Ca reactor Vs. Kalkwasser

Ok after a bunch of reading I was curious what is a better way to go . Calcium or kalkwasser?  This will be my first reactor and I have formed an opinion already but  would like to hear from others who run reactors. Thoughts and input  before i purchase would be appreciated.

IMO, all top off should be kalkwasser. It's simple, inexpensive and, well, simple. However, the addition of kalkwasser is limited to the evaporation of your tank. This amount will be sufficient until you have a large population of carbonate hungry corals. Then, you'll have to bump up to a calcium reactor or to a robust system to add a two part solution.

What have you decided?

I run both.  Keeps the ph very stable.  No ups or downs.

Use both as Brad suggests. The calcium reactor will suppress your pH, while kalkwasser will help keep it elevated. I used both and had great results. Again, if you have an ATO, running kalkwasser is really quite simple to add.

All of my top off water is run thru a kalwasser reactor with the ph up around 14 

Edited by tileman - April 26 2012 at 9:32pm

Have you considered using BRS two part and a dosing pump?

Akira wrote: I have but just didnt like some of the reviews I have read about lower end pumps and if I'm going to drop some cash on higher end pumps think a few reactors might be more economical in the long run . Let me know if I'm off base with my thinking ...<!-- bmi_SafeAddOnload(bmi_load,"bmi_orig_img",0);//-->

I like the results of dosing two part A LOT more then a calacium reactor. Its also super cheap to dose two part if you get it from BRS and mix it yourself.

Jump on one of the group buys and for $67 bucks you will have enough calcium, alk, and magnesium to last you damn near forever. I go through way more then most people would in a day because of how stocked my tank is and I still havent bought another batch in over a year and also have about half of the powder left.
BRS Two Part + Mag


Then to automate the process get the Marine Magic dosing pump which is great. I know a few people who love theirs, and I set one up on a family member tank and it has worked perfectly. Just a couple weeks ago I ordered another one for me. They take 3 to 6 or more weeks to get there after you order so order it sooner then later. You can't order these if you are in a pinch, so plan accordingly.   
Marine Magic Dosing Pump

I got mine for $130 dollars PLUS they included a free replacement pump head. All you have to do is offer them $120 with the make and offer feature ebay now has. They then countered my offer with the $130 + the free $20 replacement pump head. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.   

So for basically $200 you can have an automated dosing system that will also be your Mag that will last you a really really long time and will give you amazing results.



Edited by Laird - April 28 2012 at 4:59am

I also use two part dosing pumps and love it.

Your topic got my attention. I don't think of it as one vs the other. They each have specific purposes and their purposes overlap. I commend you for asking and finding the input from these very experienced and excellent hobbyists.

I've loved my calcium reactor. Before upgrading, it ran on our 90G for close to 15 yrs. trouble free. Set it and forget it. However, now that it's on our 265, I'm still trying to get it dialed in. Keeping my Alk up has been a challenge. I've added Kalk to the mix (not necessarily through my top off but a 5G gravity fed drip). Since adding the Kalk, my coralline has gone crazy- back glass is almost a solid sheet and rocks are covered with beautiful red and purple hues. Have you made any decisions yet?