Phosban Reactors--Do they really work?

[AlexB650]

I've never used one, but have been thinking about picking one up to keep my tank running cleaner. Do they work? has anyone really noticed a difference after hooking one up? also, how will it effect chaeto growth?
Thanks in advance,
Alex

[Jim_S]

Yes, they work as well as the media you choose to run in them. And yes, they will affect macro algae growth.

HTH

Jim

[USC-fan]

yes they work very well.

[dbuesking]

I had a problem with po4 and could not get corralling to start. Also had various algae blums that made my tank look like s**t. Installed po4 reactor and I could not believe the deference. I am a believer.

[Craig Lambert]

It absolutely works Start with 1/2 the recommended amount and monitor your ALK daily. It can cause an innitial drop in ALK. Great product!

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1182318&highlight=gfo+how+good+is+it

[AlexB650]

ok, i think i'm gonna order one--from what i've read, everyone seems to agree that the tlf is the best bang for the buck, so what should i put in it? rowaphos (that's what some say)? phosban? and what pump works best? some have said the mj100 while others 200, etc.


hey craig, thanks for your help on the skimmer--i got it dialed in and it's skimming like crazy. the 5/8" hose was choking it back quite a bit.

[USC-fan]

I use PHOSaR HC and a mini jet 404.

[Craig Lambert]

Warner Marine Phosar. It's become very popular. It's identical to phosban, but costs less. You will want to thoroughly rinse this before placing the reactor on your tank. Run about 5G of RODI, or old saltwater during a water change through the reactor. Minijet 404 pump is all you need to run water through the reactor. Run the water slowly so that only a bit of the media tumbles at its surface.

[AlexB650]

thanks everyone. one last question. i have an old power head that i don't use; it's an aquaclear 30 (175 gph). can i use that or is it too strong?

[Craig Lambert]

It will work. You will have to throtle it back, but the two little fishies reactor comes with a device to throtle your pump back.

[AlexB650]

awesome...ordering it in now. thanks!!!

[kdblove_99]

I hope you ordered the TLF 150 and not the Kent.

I hate the kent one lock tops are a very bad design

[carlos_fb]

How does a phosban reactors affect macro algae growth?

[Jim_S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11283703#post11283703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carlos_fb
How does a phosban reactors affect macro algae growth?

By removing the phosphates, there is less potential food for the algae, so growth will slow. That is, unless the media does not remove all the phosphate from the water column.