A calcium reactor is a very simple piece of equipment that dissolves carbon dixoide into the systems water then brings that water into contact a calcium carbonate substrate, CaCO₃. The lower pH caused by the carbon dioxide increases the solubility of the calcion carbonate. It therefore adds both calcium, Ca²⁺, and carbonate, CO₃^2-, to the system, increasing both calcium and alkalinity levels.

The calcium reactor adds 1 meq/l alkalinity for 20ppm calcium, which is the same ratio that is utilised by calcifying organisms. This is the reason why it is such a good techinque for maintaining the calcium and alkalinity levels, it adds them in the same ratio in which they are used up. This is also why it cannot be using for fixing imbalances of calcium/alkalinity, a separate additive (calcium chloride or sodium bicarbonate) has to be used for that or significant water changes.

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