Do you need Reactors to have a successful reef tank?
 

My reef tank has been doing fine for the past 6 months and I haven't used any reactors, with plans of going all out on my future 150 gallon reef I want to know what every bodies thoughts were

uh oh


:nono:

I used reactors on my big tank but now I am us ring media bags just in sump. IMO reactors are better as they agitate the media rather than a bag in which fluid will take the easiest route through or around. I do plan on buying a new reactor for gfo. But carbon ill leave in the bag.

Thanks !

What type of reactors are you thinking? I run a Ca reactor, a Zeo reactor, but not a GAC reactor nor any other type.

I run GFO and carbon in reactors just because it keeps my sump nice and neat.

Was thinking a ca reactor but can someone explain to me why they are needed

What's a Zeo or gac

I was dosing calcium, alk and magnesium manually. A calcium reactor basically slowly dissolves coral skeletons and re-introduces that Calcium and alk back into the system. I set mine up back in Aug. and I've never looked back. Way easier than manual or individual dosing and far better stability because it adds these elements 24/7

To be honest I'm not entirely sure what Zeo is (apart from a brand name). The last time I checked they don't put their ingredients on the bottles so I won't touch it. GAC stands for Granular Activated Carbon. As far as Ca Reactors go this article should help you decide which calcium carbonate supplementing system would work best for you and your needs: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/2/chemistry

The options discussed are:
Limewater (aka kalkwasser), used in a reactor or not, and with vinegar or not
Calcium carbonate/carbon dioxide reactors (CaCO3/CO2 reactors)
Calcium carbonate used without a reactor
Calcium acetate
One part inorganic salt mixtures
Two-part liquid additive systems
Water changes