Calcium reactor
The calcium reactor dissolves calcareous material (ARM, fossil coral) with CO2 to release calcium and KH into the aquarium water.
Detailed explanation
The calcium reactor is a cylinder filled with calcareous media (Aragonite Reactor Media, fossil crushed coral) through which aquarium water passes. CO2 is injected to lower the internal pH to around 6.5. At that pH the media dissolves, releasing calcium, carbonates and trace elements.
The enriched water leaves the reactor and returns to the aquarium. The process is continuous and self-regulating within certain limits.
Advantages: constant release, low maintenance (refill the media every 3-6 months), also provides natural trace elements present in the media.
Disadvantages: high initial cost, requires a CO2 cylinder, can lower the pH of the aquarium (excess CO2 passes into the aquarium), does not integrate magnesium (separate integration is required).
For large aquariums with high calcium consumption the reactor is often the most economical choice in the long run. Balling requires ongoing purchases of chemical reagents. The reactor requires only media and CO2.
Some aquarists use a combined system: calcium reactor as a basis + Balling for fine-tuning the parameters.
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