What Is a Calcium Reactor?

If you have a marine (seawater) aquarium, it requires calcium to maintain the seawater at an alkaline level where the marine life in the aquarium can flourish. A calcium reactor is a piece of equipment that replenishes the calcium in the water.

  1. How It Works

    • A calcium reactor pumps carbon dioxide into a chamber containing a calcium carbonate substance (such as lime) and saltwater. The carbon dioxide lowers the pH in the chamber and dissolves the calcium carbonate, which releases calcium, minerals and trace elements into the aquarium.

    Other Methods

    • Other methods of adding calcium to marine aquariums include manually adding lime water.

    Cost Comparison

    • Although the initial cost of a calcium reactor is higher than some other methods of calcium addition, according to Foster and Smith's Pet Education, over the long term, using a calcium reactor proves relatively inexpensive because it only requires carbon dioxide and a calcium carbonate substance to use.

    Cautions

    • When choosing a calcium carbonate substance, avoid ones that contain a lot of phosphate. You also need to monitor the calcium levels in the aquarium to make sure the water does not become too alkaline.

    Expert Insight

    • According to Fish Lore, using a calcium reactor may prove more beneficial than other methods of adding calcium because the reactor also adds minerals and trace elements to the water that other methods do not.