| That is the reason why calcium reactors are so | | | | fulfill this necessity. Setting up a calcium reactor in an |
| important to be used in aquariums. These calcium | | | | aquarium is very simple, and you can do it yourself |
| reactors can produce calcium continuously in the tank | | | | by referring to a DIY guide. Calcium reactors are set |
| to the precise levels required so that optimal | | | | up by assembling several components. Here is a list |
| conditions are maintained. Calcium reactors will use up | | | | of the different components that need to be |
| the carbon dioxide that is given off as a waste | | | | assembled:- |
| product into the aquarium and generate calcium, | | | | |
| which can be useful in a number of ways to the | | | | 1. Carbon dioxide cylinder - The carbon dioxide is |
| inhabitants of the aquarium. | | | | available in a pressurized cylinder. It is present in a |
| The following are two important ways in which | | | | refillable bottle. It is attached by straps to the |
| calcium reactors become indispensable to the | | | | aquarium so that it does not accidentally fall over. |
| aquarium. | | | | 2. Calcium carbonate medium - The medium is kept |
| | | | within the calcium reactor and it gets dissolved into |
| 1. The most prominent benefit of using calcium | | | | the tank. The dissolution is controlled by the pH |
| reactors is that they maintain the pH value of the | | | | values that are set within the reactor. These calcium |
| water. The pH value of the water has to be | | | | carbonate media are different substances containing |
| maintained at a neutral state, but if the level changes, | | | | CaCO3 in them, such as calcite for example. |
| then the water can become too acidic or too alkaline | | | | They are slowly allowed to dissolve into the tank. |
| for the inhabitants of the tank. When calcium is | | | | 3. Solenoid valve - The solenoid valve is like a switch |
| released into the water by the calcium reactors, it | | | | that is used to allow the carbon dioxide to flow into |
| helps to stabilize the pH value of the water and | | | | the reactor. It is usually connected between the |
| maintain it at an optimum level. | | | | carbon dioxide cylinder and the main reactor. Another |
| 2. Algae that live in the aquarium play an important | | | | method of connection is to attach it to the pH |
| role in the closed ecosystem of the tank. They are | | | | controller and then to put the probe into the reactor. |
| useful for the sustenance of living organisms in your | | | | 4. Pump - The pump will be required to feed the |
| reef tank. For example, some of these algae could | | | | water into the reactor. The attachment of the pump |
| help the corals within your tank with their nutrition by | | | | will depend on the kind; however the pump |
| forming a mutually benefiting association with them. | | | | connection must be such that a proper circulation of |
| But algae, especially the algae that grow on corals, | | | | water is maintained into the reactor. |
| require calcium to survive. Calcium reactors help to | | | | |