using calcium reactors without CO2?

fishhunter

Member
Just a quick question, Would running a calcium reactor with out the CO2 help a reef aquarium at all? Or is it a must!
Thanks guys
 

fishhunter

Member
Originally Posted by johnr2604
http:///forum/post/3156308
The co2 is used to drop the PH in the reactor so the media disolves. So it is a must.
I know what the CO2 is used for. BUT pumping water through a Ca reactor at high velocity should work a bit. Water is very erosive and abrasive. I know it would not work nearly as well. But i dont know if i want to to "Play" with one to get it right.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Ca reactors don't have large enough ports to achieve this flow. If you actually got the media moving fast enough to rub against each other and dissolve through abrasion, the media would wear through the housing of the unit just as fast.
I would expect that if there was a way to make this work effectively, a manufacturer would have already done it.
 

johnr2604

Member
Originally Posted by fishhunter
http:///forum/post/3156378
I know what the CO2 is used for. BUT pumping water through a Ca reactor at high velocity should work a bit. Water is very erosive and abrasive. I know it would not work nearly as well. But i dont know if i want to to "Play" with one to get it right.
You would get a better effect using a nilsen reactor filled with crushed coral and flowing top off through it.
 

johnr2604

Member
Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3156380
Ca reactors don't have large enough ports to achieve this flow. If you actually got the media moving fast enough to rub against each other and dissolve through abrasion, the media would wear through the housing of the unit just as fast.
I would expect that if there was a way to make this work effectively, a manufacturer would have already done it.
 

rigdon87

Member
Do research on kalkwasser.very cheap and IMO by far the best method to raise and maintain levels in a reef.
 

stanlalee

Active Member
Originally Posted by Rigdon87
http:///forum/post/3156526
Do research on kalkwasser.very cheap and IMO by far the best method to raise and maintain levels in a reef.
If you NEED a calcium reactor Kalk will hardly provide enough calcium and carbonates to raise or even maintain a nicely stocked reef. If you dont want to use a calcium reactor dosing calcium and carbonates is the only way. Kalk will work for a young or lightly stocked reef but not for a thriving, growing reef with lots of LPS/SPS. it cant be saturated in water in high enough concentrations or delivered in high enough concentrations (without spiking pH) to provide enough calcium or carbonates.
If its automation you want a pair of BRS drew dosers and DA reef keeper lite for timing can be had for $270.
 

palmbeach2210

New Member
Just use a PH Controller and set at 6.5 refill the C02 and your good. Why waste the money on a Calc Reactor if your not going to use it properly?
 
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