Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual
© Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
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Operation:
Most Oceanic animals and plants require Calcium and Carbonate ions for many of their vital cellular functions
such as building skeletal mass, cell membrane functions…
Although there are different methods to replenish the said ions in a Marine Aquaria; Calcium Reactors remain to
be one of the easiest and more reliable methods to do so.
A Calcium reactor achieves this goal by injection of Carbon Dioxide into its main chamber and reducing the PH of
the water flowing through it. The reduced PH will dissolve the Media (CaCO3), breaking it into its building blocks
of Calcium and Carbonate Ions. Further to that, use of dolomite in a Calcium reactor can also accommodate your
system with a steady supply of Magnesium ions.
This document can serve as a brief guide as how to install, operate and maintain your reactor. If you are unsure
as how to operate or dial your reactor consult with a professional or other available resources. Improper
assembly, installation and/ or operation can cause serious damage to your system or loss of livestock.
There are 3 components to use and operate a calcium reactor; Media, Source Water and Carbon Dioxide.
A)
Media:
I.
Calcium Carbonate Media (Primary Media):
Different type of Media can be utilized in a Calcium reactor such as; “Dead Coral Skeleton”,
“Broken shells of different mollusks”…
Vertex Aquaristik™ only recommends the use of coarser media with a minimum Average particle
size of 12mm or larger in diameter. Smaller particle size media do break down much faster and
get compacted inside the reactor chamber which reduces the flow through the reactor
significantly. This in return increases the need for frequent maintenance and flow/ Co2
adjustment.
II.
Magnesium Media (Secondary Media):
Magnesium being the third most abundant ion in seawater is required for many biological
processes of Oceanic Fauna and Flora. Most Conventional Calcium Carbonate Medias are devoid
of magnesium. However addition of dolomite to your calcium reactor will increase the
concentration of this ion in the effluent and therefore supply your system with this necessary
element.
Dolomite can be added to any of the reactor’s chambers. However it is imperative to acquire your
dolomite from a reputable source that guarantees purity and cleanliness of the material.
Dolomite is available in many different particle sizes, purity and or grades. We recommend the
highest grade dolomite available to you. DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION GRADE
DOLIMITE AS THE IMPURITIES OR PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS WILL DAMAGE YOUR SYSTEM.
