Calc Reactor

[BrianA]

I'm interested in getting a Korallin Calcium Reactor 3002, however I was just looking for some feedback on how people like if or if they are even using it for that matter? http://www.maast.org/images/icons/icon6.png

[BSJF]

Deleted post. Must still be waking up, not sure why this posted in this thread. Wrong location.

[Troy Valentine]

Hello Brian,

I ran a C1502 for years on my old 135, and it worked very well. However, as the system matured I was really using up a lot of media. From what I can remember the media was exhausted after 4 months. So when I set up my 240 I went with a larger custom reactor that would hold 20lbs of media, and that would last me around 8 months. At that time the system was full of SPS and large LPS corals. It kept my Ca and Alk extremely stable at 450/10dkh. Then I added my Gigas in Feb '08 and my calcium tanked from 450 to 280 in about a weeks time. It was then that I switched to a 2 part dosing regiment. Is this your first experience with a Calcium Reactor?

[BrianA]

Wow,awesome I think Troy! :) It is going to be my first time using one for I want to have every option to put want makes the tank awesome at my disposal. However I also don't want to have to be upgrading anything after about 6 months or so.I have seen some of your tank photos and I would definitely appreciate any advice that you can offer.

[Troy Valentine]

Calcium reactors are terrific once they are tuned to the system. But tuning these requires a lot of time and patients. Some people find success using controllers, but I used a series of good quality needle valves to control flow and PH. I prefer mechanical over electronic when it comes to my aquarium. Especially when dealing with a reactor that could potentially nuke my entire system. Also it is a good idea to invest in a secondary reaction chamber this will help increase the PH of the effluent before it enters the system. I think it is wise to go with a larger reactor and grow into it, rather than go with too small of a reactor leaving you needing to upgrade and recalibrate a whole new unit.

[ramsey]

Do you think two part is more effective? I've been using two part but I'm having a hard time keeping alk/calc balanced. I was thinking about going with a calc reactor because of this. Also, what 2-part are you using?

[Troy Valentine]

Do you think two part is more effective?
Not more effective... I think a calcium reactor is the most pure way to add all the elements your corals require, including trace elements. However, two part is far safer than a reactor. When I first started using the reactor my effluent was a slow steady drip. When my system was at its peak it became a steady flow. And with an effluent PH of 6.6-6.7 if anything went wrong it would cost me my entire system. So I guess I just lost my nerve, and the risk know longer out weighed the reward. But for a smaller system without a heavy calcium load I would use one again. Thats why I never sold it.
I use baking soda and turbo calcium. 3 cups of each will last a week, and keep my CA 450 and ALK 10dkh on the money.

[ramsey]

Thanks that's good to know. I'm worried enough about two-part so I'll hold off on the calc reactor.

[Gseclipse02]

troy when you say turbo calcium what product are you referring to ?

[Troy Valentine]

troy when you say turbo calcium what product are you referring to ?

I was using Kent Turbo Calcium, which I've aquired a lot of over the years. Now I'm experimenting with Du Pont Pool Calcium Hardness Increaser. I also used Dow flake for a time, but decided to go back with the small granular type calcium.

[Gseclipse02]

Du Pont Pool Calcium Hardness Increaser. i think this is the one Bernie was telling me he uses but couldn't get it any more from lowes ..... is there any were else that you can get it from ?

[Troy Valentine]

Thanks that's good to know. I'm worried enough about two-part so I'll hold off on the calc reactor.

You might want to look into a Kalk reactor since you are using a Tunze Osmolator. You can run it in-line from your ATO reservior. Calcium Hydroxide is awesome! When applied correctly it can solve a lot of problems with Ca, Alk, and even Phosphates.

[Troy Valentine]

I purchased a bunch at the Lowes at IH10 and Callaghan a couple of months ago.