CarlI just found out that those new $20 bills were designed specifically so that they won't grow on trees anymore so we're all going to have to start working for it now.

I may be looking for a setup in about 6-12 months for my new tank.  If anyone comes across any other fairly good priced units over the next little while please post the model here so I can have a place to start looking when I have more "Green". (and red and blue now too.)

Flaz, I agree with the balancing thing. It's a great way to let the system babysit itself. What I am having a difficult time balancing is my check book. Holy s*** it is getting expensive! I thought that I would save so much money getting a system with all of the functional components already, but WOW! I think that I have dropped over a grand so far for a system I spent $550 for. And I still need LR! I think that if I spend $200 on a CR right now, I'll be sleeping with the fishes!

Thank goodness money grows on trees!

Carl- I built my calcium reactor and it was a fairly easy project.  If you build your own I would plan on spending around $100 (if not more).  If I were to do it over again I just buy a reactor from George Weber (GEO) if you can find one for $150 (even at $230 they would be better than most).  His stuff is better quality than most DIY people can produce (I have one of his skimmers and love it!).

FWIW, I'll never run another reef aquarium without a calcium reactor again.  After the reactor is setup and your system is balanced then you save a ton of time on maintenance and monitoring.  I love it!

Shane, are you saying that your calcium is being depleted much more rapidly then your alkalinity?  Or are you also adding buffer?  What's your alkalinity?

Sidebar:

I personally think that kalkwasser, and really all balanced additive schemes, should be thought of as alkalinity additives.  You'll keep yourself out of potential trouble doing that.  Usually alkalinity adjustments can be safely made using a balanced additive, but balanced additives should not be used to adjust calcium levels.  If you do, it will drive your alkalinity sky high causing eventual collapse of both calcium and alkalnity.  Alkalinity is more important to watch then calcium so keep an eye on it!

Shane H wrote: I've been using a DIY kalkwasser "reactor" for some time now. I really like it - however, I can only get my calcium to about 330 ppm with kalkwasser. I have to add Turbo Calcium to get it up over 400. But I do use a lot less than I would otherwise. I havn't used any Bi-Ionic either - which is nice. Cost me just under $100. Well worth it. IMO

I do not have a kalk reactor but I do drip kalk 24/7 and have to do the same.  I add Turbo Calcium and Superbuffer twice a week to maintain 440ppm and 11dKH.  The initial cost of a CR is high but it will eliminate having to use Turbo Calcium and SuperBuffer and the maintenance cost on a CR is low.

Kalkwasser Reactors or dripping kalk will only work to a point. 

I really don't see how you can determine your calcium load by the amount of money you've spent.

There is nothing wrong with starting with a calcium reactor.  It will be more stable & easier...  and will save you money in the long run.  I personally plan to drip kalk even after the CR is in place. 

Check out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=23572 83214&category=20758 on ebay. I've bought from this guy and he makes good product. You should be able to get this one for 90-95 shipped. He's in Canada so it take about 2-3 wks to get to you. But if you don't have the time to make one your self. This is the way to go. You can come check out mine if you'd like.

Kirk