Would dripping lime water (Kent Kalkwasser) provide the same benefit as a calcium reactor in maintaining calcium and alkalinity?

Thanks

Welcome to TR, Davidb6.

Generally speaking the answer is, yes. There are others here with more experience with Calcium reactors. Hopefully, they will chime in. I use Ocean's Blend two part, along with their Magnesium. Too many reefers neglect to test for and supplement Magnesium and find they can't keep their Calcium above about 300/350. It's the lack of Magnesium.

Dick

Like Dick said, short answer is yes. If you have a high demand for calcium and alk, eventually dripping kalk will have a hard time keeping up, and you will either need to supliment with 2 part or a calcium reactor. Also, keep in mind that dosing kalk will drive down your mag.

Be sure to check out these podcasts http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/podcast-episodes/157-kalk-podcast-episode-13-a.html and http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/podcast-episodes/674-diy-kalk-doser-video-podcast-episode-44-a.html.

One benefit to Kalkwasser dosing is that it seems to precipitate out some of the dissolved phosphates.

I have a calcium reactor and love it. It maintains my calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity and I never need to adjust or compensate for any of these. I considered trying to drip Kalkwasser, but for my size of tank, it would have been ridiculous amounts that I would have had to dose. A calcium reactor just felt easier and more convenient.

I agree with what Christi said about kalk precipitating our phosphate. I had quit using it because I was using a higher Ca salt and then got an algae bloom. I am dripping kalk again and the algae is receding.