Calcium Rx or Kalk?

[Dubin]

I've been using Kalk for the past couple months, and it's been doing a great job keeping my calc, alk, and mag up right where they need to be and it also acts as my top off water. I'm just wondering if a calcium reactor with a seperate ato would be better? Any input would be great, especially people that have switched from kalk to a calc rx or vise versa.

 

[Myteemouse]

CX don't run on a ATO they need to do a constant drip..
They use tank water so no other container is needed (unlike KALK)
I will be adding a CX in a few months.

 

[Fishcrazy06]

Most people still run the Kalk in Conjunction with the Calcium Reactor to help with PH issues.

Eric

 

[Elan]

i am going to run both. I am building my kalk reactor now and am going to set it up before the geo

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I'm just wondering if a calcium reactor with a seperate ato would be better?

No.

If your levels remain consistant with just your Kalk additions leave it as is. Your system might demand more Ca/Alk down the road as corals grow and require more, but until that time let it ride.

As mentioned Ca Rx do not run off of ATO, they utilize a feed pump and are fed tank water. Many people that have very demanding systems (in regards to Ca/Alk uptake) utilize a Kalk Rx along with thier Ca Rx to keep pH levels consistant as Ca Rx drop pH.

 

[benny z]

Many people that have very demanding systems (in regards to Ca/Alk uptake) utilize a Kalk Rx along with thier Ca Rx to keep pH levels consistant as Ca Rx drop pH.

sometimes true, but not always true. depends on whether or not the carx has a second chamber of media to pass the effluent through, system volume, effluent drip rate, tank placement, and other variables. i use a dual chamber octopus carx on my ~400g of water and do not have low ph issues, even in a closed basement room.

then again i have never been one to worry about ph period. ph is going to be what it's going to be. not much you can do about it.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Yes, there are other means of overcoming pH drops that occur in the (main) Rx chamber of a Ca Rx.

then again i have never been one to worry about ph period.

Funny you mention that... I was just talking with another (newer) reefer not to long ago that was trying to chase his pH level. I basically responded with, "Well, honestly... I do not recall the last time I checked my pH level. I don't own a test kit, and I haven't ran a Ca Rx in quite some time now, which was the only time I would monitor pH".

 

[bige11]

If the proper number of carbonates are in the system (alkalinity) then your pH will steady. It acts as a buffer system so large swings in pH will not happen. You can increase your pH by adding a base, but because of the buffer system it makes it much harder to move your pH as the other posters have said.

 

[Dubin]

Alright, I'll stay with the kalk. Thanks for the help!

 

[Reeferdood]

Depends on your demand for Ca & Alk & Kalk does not suppliment mg. Also, a calcium reactor won't work as an ATO.. Less demand, kalk might be better than the reactor..IMHO

I've been using Kalk for the past couple months, and it's been doing a great job keeping my calc, alk, and mag up right where they need to be and it also acts as my top off water. I'm just wondering if a calcium reactor with a seperate ato would be better? Any input would be great, especially people that have switched from kalk to a calc rx or vise versa.

 

[LegoZ81]

Also the stopgap between Kalk and CaRX is two part dosing with a dosing pump.
Also Kalk reactor is in there somewhere as well. honestly 2 part was easier from the set it and forget it standpoint. My biggest problem with the CaRX is reliable flow control thru the reactor. My output is constantly slowing down from the valve getting clogged with alk precip. But that (other than initial cost) has been the only downside so far.

 

[Dubin]

Depends on your demand for Ca & Alk & Kalk does not suppliment mg. Also, a calcium reactor won't work as an ATO.. Less demand, kalk might be better than the reactor..IMHO

Brightwell's Kalk+2 says that it suppliments mg...maybe i'm reading it wrong. Everyone keeps telling me that a CaRx doesn't work as an ato...I know that...I said "with a seperate ato."

Thanks for the input everybody! I think I'm going to stay with the Kalk until it can't keep my levels up, then I'll add the CaRx and just run both.