Calcium Reactors
Calcium reactors or calcium carbonate reactors have been in the hobby a long time, our German hobbiest counterparts have been using them since at least 1994 to support their SPS tanks.
Many people including myself try to maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in their tanks with kalkwasser and/or two part additives. And for many people this works very well. Eventually each of us progress into the world of Tridacnid clams and SPS corals and start having trouble keeping their calcium and alkalinity levels elevated. And as someone who has made 3 to 5 gallons of kalkwasser every single night its a relief to get away from it. The most basic way to describe how a calcium reactor works is this: It is the reverse process of calcification. Carbon Dioxide gas is used to create carbonic acid which dissolves a calcium carbonate media. This in turn creates calcium ions (Ca++) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). Best of all its added in a balanced proportion that is used in calcification.
The formula commonly used to describe this process is:
CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 ⇌ Ca2+ + 2HCO3-
Caribsea A.R.M. Reactor Media
This product has proven to be excellent in the Calcium Reactor Media market. The best thing going for it, I would say, is that it requires less CO2 to dissolve the media.
CO2 Injection System
Pictured left is the CO2 Injection System that I use.
K2R Calcium Reactor
The Advanced Reef Technologies K2R Calcium Reactor was one of the best calcium reactors on the market when I got it. By today's standards it is a little on the small side.
K2R Calcium Reactor Repair
The Advanced Reef Technologies K2R Calcium Reactor is showing its age. The small acrylic square mounts which are glued to the inner wall both came off from some force which I have not identified.
KORALlith Calcium Reactor Medium
KORALlith Calcium Reactor Medium
PinPoint pH Monitor
Pictured here in the PinPoint pH Meter made by American Marine. This is a small compact meter made for continuous monitoring of your tank's or calcium reactor effluent's pH.
PVC Needle Valve
!PVC Needle Valve Picture from December 2000 When I hooked the calcium reactor to my secondary return pump, something I did not plan for happen.
Quick Disconnect Compression Valve
!Quick Disconnect Compression Valve Picture from December 2000 This is a Quick Disconnect Compression Valve.
Second Stage Calcium Reactor
!2nd Stage for Calcium Reactor Picture from November 2000 This is a second stage chamber that I added to my K2R Calcium Reactor.
