|
AQUARIUM CALCIUM REACTOR & KALKWASSER GENERAL INFO
Aquarium Calcium Reactors
Corals, invertebrates, and algae consume calcium and hard corals demand
especially large amounts of calcium to build their skeletons. A Calcium
reactor will automate the process of replenishing calcium as well as
other minerals and trace elements. They require only minimal maintenance
and are a simple solution for maintaining calcium and alkalinity in
your reef aquarium. Calcium reactors also promote coralline algae growth
and help to stabilize pH.
Calcium reactors are essentially
chambers full of aragonite (crushed skeletons of ancient hard corals)
into which the aquarium water is pumped through along with pressurized
carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 lowers the pH in the chamber to an acidic
level, which dissolves aragonite into the aquarium water. In addition to
dissolving the calcium, this process also dissolves nearly all the
minerals and trace elements the coral used in order to grow. This takes
much of the guesswork out of adding trace elements to your reef
aquarium, because it replenishes these minerals and elements in the near
exact proportions that the corals need to thrive.
Calcium
reactors are typically placed in a sump. A complete aquarium calcium
reactor system requires a CO2 Tank, a CO2 Regulator with a needle valve
and media. Check for the details regarding all other necessary equipment
on the individual pages with the calcium reactors.
Kalkwasser Stirrers
Another way to introduce calcium into your aquarium is to use a Kalkwasser Reactor/Stirrer.
(Kalkwasser is the German term for a saturated solution of calcium
hydroxide in water). Kalkwasser Reactors/Stirrers stir the Kalkwasser so
that the calcium carbonate sediment settles at the bottom of the
reactor/stirrer vessel while the clear solution of calcium hydroxide is
at the outlet where it can be transferred to the sump and then the tank.
Just like a calcium reactor, kalkwasser replenishes the calcium used
during the growth of stony corals, coralline algae, clams, etc. Other
benefits of kalkwasser include the precipitation of phosphate,
maintenance of pH and alkalinity, and enhanced protein skimming.
|
