Kalwaser and Calcium Reactor INFO

[nmhs2]

Question, is a kalwaser the same as a calcium reactor. Also if im using a two part system ionic b by esv to dose for alkalinity and calcium is a reactor needed? Or is it needed only when i use a one part calcium additive alone seperate of alkalinity?

[MalHavoc]

no, kalkwasser is not the same as a Ca reactor. kalkwasser is a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide. A reactor uses CO2 gas to lower the pH of tank water so it dissolves calcium carbonate media.

They essentially accomplish the same goal. The difference is that a reactor can maintain the Ca and alk levels in a tank with a high demand for it. With kalkwasser, you're limited to how much you can add, usually because of evaporation.

A two part solution also does the same thing. That's the key - all three of these things are balanced. They maintain both ca and alk, but in different ways. The minute you start adding just Ca or just carbonate, you run the risk of tipping the balance.

[crumbletop]

They are different. A kalkwasser reactor is basically a container that stirs/agitates kalk powder to make sure you push saturated kalkwasser into your tank. It simplifies mixing kalk + water. Kalkwasser is calcium hydroxide.

A calcium reactor bubbles CO2 through some aragonite media (calcium carbonate) to disolve the elements and maintain a balanced level of calcium and carbonate in your aquarium.

You can keep balanced Calcium Carbonate via a calcium reactor, via adding 2-part additives (calcium + alkalinity), or by doing frequent water changes. The water changes work for aquariums that don't have much of a demand for calcium carbonate (i.e. not many stony corals).

Since you are using b ionic to dose 2-part, you don't need a ca reactor unless you want to switch. Kalkwasser is typically used to help balance out pH swings, and to help keep calcium levels where you want them. Some people use kalkwasser in addition to 2-part or a ca reactor. It all depends on the needs of your aquarium.