PDA

View Full Version : A couple of additional questions


Tyler6508
09/07/2008, 09:16 PM
What is a calcium reactor?
Is a protien skimmer or calcium reactor necessary?

insacron
09/07/2008, 09:31 PM
What type of tank are you setting up? FOWLR, Reef?

sps1-2-b
09/07/2008, 09:38 PM
A calcium reactor uses CO2 to acidify the water in reactor chamber which is filled with media like crushed coral to add calcium to the tank. It also helps to maintain alk.

A protein skimmer is a filtration device that makes bubbles so that organics and such adheres to it and rises to a collection cup that is discarded.

These are simple explanations. You should google protein skimmers because IMO they're necessary. Ca Reactors are not necessary but can be useful if your Ca demand is high.

Tyler6508
09/07/2008, 09:52 PM
i'm not sure of the difference between a Fowlr or reef. my tank is pretty much empty aside from the 3 fish and 9 pounds of cured live rock

HappySkittles
09/07/2008, 10:02 PM
fowl is fish only with live rock
no coral

a reef is well...a reef

if you do fish only you wont need certain things
if you do a reef you will need lots more fancy equipment

like for a reef you might need the calc reactor and the skimmer

in fish only you might just need the skimmer

you should do some more research before you do much more than what you have

crvz
09/08/2008, 09:59 AM
I'd recommend a protein skimmer, I've found them to be the best way to remove wastes from the tank other than water changes. That said, smaller tanks (though a 55 is borderline) can suffice on just water changes. For you, a skimmer is probably a good idea, but the calcium reactor is overkill at this stage of your experience.