Calcium Reactor or Kalkwaser Reactor or Both.... :?: :?:

[Telochupoto]

I'm currently think of getting either or both of these gadgets. Money is no matter in the decision since I found a good Calcium Reactor to handle my 130G system [90G Tank, 20 Sump, 20G Refugium] for around $ 170.00 [Saltwaterconnection.com if you are interested, and NO I do not work for them or get kickbacks, just passing the word on a good deal]. Just remember that the prices are in Canadian denominations so the price is going to look like $ 249.00 but it should be way less [when converted to US dollars]. the other component I can get from Stoneyreef.com, which is the Kalkwasser reactor, and it goes for $ 120.00 and $200.00 for a package deal; same as with saltwareconnection, I do not work for the site, I actually found it while looking on eBay for an auction on the two and the kalkwasser reactor that I found mentioned the site on the auction information. Anyway, I already purchased a CO2 Regulator with Solenoid, Needle Valve and Bubble Counter, so i definetly got to get the CO2 bottle and the Calcium Reactor. But I read somewhere that he two [calcium and kalkwasser reactors] can actually complement eachother and thus hold the parameters more stable. Please post any replies that might help in my desicion. Thanks.

 

[turtlespd]

A calcium reactor will add calcium to your system and does a pretty nice job of keepthing them up once dialed in. If you plan on haveing a lot of sps or any high demanding corals i would get a calcium reactor first. A kalkreactor does the same but adds calcium through your replacement water. It is hooked up generally to a tub of some sort and replenishes your water and calcium at the same time. Kalk will raise your PH while a caclcium reactor ususes Co2 which in general will lower your ph, so most reefers who have a calcium reactor are pretty much happy but when their corals go nuts they need to even supplement more calcium so a kalkwiser would be best adding the caclcum reactor adding caclium and at the same time the PH.

I personaly would like to start off using a Kalkreactor only because it is a lot easier to set up and most new systems will not demand too much calcium. I ran my frag tank with that for a good year before i needed to actually add a caclium reactor but it keeps my parameters dead on. Goold luck

Paul

 

[D.W.L.]

I use both, which seems to be popular now.

They seem to balance each other out. Of course, as long as the tank has a decent demand also.

Co2 reactors keep the alkalinity higher and are there for those lazy days one forgets to add the kalk to the reactor or top-off. Not to mention other elements added from the dissolved media like strontium & magnesium.

The kalk raises the ph, plus helps in skimming and phosphate removal.

 

[Telochupoto]

Both it is, thanks guys.

 

[DonK]

Telo:

How long have you had the kalk reactor (or are you just now ordering it)? If you've had it, how long did it take to get it once you ordered it? Any feedback?

As the others, I use both on my reef but am considering an inexpensive kalk reactor for my FOWLRs.

DonK

 

[Telochupoto]

I haven't ordered anything but the regulator and the CO2 tank. I spoke with both the Calcium reactor guy and the Kalkwasser reactor guy [over the phone]. As far as feedback goes I will let you know once I get them; but I heard from the eBay guy that had bought the StoneyReef's kalkwasser reactor that it works great and that the guy ships promptly.

 

[Garry thomas]

I'll ad my £quids worth, why not a ca reactor and drip the kalk in manually. Thats what i do, much more reliable and cost effective? just a thought. I run a korallin 4001 here's a picy

 

[Telochupoto]

Nothing wrong with that, but the reason why I want the Kalkwasser reactor is for top off issues, I don't really want to keep adding water every week; during which time the salinity and pH keep changing and my lil guys may feel that and not like the whole elevator effect.