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CalcFeeder Calcium reactor user’s manual
How Calcium Reactors Work
It is very important to maintain the proper amounts of calcium and alkalinity in a reef tank. Both can be quickly
depleted by growing organisms, and need to be supplemented in order to maintain levels equivalent to natural
sea water. A calcium carbonate reactor is the easiest and most accurate method of maintaining calcium and
alkalinity.
A calcium reactor works by dissolving small amounts of solid calcium carbonate media into liquid form, which is
then dosed back to the tank. The concentrated liquid that is added back to the tank contains the correct ratio of
calcium to alkalinity, which is essential to maintain the proper balance of water chemistry. Unlike most additives
or kalkwasser, a properly functioning calcium reactor should maintain the appropriate balance between calcium
and alkalinity over the longterm.
The reactor is filled with calcium carbonate media (such as reef sand, shells, ready to use media like ARM from
CaribSea etc.) and saltwater. We recommend a grain size from 10mm upwards as this creates a better flow and
will avoid partial compression of the granules at bottom
of reactor.
A small amount of carbon dioxide is added to the water inside the reactor, which lowers the pH to a range of
6.5-6.8. At such a low pH, the calcium media begins to dissolve, thereby releasing the calcium and alkalinity
ions so that they can be dosed back to the aquarium.
This solution is very concentrated, so only a small amount of liquid, or effluent, needs to be dripped back to the
aquarium.
Over time, both the calcium media and carbon dioxide gas will become depleted.
The rate of consumption will depend on your aquarium’s calcium demand, but in most cases you can expect
the reactor to work for several months without any major maintenance.
It is important to periodically check the CO2 input rate (measured in bubbles per minute) and the effluent drip
rate, to make sure that everything is flowing smoothly. Also, it is critical that you test your aquarium’s calcium
and alkalinity levels with a reliable test kit on a regular basis.
Acceptable Range for Calcium and Alkalinity
2.5-4.0 meq/L (7-11 dKH) alkalinity and 375-450 ppm calcium
Do not proceed if your results fall outside this range!
Preparation for start-up
1. Remove covers from both reactor columns.
2. Flush the main reactor columns and fill it with calcium.
3. Flood the CO2 mixing column with water to remove the air totally, close the cover of the mixing column (with
bioballs). Tighten the bolts to make a leak-proof closing. Tighten the opposite bolts alternately to distribute the
closing load evenly.
4. Pour water to the column with calcium bed to the very top of the reaction column.
5. Carefully close the reaction column and again tighten the bolts alternately.
6. Connect the CalcFeeder PRO controller. Do not connect the solenoid valve at that stage.
7. Start the main pump (white, fastened to the reactor’s base) – water will start to circulate in the reactor’s circuit.
8. Start the metering pump at about 2 liters/hour – the pomp will add water to the reactor and remove the air
residues present under the cover of the reactor’s man column.
Now your reactor is ready to connect the controller and the fixtures such as CO2 cylinder and solenoid valve.
Connect the solenoid valve to the CO2 cylinder (equipped with a pressure gauge and precise CO2 outflow re-
gulator) We recommend to set the cylinder pressure so that the CO2 feed at the regulator output is 2-4 bubb-
les per second.
Important!
Dosing pump will not start working till optical sensor will not read carbon dioxie in mixing chamber.
You need to wait few minutes (if regulator output is set for 2-4 bubbles per second) for reaching proper CO2
level in mixing chamber. If during regular time sensor will not read CO2 and on screen controller inform about
ERROR - simply restart it(disconnect for few seconds from power supply and connect again).
Repeat procedure till sensor will read proper carbon dioxide level and dosing pump start working(optical sensor
status will turn into GREEN).
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