Calcium reactor

Reactors may be used in elaborate freshwater and brackish aquariums where freshwater clams and other invertebrates need a constant supply of calcium.In marine and reef aquariums, a calcium reactor dissolves a calcium carbonate media in order to balance alkalinity and introduce other trace elements.

An acidic solution is produced by injecting carbon dioxide into a reaction chamber with salt water and calcium rich media.

The reactor dissolves the calcium-laden media to provide bicarbonates HCO3− (alkalinity) and calcium (Ca++) ions at the same rate as consumed during calcification.

The reaction formula is: Inside the reaction chamber, a calcium rich media (aragonite), mainly CaCO3, is forced into contact with water injected with carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to create carbonic acid (H2CO3).

The flow rate of carbon dioxide is monitored so that the dissolved gas goes into the solution, with a minimum unconsumed.

This is important because a high rate of water flow into the reactor can reduce its efficiency, thus resulting in underproduction and a waste of CO2.

When the pH rises above a certain level, a valve opens, allowing carbon dioxide to enter the reactor.