Calcium reactor - CO2???

[nordkapp]

I'm about to start diving in the world of SPS corals and I understand a calcium reactor is almost a must.
Do I have to include a CO2 tank with the reactor? I dont really understand why the CO2 is needed.

 

[slice]

I am also about to dive into the world of SPS (have my first one, a monti cap now), and I have not read anything that would suggest what you are saying.
I hope others will come along here soon and clear up any confusion.

 

[btldreef]

I'm not an expert, but can share a little knowledge from my own experience with a reactor.
Some do not use CO2, but most of your better models will. As you increase calcium, and keep it consistent at a desired level with a reactor, you also want your alkalinity and pH to be at good numbers and consistent. The CO2 helps to maintain correct pH and break down the media to stabilize alkalinity. At least this is my understanding of it and how it's working with my reactor (MRC 1).
It is my understanding that reactors that don't use CO2 are really just dosing, as if using a kalkwasser drip, but they don't stabilize or maintain certain levels, they just constantly add Calcium without equally maintaining alk and pH.