Calcium Reactor, Nilsen (Kalk) Reactors, Nuclear Reactor.

[fchidsey]

Ok I confused Previously mentioned by fat tony, I would not run a tank 75 gallons or larger with out a calcium reactor. I'm Good with that however.

first:could some one explain the parts of this device (calcium reactor). I don't understand why they sell a co2 tank and seliniod seperate if you need all these parts to make the reactor work why are they sold seprate (other thatn to make money by blind siding you with addtional items needed)

second: could some explain the difference between a calcium reactor and a nilsen reactor.

more questions to come.

Thanks

Fred

[Fat Tony]

Calcium reactor... increases/maintains alk and calcium by dissolving crushed coral media inside an acrylic tube by lowering the pH in the tube via pressure and CO2 injection. The calcium reactor uses tank water and recirculates the water in the reactor.

Nilsen reactor.... increases/maintains alk levels and pH via kalkwasser (pickling lime) dissolution inside of an acrylic tube. It also stirs the pickling lime to saturate the water with calcium. This is often employed in a top off scenario and uses top off water to fill and maintain the level inside the reactor, and typically is not recirculating.


Now the reason I say I would not run a tank over 75 gallons without one is because I load my tanks with SPS. If you aren't planning on loads of SPS and clams then you can maintain your levels via kalkwasser/ water changes/ 2 part (preferably 3 part which includes a Mag additive)

[fchidsey]

thanks again tony i also found some info written by tom and bill E that was insightful.\

ps i was not trying to throw you under the bus. (beside you might hurt my back)

[fihsboy]

I think the main reason they dont include a CO2 tank and valves is because there are soooo many options out there. you can get a 5lb 10lb or even a larger CO2 tank. There are several different valves you can buy, and no reactor company wants to sell it, and it be inferior to what your expecting. PLUS, that would put the true price on the reactor......... and that would scare away business faster than a credit card announcing everywhere it has a 23% interest rate. (I work retail)

[Fat Tony]

Actually you get a regulator with needlevalve and solenoid with the Korallin reactors, the only thing you need to get additionally is a tank and a pH controller.

[tdwyatt]

Calcium reactors are pricey to buy into the concept, but cheap to run once established.

[fchidsey]

Thanks for the insight I'm thinking I have a while before I need one but I don't want to add a two part chemical to about 190 gallons of wate (i'll go broke)

[fihsboy]

That aint no joke! I have gotton to 40-60ml a day of 2 part so im going through 30 bucks every other month now. I think im going to have to up my dosage again. but not after the end of the month.....CA reactor will be up and running. But once you have to dose large amounts daily......may as well splurge.