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What Is a Calcium Reactor? A calcium reactor is a piece of equipment used in reef aquariums to maintain stable calcium and alkalinity levels automatically. It works by: Injecting CO₂ (carbon dioxide) into a sealed chamber Lowering the pH inside the reactor Slowly dissolving calcium-rich media (aragonite) Releasing calcium, alkalinity back into your tank What other equipment you will need to set up a calcium reactor:  Calcium reactor (e.g. Seatorch SM-60X) CO₂ cylinder CO₂ regulator + solenoid Bubble counter Feed pump (or manifold from return pump) Reactor media (aragonite) Optional: pH controller (recommended) Why Not Just Dose? Dosing works—but here’s the difference: Dosing add liquids daily or via doser, but can become unstable as demand increases.  Calcium Reactor: Runs 24/7 automatically, adjust once, then minimal maintenance. Scales easily with coral growth. That’s why experienced reefers switch to reactors for long-term stability.  If you’re serious about coral growth and long-term stability, it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a game changer. With SeaTorch calcium reactors, you’re investing in precision, reliability, and performance trusted by advanced reef keepers. SeaTorch calcium reactors are available in 4 different models, with media capacities ranging from 4L to 12L or add-on chamber, allowing you to choose the perfect size for your reef system. From compact setups to high-demand SPS systems, there is a SeaTorch reactor designed to match your needs.  

MBBR Bio Media Reactor VS Meida Reactor This is a very common confusion in aquarium filtration—because both look similar (same reactor body), but they work completely differently. Media ReactorDesigned for chemical filtration, a media reactor forces water through specialised media such as carbon or GFO to remove impurities, toxins, and excess nutrients. It delivers targeted, high-efficiency water polishing. MBBR Bio Media ReactorBuilt for biological filtration, an MBBR reactor uses freely moving bio media to cultivate beneficial bacteria. These bacteria naturally break down ammonia and nitrite, providing a powerful and stable biological foundation for your system. How it works: Media Reactor Pump pushes water through a fixed chamber Media stays mostly static or gently tumbling Used for: Carbon → remove toxins GFO → remove phosphate Biopellet → reduce nitrate It’s mainly chemical filtration (and some biological if biopellet) MBBR Bio Media Reactor Uses floating media (K1, K3, etc.) Media is constantly moving (fluidized) via air or flow Bacteria grow on media surface (biofilm) It’s pure biological filtration. Breaks down: Ammonia → Nitrite → Nitrate Key Differences: Media Reactor → Remove stuff (phosphate, toxins) MBBR → Process waste biologically Media Reactor → Replace media regularly MBBR → Almost self-cleaning (very low maintenance) When to use which? Use Media Reactor if: You need: Crystal clear water Phosphate control (reef tank) Chemical filtration Example: SPS reef systems Use MBBR if: You need: Strong biological filtration Heavy bioload system Fish-only or high nutrient tanks

Choosing the right skimmer isn’t just about buying the biggest or most expensive model. It’s about finding the perfect match for your aquarium’s size, bio-load, and long-term goals. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to choose the ideal skimmer—and how the SeaTorch Ultra Marine Skimmer series fits into that decision.

Learn how internal and external protein skimmers work and explore why the SeaTorch Ultra Marine Skimmer is an excellent choice for reef aquariums.