfortune]

Be sure to use Aragonite Reactor Media (ARM), as it is specaily made to be used in Ca reactors.

Though any aragonite based material can be used (coral-based sand, crushed base rock, etc.), you might have to worry about impurites ( e.g phosphates, silicates, etc.) that may come from another source of aragonite.

Also, I was told that I should add some dolomite to the reactor to keep Mg levels up. I haven't had any expereince doing this, but it seems like a good idea.


Hope I've helped!

- Michael

[elliot]

Originally Posted by atzak

what's the best media for a calcium reactor?

I dont know if you get it in the States (sure you do)....but I use ARM.... its great stuff dissolving at 6.8, and also helps to keep my Magnesium up.

I do still degass it in a second chamber again full of ARM

Elliot

[atzak]

Thanks for your help, so where do you get ARM, I'm sure my lfs does not have it.

[RWD]

ARM works great but after a while it can turn to mush. I had this happen to me when I kept the ph to low, like below 6.5. Another thing to avoid is topping off the reactor without rinsing it out. I got into the habit of adding more ARM without dumping out the old stuff and rinsing. Silt can form in the reactor and prevent water/co2 from circulating. Basically it plugs up Keep it clean and it won't be a problem.