calcium reactor

[reefer3737]

Since i do weekly water changes and add some additives do I need a calcium reactor?If so why?

[jungliztkruger]

what are your current calcium levels and what is your tanked stocked with?

[TechGuy]

Depends on stocking. A CA reactor will keep levels of Calcium very steady, and add Strontium aswell. Its a great to help control, CA/PH and Strontium levels in the tank.

I think everyone will agree that stability is the key to the best grow.

[lazylivin]

A calcium reactor is a good way to replenish Calcium, Magnesium etc... to a reef tank. If you don't have to dose your tank to keep parameters in check then it is not needed. If you do it is a great way to automate the deliver of chemicals. Typically folks start with store bought PH Buff, Calcium and Mag then when that gets to be expensive due to consumption rate from larger corals they move to either bulk chemicals or a calcium reactor. Although I have never owned a Calcium Reactor I do think it is better then two part dosing because of the stability and additional trace elements that come in with the dissolved media. I am sure some others will jump in that have real experience with these devices.

[reefer3737]

Thinks for the advice,ill take more. I have lps,sps,suffties,im pretty loaded and still stocking up in a 125 reef ready,55 gallon sump with two20meg returns,crush coral bio ball,5 inch sand bed,filterfloss.Plu i add cal.magnesium coralvits three times a week,also i keep a balance block at all times ps lazy i still would love to see your system

[lazylivin]

Thinks for the advice,ill take more. I have lps,sps,suffties,im pretty loaded and still stocking up in a 125 reef ready,55 gallon sump with two20meg returns,crush coral bio ball,5 inch sand bed,filterfloss.Plu i add cal.magnesium coralvits three times a week,also i keep a balance block at all times ps lazy i still would love to see your system

Thanks but it really is not all that great. I lost a lot of the larger corals.

[Joel]

I have a few tanks with ca reactors and on the one's stocked heavily with stoney corals I am still supplementing calcium to keep up with the demand. However the alk is very stable and needs no supplementation to keep correct. Ph is also very stable.

The need for strontium supplementation is a subject of debate, it has been found to have little affect on coral growth, has been found to slow coral growth but claimed to make denser, stronger coral skeletons. It has been observed by some to promote calcareous algae growth (coraline) If you test for it, it's getting depleted but persons who increase strotium versus persons who don't often see no difference.

Tim (aquavist) is a good person to offer input on Ca reactor usage, his system seems to benefit greatly from his techniques