Kalkwasser reactor or calcium reactor??

[cplev]

I jumping into the world of SPS and am looking at automating my calcium additions. Currently I do kalkwasser as a drip but tend to forget to check the jug. Do the kalkwasser reactors produce similar results to the calcium reactors without the need for CO2?

[samsfishnchips]

cplev,

they both provide calc/alk, but calcium reactor has more control and its not depended like a kalk reactor is depending on how much evaporation you have ( which changes )

the calcium reactor can keep up with large additions too

for a light tank sps or softie tank, a kalk reactor would be ok, but when you mention automating that can only 100% be achieve with a calcium reactor because is the most finetuning device at the moment, good luck

sam

[Hal]

Kalk reactors tend to be a little cheaper, which is why I'm going to start with it. If it can't keep up, then I'll consider a Ca reactor. But essentially, they both do the same thing, add Ca to your water.

As pointed out earlier, the kalk reactor is limited by your evaporation rate, which may or may not be an issue.

[cplev]

They actually seem alot cheaper both in time and money ;-D
I mean the kalkwasser reactors do need kalkwasser but don't need CO2 (along with the regulator and tank).
Other thoughts???

[samsfishnchips]

cplev,

oh, and don't forget about kalk danger ( overdosing) which a quick search will show you a few beautiful tanks, down the drain because of kalk overdose

that must be consider and a way to prevent it must be employed, that therefore adds to the price

such options are

SpectraPure LiterMeter III at $340
other dosing pumps, $ depend on where you get it

others have try cheap float switches and had pay the price,

as you can see a kalk setup can be costly, if you look around you can grab a nice setup for cheap

the other day locally there was a complete calc reactor setup 300,

anyway research and make sure you know all the corners, good luck,

sam

[sjm817]

I use a Reef Fanatic dual level controller $89, and an Aqualifter pump, $12.

[BWilfong]

I would start off with a kalk reactor then if you need it later add a Ca reactor.

[Wryknow]

I would go with the Kalk reactor too. There are a few tricks that you can use to increase the Kalk levels if it becomes necessary (vinegar, adding fans to increase evaporation, etc) or you could also add a little extra calcium with a two-part solution periodically. The Kalk provides enough calcium for most reef tanks though IMHO.