Calcium reactors

I have a few questions about calcium reactors. Currently I am dosing 2part using BRS dosing pumps run by my apex. This is extremely easy to use and manipulate any value independently. But, I got a calcium reactor because it was such a good deal and I have heard such great things about them for systems the size of my 210g.

My questions
My system seems to use considerably more Alk 2part than calcium... How could a reactor handle this?

Do all media's have the same ratio of calcium/alkalinity?

Do you get any magnesium from Calcium reactors?

I'm planning on getting a new regulator, what is the best one?

How hard is it to dial in?

Do people still have to supplement alk or calc with 2part to make up for more useage of one than the other?

 

Ca reactors will not raise your levels, only maintain them... so you will have to get it online and functioning and then get your levels straight. It's complicated but I can explain in more detail later when I'm off my phone.

I use the regulator from aquariumplants.com it's expensive but the most accurate and doesn't have the issues associated with others.

I'll be back on in a little bit and explain more!

 

Dingo, you are awesome. I really appreciate it! I have been really nervous about hooking mine up. I would hate to screw up when everything is doing so well.

 

Answers in bold

 

So, let me get this straight. I'm basically setting the alk / calc level in the tank, not the consumption rate. The calcium reactor will then maintain alk/calc to that level any time one or the other is consumed below it.

The only time it can't do this is when there is so much consumption that the water doesn't have time in the reactor to be fully restored so you slow down the flow through the reactor. Does this sound about right?

 

Yes that is correct. And I don't think I left anything important out.
I'm still looking for the link

 

Ok I think this one is it... It's all a good read. I come in on page 3 I think.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/filters...automatically-keep-up-coral-growth-96418.html

 

lol broken down like that it make it seem pretty easy.

 

I read that one. Great thread. It's how I came to understand why you slow the water down rather than speed it up through the reactor.

My lfs was saying I may not need to get a new regulator (I haven't tested the one I have came with the unit used) because I'm using a controller the bubble count doesn't matter. The controller will control it through ph so I don't have to be as worried about it. Does this sound correct?

 

Yes if it electronically shuts the solenoid off when the pH is below a certain pH (like 6.5 usually) then you don't have to worry so much about bubble count.
Then you just have to get your effluent rate at the perfect speed!