calcium reactors?

[thefedz]

a few questions..

Are kalk and calcium reactors loud (relative to a skimmer)
Do DIY reactors perform just as well as retail reactors?

if you only had space for one, which is more useful? a kalk or calcium reactor?


thanks =)

 

[Anonymous]

they are not loud. the same amount of noise you would get from adding a powerhead.

as far as which i would prefer... a calcium reactor.
but a kalkwasser reactor is a nice addition to a calcium reactor too. and cheaper than the calcium reactor.
keep in mind that many Kalkreactors sold are actually calcium reactors.

as for the DIY vs. retailed ones? i would say that a well built DIY calcium reactor would do every bit as much as a retailed one.

 

[fishgills]

I agree with Podman.
_________________
The Big Bang Theory Forum

 

[Tackett]

gotta watch too, some calcium reactors require buying additional CO2 injectors which are costly.

 

[Anonymous]

I just circulate 5x water through crushed oyster shells. Helps maintain calcium and provides filtration also. But it is a wet/dry drip type operation. So there is some running water noise.

 

[Anonymous]

Unlike a skimmer, which must be an opened system, a calcium reactor is closed, and it generate little, if any noise.

 

[GSchiemer]

I just circulate 5x water through crushed oyster shells. Helps maintain calcium and provides filtration also. But it is a wet/dry drip type operation. So there is some running water noise.

I've know that I've commented on this statement before but it bears repeating since you insist on touting it over and over. You can't replace a calcium reactor or ANY method of calcium/alkalinity replacement by passing tank water through oyster shells. This isn't my opinion; it's science. Calcium carbonate doesn't dissolve at the normal pH range found in HEALTHY marine aquariums, thus your oyster shell "system" is useless for calcium/alkalinity maintenance.

Greg

 

[Anonymous]

>...This isn't my opinion; it's science.

Stocked question from Bob: Well, how do you know if you don't try it first hand? Albert Einstein was burnt at stalk for his theory of moon going around the sun, so you know how you "experts" can be so wrong if you don't try thing out....

 

[thefedz]

well just out of curiosity...

crushed oyster shells? do you have to replenish the oyster shells over time?

 

[Anonymous]

Of course he has to replenish the shell. But majority of the calcium mass is from his tap water (pretty high in calcium, if you look up the water analysis in his area), so the calcium mass equation will not work out too well in this case.

 

[Anonymous]

well just out of curiosity...

crushed oyster shells? do you have to replenish the oyster shells over time?

probably. But then I rinse mine out every week and have to replace the little bit lost.

No big deal either way. They cost $4 for 40 pounds.

 

[Anonymous]

Of course he has to replenish the shell. But majority of the calcium mass is from his tap water (pretty high in calcium, if you look up the water analysis in his area), so the calcium mass equation will not work out too well in this case.

Look I don't want to hyjack this thread but do want share experiences.

I trust the readers will reread my original post.

I do not post things that have not worked IME and in this case I am absolutely sure it was the oyster shells. There is nothing new about using calcium carbonate media in an aerobic envrionment to provide calcium to marine/reef aquaria. If someone is curious perhaps you could pm or email me.

 

[Anonymous]

I love my calcium reactor. It is completely quiet, and does an EXCELLENT job of keeping up calcium. I have coralline algae like crazy.

Once you get a calcium reactor set up, they are practically maintenence free.

I highly recommend one.

 

[Anonymous]

Essentially, your is a type of ca "rxtor" without the CO2 injection to acidify the seawater. People tried very hard to do away with the expensive (and can be dangerous) CO2 tank, regulator, needle valve and bubble counter, and not unexpectedly, failed.

As I had encouraged you in the past, you should really try to market your CO2-less approach, and see if people can prove some of us wrong.

 

[Anonymous]

Calcium reactors are much much quieter than skimmers - I can't hear mine even when my skimmer is off. You do need to have space for the CO2 tank though (I keep mine in the garage and run the line to my reactor under my stand - if my CO2 tank accidentally opens I don't want all the CO2 in my living room!).

If you do run a calcium reactor be aware that they can lead to depressed pH in the aquarium. For that reason I (and many others) both run a calcium reactor AND drip kalkwasser (which tends to raise pH, so they help balance each other).

jayo

 

[Tackett]

>...This isn't my opinion; it's science.

Stocked question from Bob: Well, how do you know if you don't try it first hand? Albert Einstein was burnt at stalk for his theory of moon going around the sun, so you know how you "experts" can be so wrong if you don't try thing out....

Actually I think that was Galileo and he was killed for it.

 

[Tackett]

>...This isn't my opinion; it's science.

Stocked question from Bob: Well, how do you know if you don't try it first hand? Albert Einstein was burnt at stalk for his theory of moon going around the sun, so you know how you "experts" can be so wrong if you don't try thing out....

Actually I think that was Galileo and he was killed for it. This also falls along the lines of..."I will chop my hand off if I run it through the wood chipper, but since ive never actually tried it, how do I know?"

 

[Len]

I also say go with a Ca reactor first, and if need be, add a kalkreactor later. A Ca reactor is a more "complete" and lesser maintanence device. The media and CO2 need only refilling every few months, and it is very quiet.

A good DIY reactor can be just as good as a commercial one. Of course, you have be be handy with acrylic FYI: MACO (Marine Aquarist Courses Online) should have a new session soon and may include a DIY Ca reactor course

 

[Anonymous]

So I'm setting up my very first CA reactor very soon for my nano tanks. 6 years in the hobby and I've never had one before.

Will I need a pH monitor?

 

[danmhippo]

Matt,

Yes, you need one to monitor the effluent of the Calcium reactor's pH. You don't want o dump pH5.0 back into your tank.

I am more partial to kalk reactor, although I admit Calcium reactor is a more "complete" solution. But with occassional use of 2 part solution, I like kalk reactor's simpleness. Less equipment to worry about, less adjustment to make, and less worries of where should I put the pressurized CO2 bottle and if my kid will injure themselves playing with it.