Is a calcium reactor necessary for keeping hard corals?
A calcium reactor is not necessary for keeping hard corals. One may choose to put a calcium reactor on a reef aquarium, but they can be problematic and a risk to your tank. NorthSide recommends calcium reactors only to advanced aquarists who realize the potential risk involved. Instead of having a calcium reactor, the average reef aquarist should add calcium and alkalinity components several times per week to maintain levels necessary for coral growth. For persons seeking very aggressive coral growth, calcium levels and carbonate hardness should be tested on a very regular basis to ensure oversaturation is not reached. Oversaturation of calcium causes all calcium to precipitate from the water, instantly dropping calcium levels.
