Calcium Reactor Questions?

[Deuter]

I'm thinking about getting the coralife calcium reactor, it's really the only brand in my price range. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquari..._coralife.html
I first off don't know a thing about Calcium reactors accept that they provide calcium. I know the calcium media goes into the chamber, however what do I have to do to maintian it. Does the "reactor" decide how much calcium to release? How do these things work, or what would I have to do to maintain the calcium reactor. Thanks all!

-Deuter

[Deuter]

Oh here's a cheaper reactor more fit for my 65g tank! The coralife is for 250g tanks.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~VA3111.html

[jamessp01]

I cant say ive read anything good about the coralife reactor.

The basic concept of how they work.

You supply co2 into the reactor, this mixes with the water from your tank lowering its pH. As the water turns acidic the media in the reactor starts to dissolve realeasing calcium and alkalinity (and other things) into the water.

you control the potency of the reactor effluent by controlling the co2 rate though the reactor and the water flow though the reactor.

there is a section of this article that explains it further.

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

[saltysupply]

this should help you somewhat http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

[crvz]

Deuter -

Do some research on how reactors work before buying one (I guess that's why you're here!). A calcium reactor, to me, is somewhat misnamed, and it doesnt really just "provide calcium." While that is one of the results, it will have as much if not more of an impact on your alkalinity levels, it can lower your overall tank pH, you can easily OD on alk while using one (especially on a smaller tank during initial setup), among other things.

I guess the first question I'd have is, why do you think you need a calcium reactor?

[kwdelre]

Originally Posted by crvz

Deuter -

Do some research on how reactors work before buying one (I guess that's why you're here!). A calcium reactor, to me, is somewhat misnamed, and it doesnt really just "provide calcium." While that is one of the results, it will have as much if not more of an impact on your alkalinity levels, it can lower your overall tank pH, you can easily OD on alk while using one (especially on a smaller tank during initial setup), among other things.

I guess the first question I'd have is, why do you think you need a calcium reactor?

Why do you have a reactor? Is it just so you can save money on supplements? I've never thought of buying one for my 75 gal, but I was curious why you have one.

[tdwyatt]

just eavesdropping, continue talking amongst yourselves...

[reefermike1]

the price of the reactor is only a fraction of the cost of a calcium reactor setup. u need the reactor, a co2 cylindar, a valve with a solenoid for the cylinder, a ph monitor/controller, a feed pump, the media for the reactor, the co2 for te cylinder, etc.... saving a couple bucks on the reactor itself wont save u anything in the longrun! try to find a good used setup if youre looking to save some money on all the components.

[jrpdriver]

I have owned both of those reactors and I would not recomend the via aqua to anybody for any size tank. I went through 3 of them on my nano, they work for about a week, then the pump starts to make a squeeling noise and then they stop working completely(the warranty was always honored but what a PITA). The Coralife reactor works quite well but is not anywhere enough for a 250g tank, Coralife tends to get carried away with their ratings on skimmers and reactors, I think it would be perfect for your 65g. But I agree with everyone else, do your homework first and if it were me, I wouldn't set one up at all without a ph controler or at the very least a ph monitor.

[Tasher80]

I agree with trying to find a good used unit. Usually when people sell they sell the whole setup. I got a $1000 setup for about $500. Not too shabby.