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What would do ???

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150 algae aquarium calcium calcium reactor corals kalk reactor kalkwasser macro macro algae mag new year par pumps reactor refugium rock snails sps sump tank testing top
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#2 ·
I wouldn't start them up yet. without anything to use up the Calcium, the alk and Ca would just continue to rise. I would just dose with 2part, if even needed, until it was cycled. JMO. I will be setting up my 150 soon and will be doing the same thing. I'll be transferring from my current tank, so I can't put my Ca reactor or kalk reactor on it while it cycles.
 
#3 ·
Agreed as long as levels are all at or above par you don't need to run the equipment IMO, but makes sure everything DOES run as it is supossed to a week or so before you add any SPS.
 
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#6 ·
I would use them so I could get he levels rock stable, before adding anything. This is the best time to tweak so you do not not stress anything. Just my opinion they cost very little to run.
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I have never run a ca reactor and kalk reactor on an empty tank before so I am not completely sure how this would work, but without corals to use up the added calcium and calcium carbonate, wouldn't the parameters just continue to rise? Balancing the reactor and kalk would require something to balance them to...balancing to the consumption of the corals. If your levels are rock stable before you put anything in..you would have to re-adjust to match the new requirements of the corals when they are added. I'm not trying to call anybody out, I just want to make sure I understand how this will work. I am going to be doing this soon and if I am wrong I need to know:confused:
 
Discussion starter · #7 · (Edited)
Thanks for the replies so far,

I did check my PH prior to hooking up the Kalk reactor.

The PH reading without the Kalk reactor was 7.8.

The tank has been running now for 10 days with the Kalk reactor and the ATO. Now, the PH level is steady at 8.4.

This is good so far.

0 Ammonia
0 Nitrites
0 Nitrates

This morning I will check for:

Alkalinity and Calcium

Before hooking up the Calcium reactor. I will keep you all posted on the results.

Happy New Year to all of you !!!!
 
#8 ·
werdlone said:
I have never run a ca reactor and kalk reactor on an empty tank before so I am not completely sure how this would work, but without corals to use up the added calcium and calcium carbonate, wouldn't the parameters just continue to rise?
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Corals are far from the only creatures that produce calcium carbonate...snails, coralline, and other calcareous macro- and micro-algaes also use significant amounts of calcium and can reduce the alkalinity.

It's true that you will always have to adjust a calcium reactor to compensate for the growth of corals, regardless of the age of the aquarium.
 
Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
Here we go, The battle is on !!!! :eek:rder

Alkalinity DKH 16.0 - 75.71 Meg/L way to high because of using Kalkwasser reactor for top off.

But, the Calcium level is 0.31 = 345 PPM, so I will turn on the Calcium reactor to raise the Calcium levels and that will counter balance the Alkalinity, I hope.

With calibrated PH meter probe, 8.5 to 8.6
With PH Salifert test 8.2 to 8.3

Nitrate Salifert test - 2 PPM

Phosphate Salifert test - 2 PMM

Not happy with the Phosphate level, However, the Calcium reactor has a Phosphate reactor.

So, the Phosphates are not doing me any good right now with the level at 2 PPM = Algae growth.

Time for some Macro Algae in the refugium, turn on the Calcium reactor and slowly bump the Calcium level to 400 -450 PPM.

Re-Test in a few days and wish for the best.

Having a starting base to work from is very important and the to show the new comer the importance of testing your water.

Happy New Year,

Alex
 
#10 ·
dentdominator said:
Alkalinity DKH 16.0 - 75.71 Meg/L way to high because of using Kalkwasser reactor for top off.

But, the Calcium level is 0.31 = 345 PPM, so I will turn on the Calcium reactor to raise the Calcium levels and that will counter balance the Alkalinity, I hope.
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I really would think twice about that.

Calcium reactors really won't touch your calcium level much, they're just going to tweak your Alk rating.

Your calcium level will swing wherever your Alk and magnesium decides to take it.

If your alk goes much higher your pumps are going to start grinding.

If it was me I'd run regular RO for topoff for the time being and take it easy with the kalkwater. Let the alkalinity fall back down on its own.
 
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mf2055
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