• Nuances of using KR and KW in a marine aquarium.

  • Katie3017

Here, () in the neighboring thread expressed and tried to argue the idea that in a marine aquarium you cannot raise calcium using a Calcium Reactor. That is, maintaining it, yes, but raising it—only with chemistry. I disagree with this. It was claimed that the reactor’s output can only be increased by increasing the flow rate. Of course, you can, by controlling the pH. Or you can choose a reactor with a larger amount of media, bringing the KH of the water exiting the CR to 30-50. At the same time, the amount of this water needed to raise calcium is less. And its impact on lowering the pH in the system is less. You can use low pH neutralizers that reduce the impact of the CR output on lowering the overall system pH. Conversely, you can use a hydroxide stirrer—KW. Its pH is about 14. So its influence on the overall pH in the system is noticeable. (The instructions for Aquacare stirrers say that if it drops to 13, the media must be replaced). I have a CR working, and the pH does not drop below 8.1. I don’t use KW stirrers.

Kathleen

For example, the parameters of the reactor are as follows: pH at the inlet - 7.92, in the main chamber - 6.56, at the outlet of the reactor - 7.3, KN 34.

Michele

Is it possible to simplify the process by just adding Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate? I read about such usage. Calcium Chloride caught my attention due to its easy availability at the pharmacy and the lack of need for a mixer - the solution is completely clear. And one more question, can the need to raise calcium and magnesium be determined without tests, and conversely, how to know when there has been an excess? How detrimental is overfilling for corals? There is a recommendation for drip replenishment, while some people simply top off once a day to replace the evaporated water.

Julie4738

This method is called balling. A lot has been written about it. When using it, it is important to thoroughly understand the chemical processes in the aquarium.

Cindy

In particular, how sulfates and chlorine affect hydrobionts.

Rodney

No, not quite. What does chlorine have to do with it? Seawater contains 56% chlorides. That's why we add calcium chloride specifically. And to prevent these chlorides from accumulating, we have the third component - "salt without salt." I wrote it a bit messily. It's clearer here.

Jason9952

Yes. "Bland" experience can sometimes be a hindrance.

Matthew7977

For what volume is balling profitable? And I still don't understand the purpose of the stirrer?

Kyle

Balling is convenient to use for small volumes. Also, before installing the calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate, the water parameters can be adjusted, as the method is a BALANCED additive of calcium, magnesium, etc.

Randy

The balance depends only on the properties of the filler. If it is pure calcium carbonate, then there is no source of magnesium. However, if an additive like this (some mineral stones that I use) is added, then yes... Still, balance cannot be achieved, as magnesium and calcium are extracted from the water differently.

Wanda666

So, can a mixer be installed in the reservoir for automatic topping up? If the osmosis is not directly connected to the automatic topping up system. Or can the mixer be used separately from everything else, and every day add this mixture instead of regular water, after which water is added to the mixer? Am I understanding this correctly or not? And one more question, how much cheaper or more expensive is this compared to chemicals in a 150-200L system?

David7773

Now everything is clear! Thank you.