Is a Kalk reactor supposed to be able to keep up with calcium and alk???
Everything I read lead me to believe this however my test results are a different story.:confused:
Another question that I have is......If I increase my evaporation rate will this increase the effectiveness of the kalk reactor?
Thanks
Oh I have a 90 gallon mixed reef
Mr. Tang
12-24-2007, 10:20 AM
Wish I could help but I use the 2 part for my Ca and ALK. That works great though!!!
lReef lKeeper
12-24-2007, 11:16 AM
i use a high calcium salt so i dont need to run a reactor, sorry. i am sure someone here can be more helpful.
CarmieJo
12-25-2007, 09:06 PM
I drip kalk and keep up with my calcium demand with no trouble. But I think that people with lots of corals can need a calcium reactor to keep up with demand. You could also dose a 2 part in addition to the kalk.
poppin_fresh
12-25-2007, 09:59 PM
Heres a couple articles that may help
Chemistry and the Aquarium (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm)
Calcium and Alkalinity by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/index.php)
xtmreef
01-16-2008, 08:17 PM
The main reason for supplementing a Ca Rx with Kalkwasser is to keep the pH in the 8.10-8.30 range. The carbonic acid (effluent) is in the pH ~6.8 and will drive your system pH down overtime. The Calcium Hydroxide will make up for it.
I suggest you try to correct your parameters to your preferred level and THEN use a Ca Rx to maintain your Alk and Ca.
have fun :D
thesaent14
01-16-2008, 08:45 PM
well i try to help you here i personal have calcium and kalk reactor and cince i add them to my tank my tank is totally groing realy fast you just have to do you water changes and keep the regular testing
I appreciate the info. I increased my evaporation and that definitely seemed to work. now I just have to find the sweet spot for my evap rate.
Calcium 440
alk 11
magnesium 1365
The alk number kinda scares me..... I am going to slightly reduce the evap to bring my numbers down just a bit.
poppin_fresh
01-25-2008, 09:36 PM
I wouldn't stress about those levels, they are in balance and acceptable, which is the most important thing. FYE, I accidentally surged my ALK to 21 DKH once...took 2 drops for color change with Salifert kit! Luckily it didn't cause any issues.