Myth or fact?

[Aquattro]

Yes, a reactor works best between 6.5 & 6.7. Ca will start to dissolve though in the high 7's. The low pH in a reactor is dripped back into the tank at such a slow rate that off gassing of the CO2 is quick and the high Alk will cover any other difference. Mainly though just dripping the effluent into the system flow will remove any CO2.

[Aquattro]

Here is a great link to Ca reactors. Follow the links at the bottom for articles expanding on the chemistry by Craig Bingman and Randy Holmes-Farley.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

[mark]

Know in the 3 years I had a DSB it's level did drop and would need to add more sand occasionally. Some of it, even with sand sifters was probably compaction, but some of it must of dissolved.

Now did I rely of even think of the sand to maintain my waters parameters, no, for that was water changes.

[IceTurf]

could be the sand/minerals dissolve bit by bit normally, but not optimally in your average reef aquarium

[mark]

Originally Posted by IceTurf

could be the sand/minerals dissolve bit by bit normally, but not optimally in your average reef aquarium

Again, that's why some rely on a reactor.

[IceTurf]

lol yea ok tks guys, i think I've got my answer