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Reef Newb · 07-17-2008, 07:57 PM

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knew of a good place to do some reading on reactors, I have seen calcium, phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite reactors and I just wanted to do some research on why one would want/need these. Are there any benefits to using these reactors or is dosing sufficient? Also just get some general information on using and setting up a reactor, and when it is really needed. Thanks!

**Phurst** · 07-17-2008, 08:55 PM

It's all going to depend on your tank, what you're keeping and how things are going. IMO, any tank will benefit from "reactors" running carbon and phosban (or some other GFO). I put reactors in quotes here since they're not technically reactors, but I digress. Calcium reactors use tank water and CO2 gas to slowly disolve calcium media that helps keep your calcium and alkalinity levels up. There's not really a need for one unless you have a high calcium demand (Lots of SPS, lots of clams, etc.) Even in those cases, it's certainly possible to keep up without one. I have a fairly high calcium demand, and I use calcium and alkalinity solutions dosed into the tank. Generaly speaking, they're expensive to purchase, can be difficult to tune just right, and usualy require a pH controller to run things. A nitrate reactor can help lower nitrate levels in heavily stocked tanks. They're even more finiky than calcium reactors, are expensive and some require special sulfur media and/or feeding of sugar or alcohol. The vast majority of people can keep their nitrates to an acceptable level with lower bio-loads, good tank cleanings, water changes and natural nutrient exports via macroalgae in a sump or refugium. I've never heard of a nitrite reactor, so I can't help you much there.

Reef Newb · 07-17-2008, 09:47 PM

Thanks Phurst,

So much to learn about with this hobby.

Its a lot of fun. I have a few people that I work with that keep reef tanks, and 1 of them was thinking of purchasing a calcium reactor I just figured I would ask how they work and what the benifits might be as oposed to dosing. I really dont think I need one... But I think its good to learn about them as well. Thanks for the info

**Phurst** · 07-17-2008, 09:57 PM

Surely. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

Jasonanatal · 07-24-2008, 04:45 PM

I love reactors!!! (Yes some are not reactors :-P) I'm personally running both a Deltec FR509 Phosphate Reactor and a Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Reactor. If your curious about anything in particular just ask away.

Reef Newb · 07-24-2008, 06:51 PM

do phosphate and nitrate reactors need the CO2 tanks that calcium reactors need? or are they just used by the aggitation of the media housed inside of the reactor? Also I have read there is a long break in time for the nitrate reactors because you have to get a good colony of the denitrifying bacteria in the reactor. Can this be done safely with a tank that already has livestock in it? Also how is yours working out for you Jasonnatal? I really like your set up.

Thanks, for your help I just want to try to understand as much as I can so I am not scratching my head as much while reading about others tanks.

Jasonanatal · 07-24-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Newb

do phosphate and nitrate reactors need the CO2 tanks that calcium reactors need? or are they just used by the aggitation of the media housed inside of the reactor? Also I have read there is a long break in time for the nitrate reactors because you have to get a good colony of the denitrifying bacteria in the reactor. Can this be done safely with a tank that already has livestock in it? Also how is yours working out for you Jasonnatal? I really like your set up.

Thanks, for your help I just want to try to understand as much as I can so I am not scratching my head as much while reading about others tanks.

Reef Newb, well I'll make this post a quick one since dinner is on the table. Phosphate Reactors and Nitrate Reactors do not require CO2 in order to function. The basic Phosphate Reactor uses Phosphate Reducing media such as Rowaphos for example to filter out the Phosphate from within the water. The phosphate is kept in constant agitation by flowing from underneath it to keep is suspended in the water column of the reactor. This process increases the efficiency of the media by allowing each grain of Phosphate to be exposed to the water 360 degrees x 360 degrees. I'll get into the Nitrate Reactors later on since their is much more detail required.

**thesaent14** · 07-24-2008, 07:24 PM

well i show you some reactors mos of the guys have told you about them i can tell you after a renew my setup and add it all the reactors you can think of my tank grow anything and a really really fast pace

this is what i have

btw my new calcium reactor

Ozone and carbon reactor

phos reactor

kalk reactor

**thesaent14** · 07-24-2008, 07:35 PM

now i show you some before and after pics some of them have the date i add them to the tank and you will see the difference's

before

after

before

now

Reef Newb · 07-24-2008, 07:40 PM

Wow. Great growth. the kalk reactor controls the alk? also do reactors maintain correct levels once set up? I mean if your calcium gets too high does the calcium reactor stop working? or is that something that would have to be done manually?

Jasonanatal · 07-24-2008, 09:03 PM

Here are the reactors that I currently having running on my aquarium. The Deltec NFP509 Nitrate Filter works by allowing an area that is low in oxygen and contains a steady amount of carbon based food (alchohol) for anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for converting Nitrite to to Nitrate and then into nitrogen gas. This filter also provides a natural source of trace element as one of the benefits of this reactor. I can go into more detail if you like.

**CarmieJo** · 07-25-2008, 11:28 PM

Manny that is impressive!