Calcium Reactors and a Better-Looking Reef Aquarium

For reef enthusiasts of all skill levels, the predominant goal is to establish water parameters come as close to replicating that of our delicate and beautiful reefs of the world. Yes, their are numerous buffers, salts, trace minerals and vitamins that equate to the overall chemistry of natural saltwater, which fortunately, our synthetic salt mixes perform a yeoman job of recreating.

Certain compounds in seawater are depleted more rapidly than others as respiration, filtration, livestock population and atmospheric ambient conditions can perform injustice to the natural balance of saltwater. Through these continuous variable fluctuations we, as conscientious marine hobbyists, are always striving to maintain stable and ideal water parameters for our livestock and their continued success. Calcium is one of the big so called big three in my book. Calcium, alkalinity and pH are arguably the three biggest impacting elements contributing to the overall success of a marine aquarium and ultimately that of the livestock maintained within. Calcium additives are constantly being added or dosed to elevate the carbonic levels in our tanks. Marine aquariums that house a large population of stony corals and invertebrates such as snails, crabs, clams and shrimp are more apt to desire higher levels of calcium in their water makeup. Hence calcium reactors enter the equation.

It is true that their are numerous products on the market that can increase and maintain stable calcium levels. Kalkwasser, liquid calcium and better yet calcium reactors all can have a profound effect of creating the high levels of calcium required to support and maintain the stringent conditions needed by many calcium relying hogs. Without the necessary calcium levels being met, growth and molting of livestock will become deprived. In trying to increase calcium levels of synthetic seawater, care must be used to deter calcium levels from going up to quickly or elevating too high. If this portrayal unfolds, problems with pH, magnesium and alkalinity are likely to unveil, possibly posing other negative reactions causing a downward spiral effecting livestock.

A calcium reactor can be one of your best allies in the defense against calcium depletion and can be a safe alternative as well. Calcium reactors provide a balance of alkalinity and calcium within a marine aquarium. Carbon dioxide is introduced into a chamber with calcium media and saltwater. An acidic solution known as carboxylic acid is formed as a result of carbon dioxide reducing the pH level and dissolving the calcium media.

Trying to maintain both alkalinity(bicarbonates) and calcium is the ultimate goal of employing the use of a calcium reactor. Natural saltwater has a pH of roughly 8.0 depending on how far from shore it is tested. By lowering the pH of saltwater by running carbon dioxide through a calcium reactor one can effectively and efficiently break down the calcium media to properly maintain optimal calcium levels in your marine aquarium. Carbonic acid is ultimately what we are looking for as a means of increasing the solubility of calcium carbonate which our corals and inverts rely upon.

A bubble counter is used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide made available to the calcium reactor. The flow rate of carbon dioxide must be constantly monitored to ensure that the maximum amount of carbon dioxide is dissolved in the solution with a minimum left unconsumed. Calcium reactors come standard with a needle valve to aid in the amount of carbon dioxide being injected into the reactor. A feed pump is also part of the reactor which controls the amount of water added to the chamber. This is very crucial as their must be a fine line between the amount of water and carbon dioxide introduced into the reactor to avoid wasting the carbon dioxide and ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the calcium reactor as a whole.

As with protein skimmers, their are different brands and styles. Some siphon water into the input of the circulation pumps. This can pose a problem due to the media inside the chamber being compacted too much and a resulting strong back pressure being formed and reducing the amount of water to the chamber. A gate or needle valve can help out this alteration process to gain the most out of your calcium reactor. Their is another style that uses peristaltic pressure that can work with any amount of pressure and various pumps. Being able to control the flow and pressure within the calcium reactor with a minimum of effort maintenance wise is the the key and the ultimate goal provided by the balance of alkalinity and calcium within the confines of your aquarium. Calcium reactors also have a unique pH probe that adjusts the rate that the calcium media dissolves in the reactor. As the pH increases above 8.0 or so, a valve will open thus allowing subsequent amounts of carbon dioxide to be introduced to lower the pH value. Once the pH value falls to desired levels, the valve will shut to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide thus avoiding a plummet in pH.

Calcium is a vital ingredient and represents just one aspect of creating and maintaining an equilibrium that is unparalleled and either replicates or exceeds that of natural seawater. Adjusting calcium levels gradually, with the utmost consideration for the other factors that move hand in hand as a result of an increase or decrease in calcium, will ensure your livestock will thrive and offer you many hours and years of enjoyment, excitement and entertainment.