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#1
11-13-2008, 05:26 PM
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A calcium reactor works by dissolving what are essentially dead coral skeletons and putting the effluent back into the tank. As a result, it provides provides both Ca, Alk and Mg as well as trace elements.
Here's a Randy Holmes Farley article comparing various methods of Ca/Alk supplementation: http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=3&gl=ca Here's one of RC's interminable threads with people arguing back and forth about the merits each method. As usual, it was finally closed due to it degenerating into personal attacks: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=7 Randy also has another article which I can't find now comparing the relative costs. The conclusion I believe was that the bigger the tank you have, the more cost efficient a calcium reactor is in the long run. The "tipping point" where a reactor becomes the better deal was around the 125 gallon mark, I think. The costs he calculated were with respect to his two-part method using bulk CaCl, baking soda and MgCl/MgSO4 rather than fancy German dosing pumps with pretty labelled CaCl, baking soda and MgCl/MgSO4 which cost more. 
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#2
11-13-2008, 07:50 PM
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come on guys
Ca reactors look sexy. So many of my aquatic ignorant friends are ore impressed with my ca reactor than anything in the tank... They're like, wow, I never knew this stuff was so high tech....lol you can't impress people with a couple of bottles.....
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#3
11-13-2008, 08:39 PM
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I think the goal is stability, which is key for coral growth and vitality. Constantly adding additives gets tiresome and expensive. Once you have a tank that can suck up 20ppm of calcium a day you'll understand better. Most people don't have the need for constant addition of Ca and Alk and do well with a simple two part additive method or just frequent water changes.
Now buying additives in bulk and using an automatic dosing system is to me the best method, but this is fairly new technology for us 
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#4
11-13-2008, 08:53 PM
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A calcium reactor is also a good excuse to get a decent controller
 .... That's my "excuse" You also don't have to purchase one, lots of info out there on DIY calcium reactors!
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28g Nano Cube drilled with 13g sump in stock stand. Vertex IN80 Skimmer, Phosban 150 Reactor, Apex Controller, DIY LED with stock hood, dimmable Established March 2006
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#7
11-14-2008, 02:43 AM
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Same end result more or less but different process.
__________________
150 Gal system 3'x3' 400W M/H, Bekett skimmer, Dart return,1/4 HP Chiller 180 Gal Drop tank, LED lights, Bubble master 250 skimmer,Hammerhead on a closed loop, Speed wave return.
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#8
11-14-2008, 02:00 PM
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Quote:
Kalk is just Ca and will raise PH. With a Ca reactor you are maintaining both Ca, Alk, and trace elements. Some times they can lower Ph so then you would use Kalk in addition through a kalk reactor to balance it. the purpose of the reactors weather it be Kalk or Ca is stability, better control with less work. With a Ca reactor you are not dosing once a day and causing swings of levels but you are dosing every second so it is constant. The are a bit of work for the first few days to get them dialed in, but once that is done.... One thing to note, a Ca reactor shouldn't be used to correct bad levels, only to maintain good ones.. before starting the reactor make sure your levels (Ca, Alk, Mg) are good. Steve
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 *everything said above is just my opinion, and may or may not reflect the views of this BBS, its Operators, and its Members. If cornered on any “opinion” I post I will totally deny having ever said this in a Court of Law…Unless I am the right one*Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive.
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