| A calcium reactor is a device used in an aquarium to | | | | enough, and the pump tube, of which there are |
| help keep levels of alkalinity and calcium level to the | | | | different shapes and sizes. You’ll want to feel |
| requirements of the livestock in the tank. A calcium | | | | comfortable with your design. |
| reactor is a tool of convenience in a tank filled with | | | | Now that your reactor is set-up and ready to go, the |
| mostly plant life, but if you have stony corral then it | | | | next phase is to set the Co2 bubble count on a low |
| becomes a matter of necessity, as you will need to | | | | setting. Manufacturers will suggest a setting for their |
| monitor and maintain both calcium and alkalinity in | | | | reactor and you should follow the guidelines for their |
| order for the corral to thrive. | | | | product. The second step is to adjust the PH setting |
| Calcium reactors release CO2, dissolving calcium | | | | to properly dissolve the medium you are drawing the |
| source material in their reactor. The result is calcium is | | | | calcium from. You will want to set the PH to |
| added to your tank helping corral and other aquarium | | | | between 6.5 and 6.7 for the best results, by using a |
| livestock thrive. | | | | PH meter to check the effluent flow rate and then |
| However, using a calcium reactor can be a hazardous | | | | make the adjustments, allowing a few hours |
| activity if not done properly. Co2 is colorless and | | | | between changes to check if the PH is between 6.5 |
| odorless, so can be dangerous if released in the air | | | | and 6.7. Continue this process until you have |
| without fresh oxygen entering the enclosed space. | | | | successfully changed the PH to the correct level. |
| So, when handling your Co2 container, keep a | | | | Next use your alkalinity test kit to see if the reactor |
| window open nearby, keep away from radiators and | | | | is successfully replacing the calcium used by your |
| other heat sources, and use all safety cautions when | | | | livestock. It is important to know what your normal |
| handling the container. | | | | alkalinity is like so that you can adjust the CoH in the |
| Given that you utilize your Co2 container safely, the | | | | reactor to ensure that you don’t go higher or |
| next step is to assemble your calcium reactor, which | | | | lower than you normal level, for the safety and |
| is different depending on the manufacturer, model | | | | well-being of your livestock. |
| type, as well as the feed pump and valve you | | | | Once you are satisfied that your reactor has |
| choose to use. Because there are so many types | | | | restored the calcium level in the tank, you are done. |
| available, investigating these will not take place during | | | | Check your alkalinity levels every few weeks to |
| this article. Do your research on the different kinds of | | | | ensure that more calcium replenishment is not |
| reactors and choose the one that’s right for you. | | | | necessary. |
| This goes for the valve, which needs to be tight | | | | |