Kalk Reactor

[longhorn_20m]

After adding the first SPS to my 180 gallon, I'm now looking at something to supplement calcium.

From the reading I've done, I'm leaning towards supplementing with Kalk through a reactor. I'm hoping this will help provide the necessary calcium, minimize PH swings, and provide a cost effective solution.

Hopefully this will supply the necessary supplements. If not, then I will look at a Calcium reactor in the future since from what I've read, they work very well in conjunction with a Kalk Reactor.

Now onto my question. I'm looking for some advice on equipment and hopefully get some feedback from others using a kalk reactor. What should I be looking for? Any good / bad experiences?

I was looking at this unit: http://www.reefspecialty.com/Calcium-Reactors-|-Kalk/c2/p322/Precision-Marine-Kalkreactor-KR620/product_info.html

[princer7]

I use a GEO Kalk reactor and a Reef Fanatic Water Top-Off w/ Aqualifter pump. Works pretty well to dose with the evaporation. The Kalk reactor's MaxiJet pump is on a timer to stir 4x a day.

Reef Fanatic Level Controller:
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1613

GEO Kalc Reactor:
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1603

[fishypets]

Just dosing kalk will not be enough to keep up with the demand of sps. Do you plan on dosing a 2-part along with the kalk? If you could afford the CA reactor first I'd say do that and then get the kalk reactor.

[princer7]

The one thing I like about the GEO is that you can drain down the water level when refilling the Kalk. Also, you do not have to take the entire lid off as there is a smaller cap that unscrews. BulkReefSupply.com (http://maast.org/forums/www.bulkreefsupply.com)sells the Calcium Hydroxide.

[wesheltonj]

I have that unit and they are made in New Braunfels, TX.

[swjim]

It's unlikely that you will be able to meet the demands of an SPS system with only kalk. I'm running a 30 gallon nano with a clam and about 15 sps frags and use kalk for all of my topoff water and I still need to supplement around 20ml/day of two part solution. I can't offer you any personal feedback about kalk reactors, I have always dripped it.

You're correct that kalk works well in conjunction with a calcium reactor, the calcium reactor will tend to lower PH while the kalk will raise it.

[longhorn_20m]

This would be the first time I've used Kalk / Calcium reactor, so input is welcomed. I'm currently using the Tunze ATO system, so my plan was to plumb this into the reactor and it would supplement through evaporation top off. I do like the GEO reactor, they look to have pretty close specs except the drain you mention. What is the benefit of draining during refill?

Right now I only have a handful of frags (9 frags of about 1") in the 180 gallon. This is all I plan to have (related to SPS) and will let the tank grow in. So you think only dosing Kalk would not provide the required supplement of calcium?

[DrMark]

I have two reef setups and two geo Ca reactors (612 &618). I just got the geo Kalk reactor for one of setups and will likely get a second one for the other.

A wise reefer told me many people run one or the other, but it is best if you run both. That is what I will end up doing........1/2 way there.

[wesheltonj]

I have both a PM Calc & Kalk one offset the other in pH. The Kalk is in the top-off with float valve.

[hobogato]

i agree with clint, you should start with the calcium reactor first if you cant afford to start with both. you can always drip kalk from a gallon jug until you can afford the kalk reactor. i still build them (calcium reactors and kalk reactors) from time to time, so if you are interested, shoot me a PM.

another route you could take would be automated dosing pumps for two part. you can get the inexpensive two part recipe from the chem forum on RC. i believe they are calling it the balling method these days, but i am not certain.

you will also need to keep tabs on your magnesium levels as dosing with two part or using a calcium reactor/kalk reactor will cause them to decline. some people do a three part dosing setup to maintain magnesium automatically with alkalinity and calcium. others add magnesium (zeomag is one type) to their calcuim reactor to maintain mg levels that way.

[DrMark]

I like and use zeomag 10-15% by vol in the Ca reactor....

[princer7]

What is the benefit of draining during refill?


The Kalk reactor stays full with water all the time. By having the drain, it allows you to remove water more easily (less mess and hair pulling) to make room for more Calcium Hydroxide.

The water can only hold so much Calcium Hydroxide in solution so you can add extra to the reactor. When the stirring pump kicks in, it remixes it to maximize how much is kept in solution.

[longhorn_20m]

Thanks everyone, it looks like I will need to do some additional research on calcium reactors.

[ErikH]

CA Reactors are the way to go.
Here are two great pages with trustworthy info.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/calcalkmar.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/careacfaqs.htm

That site is worth it's virtual weight in gold.