View Full Version : need reactor advice!
fishgate
03/03/2012, 07:49 AM
Are either of these ok? I like the first better since it includes the pump.
http://www.aquariumguys.com/poly-media-reactor.html
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+21247+11586&pcatid=11586
fishgate
03/03/2012, 08:01 AM
Also: I have an almost new Fluval 105 canister filter not being used. If I removed everything (all media) and just put in some phosphate absorbing pellets, would that suffice for a reactor?
drparker
03/03/2012, 08:03 AM
I had the several of the 2nd one. Replaced with BRS reactors (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/reactors/gfo-and-carbon-reactors)and love them, they are so much better.
fishgate
03/03/2012, 08:15 AM
Those BRS reactors are nice! I really like they they use standard components from what looks like their RO systems. I think these just went to the top of my list. The only thing is they look like they need to be mounted and are not designed for HOB which is what I would like, so I will have to see where or if I can mount this anywhere. Also they are all out of stock. So maybe I'll just use the Fluval until they are back in stock.
drparker
03/03/2012, 08:32 AM
Yep, they are using RO components, so you can also run a sediment filter and turn it into a water scrubber.
I got the dual unit so I can carbon and GFO. Turned the bracket upside down and hung in on my sump.
fishgate
03/03/2012, 08:35 AM
Hey how do you handle the return flow? It looks like they just come with a small tube on no real plumbing/hangers? Can you take a pic of your output? I'm guessing you just let it dump into your sump, which I do not have. I'll need some sort of HOB method for the return. Maybe stuff it into my HOB skimmer?
sirreal63
03/03/2012, 08:39 AM
You can use your canister, many of us have done that for many years. Remove sponges and other media, put GFO and Carbon in media bags so they cannot escape and let her run. If you have to use a sponge, remember to clean the reactor every week or two so you don't turn it into a biological filter. I have also run NP pellets in mine, just by tossing them in the bottom of the canister. The people who make reactors want you to believe it is the only way to run media, but the truth is, it isn't. :-)
drparker
03/03/2012, 08:56 AM
They use 1/2 RO fittings (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/reverse-osmosis-filters-and-systems/ro-plumbing-fittings/1-2-reverse-osmosis-fittings), I got some extra hose and 90 degree fittings.
http://www.bigaperture.com/photos/i-sS2WkvS/0/M/i-sS2WkvS-M.jpg
fishgate
03/03/2012, 10:25 AM
OK I just put in the Fluval 105 totally empty of media but with the media baskets in as they are what is needed for the flow through the filter to work (they mate up with the powerhead/top). I removed the sponge holder bracket and sponges and on that side I let the bag of Phos-zorb just float freely in there. So the flow is "pulled" down through the phos-zorb and up through the empty media baskets back into the tank.
My phosphate is pretty low, around .5 ppm but I want to get it to zero. The phos-zorb also says it absorbs silicates. I'll test daily to see if it is doing anything.
If this works, I'll just leave it, if not, I'll get that BRS reactor.
sirreal63
03/03/2012, 11:55 AM
Keep in mind the aluminum based phosphate removers are not as effective as the GFO based ones. You also do not want to get to zero PO4, but .5 is pretty high for SPS, not sure what test you use, but expect there to be some error. :-)
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