Calcium reactor-- Who regrets setting one up?(algae, etc.)

[tnovak]

I am in the process of setting up a calcium reactor and have heard a few people talking about getting bad algae outbreaks after doing so. My tank is doing great now and I would hate to change that. I do have a couple small pockets of hair
algae, but I also have a sump where I have macro algae growing.
So the question is, are most people happy with their calcium reactors and the results they have obtained, or do most people wish they had never set one up.
Thanks. Tom

 

[danmhippo]

Don't change a thing if you are comfortable with what you have now.

I wouldn't.

I ordered a kalk reactor (not calcium reactor) coupling with a autodoser, hoping to cut down on my labor. But if you are satisfied with your current setup and maintenance schedule, don't change a thing.

BTW, I used to have a calcium reactor. Sold it, hate to mess around with CO2 bottles and checking the effluent. Been doing the kalkwasser since.

 

[Ben1]

Are you having CA/ALK problems to warrent the purchase? You only NEED a reactor when you have enough demand on your calcium levels. Some reactor media can let off some PO2 and some Silicate, also if you let the excess C02 get in your system this can add to your algea problems. IMO it doesnt add enough to worry about, the pros out way the cons if you need the extra CA/ALK

HTH

 

[tnovak]

I am having troubling maintaining CA and alk. Tom

 

[imow]

tnovak--
I have used a reactor from the start of my tank, and cant imagine doing it any different. I believe if it is setup or used incorrectly it can cause some blooms (excess CO2), but once all the tinkering is done its set and forget.

 

[jdeets]

Ditto for me. My Ca rxr keeps my 180 balanced very well and I just have to check the Ca/alk every month or so and tweak it from there. I couldn't imagine doing it with supplements again.

 

[wnfaknd]

Calcium reactors are the answers to all your questions. The cure to all your suffering

I could not imagine doing my tank without one.