		A Calcium Reactor is a Must Have for any Advanced SPS Reef Aquarium Hobbyist	easy reefer > learning center
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A Calcium Reactor is a Must Have for any Advanced SPS Reef Aquarium Hobbyist

Calcium Reactors

Calcium reactors are very useful for the propagation of SPS corals and tridacnid clams. As these animals grow they use calcium and alkalinity from the water to form skeletons and shells made from calcium. The growth of these animals requires high levels of both calcium and alkalinity and with the use of a calcium reactor these levels can be easily maintained. Calcium reactors, when set up correctly, will maintain both calcium and alkalinity in the correct ratio making it unnecessary for the addition of these types of additives for the proper growth of these organisms.

Calcium reactors use a media made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to provide calcium and alkalinity to the aquarium. This process is achieved by running aquarium water through the reactor which passes through the reactor media also which is then returned to the aquarium as effluent. The aquarium water in the calcium reactor is also injected with CO2, which causes the pH of the water in the calcium reactor to be reduced. Ideally the pH of the water in the calcium reactor should be between a pH of 6.8 and 6.5. The slightly acidic water will slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate media which in turn will release calcium and alkalinity into the water. Depending on how large the bio load of the aquaria, it will be necessary to adjust either the amount of CO2 or the effluent rate. When the effluent is introduced back into the aquarium at the appropriate rate and pH, it will maintain the necessary calcium and alkalinity levels of the aquarium.

Though calcium reactors will maintain stable calcium and alkalinity levels without the daily addition of additives, reactors they do come at a cost. Calcium reactors have a very high start up investment. Not only will the cost of the reactor be incurred but a CO2 cylinder, regulator and pH controller or monitor as well. The total of the calcium reactor and all peripheral equipment can range between $475 and $575. Yearly operational costs will be dependent upon the aquaria and will be a combination of refilling a CO2 cylinder every 4-6 months (~$13) and also refilling the calcium reactor with new media every 4-6 months (~$10- $30). Cost is not the only factor to consider, calcium reactors will also lower the overall pH of the aquarium. Most aquariums that utilize calcium reactors have pH of 7.9 to 8.2.

Calcium reactors and the equipment needed to run them have a very high initial cost. The cost of a calcium reactor may not seem to justify the purchase. However over time the cost of two part additives to keep up with the high calcium and alkalinity demands of SPS coral and clam aquariums can be quite expensive making the cost of the calcium reactor less shocking. A calcium reactor not only provides the necessary supplements for ones aquarium but also provides the aquarist with more time to watch aquarium rather than dosing calcium and alkalinity supplements.

Pinpoint Calcium Monitor
$249.99


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