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IBR 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.
Installation
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!
Step 1: Thoroughly rinse the calcium reactor to remove any dust or fabrication debris. Before the first use wash
the media thoroughly with fresh water to remove any fine dust. The water will then run clear when placed in the
reactor.
Step 2: Loosen the screws that hold the cover of the reactor thab turn the lid of the calcium reactor clockwise.
Fill the calcium reactor with the rinsed media, leaving approximately 3” of space
from the top of the calcium reactor.
Re-attach the lid, rotating anticlockwise, having first checked that the silicone O-ring is in position on the end of
the reactor vessel than tighten the screws.
Step 3: Connect the additional CO2 equipment as shown on the diagram overleaf and position calcium reactor.
Connect water inline tubing, water output tubing to reactor and mount to sump wall using dedicated holder(be
sure that water output/input is below water surface)
Step 4: Having successfully positioned, added media and supplied water to the calcium reactor we can now
open the inlet tap fully to begin with and wait for the reactor to fill. Check again for leaks to ensure that the lid
had been fully tightened. Wait till reactor is fully filled with water.
