Calcium and Reef Aquariums
In nature, seawater bathes coral reefs with vital minerals and elements. Of all the minerals and elements present in natural seawater, perhaps no mineral is consumed as quickly or in as large of amounts as calcium. Hard corals, which are the building blocks of coral reefs, demand large amounts of calcium to build their skeletons. Providing enough calcium to meet the demands of all the corals, invertebrates, and algae in a closed aquarium ecosystem can create a real challenge for reef aquarium hobbyists.
To help you meet this challenge, consider employing a calcium reactor for your reef aquarium system. Calcium reactors automate the process of replenishing calcium as well as other important minerals and trace elements.
What is a Calcium Reactor?
A calcium reactor is in essence a media reactor with its chamber filled with crushed aragonite media (skeleton of ancient hard corals). Aquarium water injected with pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) is pumped through the reactor chamber. The CO2-infused water lowers the pH in the reactor chamber to an acidic level, dissolving the aragonite media. In addition to dissolving calcium, nearly all other minerals and trace elements used by the coral to grow is also dissolved into solution. This dissolved aragonite solution takes much of the guesswork out of calcium and trace element supplementation because it replenishes calcium and trace elements in the near exact proportions that corals need to thrive.
Employing a Calcium Reactor
Calcium reactors are typically placed in or near a sump style filter. Everything you'll need for successful installation of such a system includes: a calcium reactor with a recirculating pump, a CO2 bottle with regulator and solenoid valve, pH controller and probe, and the aragonite media. It is also wise to periodically check the accuracy of the pH controller with a pH test kit to ensure that the calcium reactor is working properly.
While there are considerable start-up costs associated with implementing such a system, a calcium reactor may prove to be a wise, long-term investment that can save you time, money, and frustration while maximizing your coral growth.
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