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The requirements for substrate to be used in a calcium reactor are:
- composes predominantely of calcium carbonate.
- low levels of impurities of things like phosphate and heavy metals.
- not too large or too small particle size (~5mm is good).
I have used all of the below options, with all of them working
as they should. Currently are using Aquamedic Hydrocarbonate as
that currently has the best price out of the current Australian
available commercial options.
Coral Sand
The coral sand typically used as a substrate in a marine
aquarium is derived from broken down and fragmented coral
skeletons. Main issue with this is that it can contain a fair
amount of phosphate, but is an option.
Coral Rubble
Composing simply of small fragments of coral skeletons, which is
what coral sand is made out of anyway. Main issue with this is
that it can contain a fair amount of phosphate. But is definitely
a viable alternative.
Crushed Marble
Marble is simply a different crystal structure of calcium
carbonate to that built by coral skeletons. It is changed from
aragonite to calcite due to high pressure and temperature. As
long as it is a white form of marble, fine to use. The only issue
is that it requires a lower pH to dissolve, this crystal structure is
more stable. Therefore, more carbon dioxide will be used to
operate the unit.
Calcium Reactor Substrates
There are a number of commercially available products for use in a
calcium reactor. These are simply a "pure" form of aragonite
calcium carbonate, with claimed low levels of things like phosophates.
The three brands that are currently available
in Australia is Aquamedic Hydrocarbonate, CaribSea A.R.M. Calcium
Reactor Media and Tunze Hardness Granules - Automat Reactor Media.
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