Under bulk elements I summarize calcium, magnesium and KH. Even if this representation is simplified, a distinction can be made here in the basic supply systems for the supply of bulk elements:
Balling or calcium reactor.
Balling or Kalki?
In the balling system, the bulk elements are added as solutions, whereas a calcium reactor dissolves dead coral rock and thus supplies the corals with their building blocks for the formation of the calcareous skeleton.
For smaller tanks (<500l) I recommend balling. This is more economical. There is now a wide range of systems that are based on the classic balling system and integrate the supply of trace elements into the system. With the Balling Light system from Fauna Marin, the trace elements are added to the balling solutions according to consumption. The quantity of trace elements can also be adjusted as required.
From a tank volume of around 500 l, it may be worth purchasing a calcium reactor. I have used several models in the last 12 years of active marine aquaristics. For me, the DaStaCo has proven to be the best calcium reactor. There are not only positive opinions about these calcium reactors. They are expensive and the stability of the construction and the endurance of the dosing pumps are criticized, especially in the larger series - but for me there is no alternative in terms of function.
If the DaStaCo is set up correctly, the carbonate hardness and calcium value in the tank can be kept at a very stable level. And when this happens (and the other parameters are in balance), coral growth explodes.
