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?

[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.