Starting Calcium Reactor

[LittleMaui]

I'm setting up a calcium reactor for the first time. How long does it take until it actually begins to break down media and adds calcium to the water? I currently is kalk. Should I continue to supplement the water until the reactor is effective?

 

[gcarroll]

Once the ph is decreased in the reactor, it should start to melt the media. By injecting co2 you are just making the water acidic. It starts as soon as the water's ph gets below the point in which your particular brand of media begins to dissolve.

 

[Icemam457]

Once the ph is decreased in the reactor, it should start to melt the media. By injecting co2 you are just making the water acidic. It starts as soon as the water's ph gets below the point in which your particular brand of media begins to dissolve.

like stated above you are making carbonic acid and that is what is dissolving the media. In my experience it takes about a week to dial in your calcium reactor.

 

[LittleMaui]

Thx!

 

[mtraylor]

I keep my calc reactor at ph 6.5. Works well. Make sure you have good flow through reactor so it doesn't turn your media to mush. I use the bigger media.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

how long does the media in the reactors last? how often do you have to refill your tanks? is there another way to run these reactors without a Co2 tank? in addition to the reactor, what else are you dosing in your tank?