Kalkwasser reactors

[TLO45]

I currently run a display with a calcium reactor for Alk, calcium and magnesium and ph rarely goes above 8.0 if at all during the day. Has anyone added a Kalk reactor with beneficial results and if so what brand?

 

[dwest]

I currently run a display with a calcium reactor for Alk, calcium and magnesium and ph rarely goes above 8.0 if at all during the day. Has anyone added a Kalk reactor with beneficial results and if so what brand?

I’ve used an avast k2 stirrer for over a year now. I think it’s great.

 

[SWQuest]

I know this is an old post but I’m in the same situation. Would love to hear more feedback. Still trying to debate on which reactor to get as well pump or stirrer.

 

[Hallowhead]

Truly how did you guys come to the conclusion you even needed kalk.. That's the crossroad I am at now.

 

[eea60123]

Cheap, easy, and multiple benefits such as single two part, elevated ph, some have trace elements, one pump

 

[Silent]

@Hallowhead I believe most use it to raise pH. Second reason is because it is cheap and can reduce the amount you might have to dose 2 part.

 

[Hallowhead]

@Hallowhead I believe most use it to raise pH. Second reason is because it is cheap and can reduce the amount you might have to dose 2 part.

I guess the better question was how do you know it's time to even dose?? I am wondering if this is soemthing that I should be doing.

 

[SWQuest]

I want to raise my ph. This is the only other option I can try that I know of. I have a line running out side from my skimmer, and I have a well lit and planted refuge. I think my ph just won’t go any higher because of my calcium reactor. That’s how I came to this.

 

[Hallowhead]

So you're saying a tell tale is a pH lower than 8.0?

 

[C. Eymann]

I ran one in addition to a CalRx, precision marine is same design as GEO, maybe not as polished, but works just as well and is easier on the wallet.

Ph remained pretty high as I was using inline of my ATO, and was evaporating alot of water on a hailde lit /evaporative cooling dependent reef, So my calcium reactor didn't have to be tuned as aggressively as well to keep up with mineral demand.

CalRX+kalkwasser reactor /stirrer is the best way to replenish minerals in a high demand sps tank, IMO there is no better or equal method, much safer than a doser/system


just my .02

 

[Hallowhead]

I ran one in addition to a CalRx, precision marine is same design as GEO, maybe not as polished, but works just as well and is easier on the wallet.

Ph remained pretty high as I was using inline of my ATO, and was evaporating alot of water on a hailde lit /evaporative cooling dependent reef, So my calcium reactor didn't have to be tuned as aggressively as well to keep up with mineral demand.

CalRX+kalkwasser reactor /stirrer is the best way to replenish minerals in a high demand sps tank, IMO there is no better or equal method, much safer than a doser/system


just my .02

I don't have any SPS... yet, just LPS & softies. I am wondering if simply a kalk stirrer would be beneficial, if anything.

 

[aznreef99]

I want to raise my ph. This is the only other option I can try that I know of. I have a line running out side from my skimmer, and I have a well lit and planted refuge. I think my ph just won’t go any higher because of my calcium reactor. That’s how I came to this.

have you try CO2 scrubber. it can be little expensive but it will for sure rise it above 8

 

[SWQuest]

Thank you C. Eymann. I have have been looking at the PM as well for a reactor then I read that ones that have a stirring arm are better than pump ones. Seems like you I’ve no issues so I might just get the PM reactor. Thanks for your response.

 

[HomeSlizzice]

I built my Kalk reactor. I used an Amazon magnetic stirrer and a tall OXO Container. Drilled some holes and used some 1/4” RO fittings with O-rings from Home Depot. Super easy and was like $75 total. I basically did a DIY version of the Ice Cap Kalk reactor.

I have it hooked up to my dosing pump and it works great!

 

[SWQuest]

I’ve looked at CO2 scrubbers and I think it will just cost to much for me in the long run. Still keeping it in mind though. I think I rather try kalk first.

 

[dwest]

I don't have any SPS... yet, just LPS & softies. I am wondering if simply a kalk stirrer would be beneficial, if anything.

Kalk is a great option to replenish both calcium and alkalinity. If your alkalinity is getting low between water changes, for example below 7 dKH, then adding kalk is smart. Others use 2 part to replenish. If you are going to use kalk, then a stirrer is a great way to go. I used to run kalk through my ato, but I now use a stirrer independent of my ato to get more control of alkalinity.

If you are maintaining alkalinity between water changes, then I wouldn’t dose at all.

 

[Hallowhead]

Kalk is a great option to replenish both calcium and alkalinity. If your alkalinity is getting low between water changes, for example below 7 dKH, then adding kalk is smart. Others use 2 part to replenish. If you are going to use kalk, then a stirrer is a great way to go. I used to run kalk through my ato, but I now use a stirrer independent of my ato to get more control of alkalinity.

If you are maintaining alkalinity between water changes, then I wouldn’t dose at all.

my alk is ~ 7.8-8.4 dkh

 

[dwest]

my alk is ~ 7.8-8.4 dkh

Does is stay that way without dosing kalk or 2 part or without a calcium reactor?

 

[Hallowhead]

Does is stay that way without dosing kalk or 2 part or without a calcium reactor?

It stays that way simply through water changes.

 

[dwest]

It stays that way simply through water changes.

That’s great. If you dose kalk, you’ll raise your alkalinity and calcium levels. Likely ultimately both would go too high. If you wanted to run at a higher alkalinity for some reason ( I wouldn’t) then kalk is a good option. You also could try kalk by manually adding if you wanted to. Again, alkalinity would increase and need to be monitored.