kalk stirrer vs. calc reactor

[tpenn187]

At some point in time in the next year i will need to add some type of calcium maintenance equipment. Basically what i was wondering what the main difference was? My understanding was that the calc. reactor uses co2 to break down some sort of calcium based product and release it into the tank, and the kalk stirrer uses kalkwasser to add to the tank. Do either units raise the calcium? i have a 90 gal tank with a 30 gal sump and i when i add one i want to make sure that i get the right piece of equipment. i was really hoping that i would be able to run it off my ato, i have heard mixed opinions. also what are the cost benefits over time for both, it seems that the initial expense i high for calc reactors, but i have no clue for the long term. as for corals i plan to keep, i want to be able to keep just about what ever i want to, so i would not leave out the possibility for an sps dominated tank. as you can see i have many questions so any help, advise, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. tax time is coming so i might just have to take advantage of the extra cash.

[no1fishman]

If you're keeping mainly SPS, it hard to get away from a Ca reactor. If you're tank doesn't have much demand for calcium, the Kalkwasser stirrer will work best. Some heavy SPS tanks use both CaRx and Kalkstirrer.

[snorvich]

I have both.