Chaeto Reactor Unboxing

125mph · 02/24/2017, 02:53 PM

I've noticed a chaeto reactor at my lfs for a few months now. I looked online but didn't find much other than the diy or the one shown in marine depots site but it's more of a hack. Finally picked one up!

Here is the store:

I like that the led is internal in the reactor, and the reactor material shields the light so I don't get algae all over my sump.

There are three chambers for chaeto or any other macro:

Can't wait to test this out! Getting very tired of cleaning my sump/refugium each week.

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reeftivo · 02/24/2017, 03:10 PM

wow!

interesting design for sure. that light probe down the middle is impressive.

does that shop have a website? I need to pick up one of those and try it out.

thanks for the post!

tivo

125mph · 02/24/2017, 03:21 PM

It's aquatic warehouse in san diego. www.aquaticwarehouse.com

I don't think its on their website yet but you can call and I'm sure they can send you one.. The on site model is pretty impressive. TONS of chaeto.

ca1ore · 02/24/2017, 03:30 PM

Nice! Similar design to the ARRID .... or maybe ARID

mcgyvr · 02/24/2017, 04:46 PM

Looks good.. simple construction..

Desert Sea · 02/24/2017, 05:07 PM

Do you know who makes it or what brand it is?

125mph · 02/24/2017, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Sea

Do you know who makes it or what brand it is?

I think its a local company in california. I've only seen it about a month ago at the LFS. It's actually in two LFS in san diego, I think they guy is giving it to various LFS's in southern california to get free advertisement.

Both stores have told me it works really well; no leaks and the chaeto is growing crazy fast.

Dont know what the name of the company.

125mph · 02/24/2017, 05:30 PM

This is the box....

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Desert Sea · 02/24/2017, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 125mph

This is the box....

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Yeah that's pretty generic. Maybe a start up company with a new product launch. Looks like a nicely built unit. Almost looks like something MTC or Life Reef would build. Let us know how it works.

Reef Dude · 02/24/2017, 07:23 PM

This looks so similar to the NextReef reactors. NextReef has an MR1 reactor. I see this box says MR120. I wonder if this is just a coincidence or if NextReef makes this product.

125mph · 02/24/2017, 07:25 PM

Yes it looks very similar to nextreef. I have two of their units! But I think it's a coincidence . The led looks pretty rad. Whites, blue and red. The pic in the store shows massive chaeto ball in a month. Led us suppose to submergible too. We'll see!

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Reef Dude · 02/24/2017, 07:53 PM

Yeah, I used a NextReef reactor a while back... That's what made me think of it. Keep us posted on your experience with this. I'd be interested in something like this if it works.

ca1ore · 02/24/2017, 11:05 PM

The cynic in me wonders how much chaeto went in at the beginning of the month

greaps · 02/25/2017, 10:28 AM

These are cool for the sake of space saving. I think reactors are more work than reaching into a sump refugium.

Starvin Marvin · 02/25/2017, 02:56 PM

I have had my DIY model running for a while.
The only issue is that the Chaeto is all bleaching out and probably going to die soon.

However I am running NOPOX and I have heard you can't really use Chaeto when you do that. I wasn't sure if I would stick with Nopox so I set up the reactor.

Yours looks awesome!

I used this material:

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dwall174 · 02/25/2017, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 125mph

I've noticed a chaeto reactor at my lfs for a few months now. I looked online but didn't find much other than the diy or the one shown in marine depots site but it's more of a hack. Finally picked one up!

Thanks for the info. on the chaeto reactor

I've been out of the hobby for several due to work keeping me away from home a lot. New job keeps me home now & not out of town like before, So I'm looking to set a system up again.

My last system had a separate refugium that I kept chaeto in & it worked great! I had to thin out the chaeto about every other week, My LFS use to love seeing me walk in the door with a big bag of chaeto.

My old system was down in the basement where I had a lot of room, But the new set-up I want in the living-room where it will be seen more. I'm hoping to get everything I need into the stand which I'll be starting on this spring/summer once the weather warms up.

Doug

jwilliams860 · 02/25/2017, 08:16 PM

Ha, I'm glad somebody else found this. I'm on the east coast and one of the LFS here has had them for about a month. Exact same no name brand, I asked about the brand and they said that got them from a distributor. I almost pulled the trigger on one. Only thing that held me back is because I didn't want to run another pump to feed it. Skimz is also making one that has the pump built underneath the unit. I was curious about pricing on those but they haven't been released state side yet.
I went over this unit at the LFS and was impressed with the light and build quality.
Looking forward to updates.

125mph · 02/25/2017, 08:56 PM

I'm planning to plumb mine with the return pump valve. No extra pumps.

Mine won't be up until April though.. new tank cones in April!

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jwilliams860 · 02/25/2017, 10:11 PM

Yea I'd need to do some plumbing revision to add a line out on my return. I have a pump already in service for my Genesis reef water changer, I may tee off of it.

Cajunreefer87 · 02/27/2017, 09:31 PM

I would like to hear if they reactors really work as well as claimed.

wiz careefa · 02/27/2017, 09:43 PM

They do work. I've seen these in actions and they grew quite rapidly to the point you could not see light anymore. These are popping up everywhere in Southern California. They actually even have a larger one than posted above.

tmnigat · 02/28/2017, 12:18 AM

looks very nice

JohnnyK731 · 03/03/2017, 09:36 PM

Here is mine same size and purchased at the same location it's been running for a little over a month. I started with a hand full of cheato that I stretched into the three chambers. So far I love it. I plan on cleaning it out this weekend and starting it over. IMO great product.

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bloodshrimp · 03/11/2017, 08:44 AM

Does the LED gets hot? Is there a heat sink to cool it down?

wildman926 · 03/11/2017, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloodshrimp

Does the LED gets hot? Is there a heat sink to cool it down?

That is why I built mine like I did. It is an Aquamaxx biopellet reactor. I have put chrome duct tape between the leds except for one spot, so I can monitor it to see when it is full. The first pic is when I first launched it. The second one is how it is now -

02/24/2017, 02:53 PM	#1
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	Chaeto Reactor Unboxing I've noticed a chaeto reactor at my lfs for a few months now. I looked online but didn't find much other than the diy or the one shown in marine depots site but it's more of a hack. Finally picked one up! Here is the store: I like that the led is internal in the reactor, and the reactor material shields the light so I don't get algae all over my sump. There are three chambers for chaeto or any other macro: Can't wait to test this out! Getting very tired of cleaning my sump/refugium each week. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

02/24/2017, 03:10 PM	#2
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	wow! interesting design for sure. that light probe down the middle is impressive. does that shop have a website? I need to pick up one of those and try it out. thanks for the post! tivo __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

02/24/2017, 03:21 PM	#3
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	It's aquatic warehouse in san diego. www.aquaticwarehouse.com I don't think its on their website yet but you can call and I'm sure they can send you one.. The on site model is pretty impressive. TONS of chaeto. __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

02/24/2017, 03:30 PM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Nice! Similar design to the ARRID .... or maybe ARID __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/24/2017, 04:46 PM	#5
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Looks good.. simple construction.. __________________ Who me?

02/24/2017, 05:07 PM	#6
Desert Sea Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 294	Do you know who makes it or what brand it is?

02/24/2017, 05:30 PM	#8
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	This is the box.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

02/24/2017, 07:23 PM	#10
Reef Dude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: York, Pa Posts: 89	This looks so similar to the NextReef reactors. NextReef has an MR1 reactor. I see this box says MR120. I wonder if this is just a coincidence or if NextReef makes this product.

02/24/2017, 07:25 PM	#11
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	Yes it looks very similar to nextreef. I have two of their units! But I think it's a coincidence . The led looks pretty rad. Whites, blue and red. The pic in the store shows massive chaeto ball in a month. Led us suppose to submergible too. We'll see! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

02/24/2017, 07:53 PM	#12
Reef Dude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: York, Pa Posts: 89	Yeah, I used a NextReef reactor a while back... That's what made me think of it. Keep us posted on your experience with this. I'd be interested in something like this if it works.

02/24/2017, 11:05 PM	#13
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	The cynic in me wonders how much chaeto went in at the beginning of the month __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

02/25/2017, 10:28 AM	#14
greaps Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 500	These are cool for the sake of space saving. I think reactors are more work than reaching into a sump refugium. __________________ 50g SCA Aquarium, build in progress.

02/25/2017, 02:56 PM	#15
Starvin Marvin Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 79	I have had my DIY model running for a while. The only issue is that the Chaeto is all bleaching out and probably going to die soon. However I am running NOPOX and I have heard you can't really use Chaeto when you do that. I wasn't sure if I would stick with Nopox so I set up the reactor. Yours looks awesome! I used this material: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

02/25/2017, 08:16 PM	#17
jwilliams860 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 407	Ha, I'm glad somebody else found this. I'm on the east coast and one of the LFS here has had them for about a month. Exact same no name brand, I asked about the brand and they said that got them from a distributor. I almost pulled the trigger on one. Only thing that held me back is because I didn't want to run another pump to feed it. Skimz is also making one that has the pump built underneath the unit. I was curious about pricing on those but they haven't been released state side yet. I went over this unit at the LFS and was impressed with the light and build quality. Looking forward to updates.

02/25/2017, 08:56 PM	#18
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	I'm planning to plumb mine with the return pump valve. No extra pumps. Mine won't be up until April though.. new tank cones in April! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

02/25/2017, 10:11 PM	#19
jwilliams860 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 407	Yea I'd need to do some plumbing revision to add a line out on my return. I have a pump already in service for my Genesis reef water changer, I may tee off of it.

02/27/2017, 09:31 PM	#20
Cajunreefer87 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 53	I would like to hear if they reactors really work as well as claimed.

02/27/2017, 09:43 PM	#21
wiz careefa Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 290	They do work. I've seen these in actions and they grew quite rapidly to the point you could not see light anymore. These are popping up everywhere in Southern California. They actually even have a larger one than posted above. Last edited by wiz careefa; 02/27/2017 at 09:45 PM. Reason: Adding more detail

02/28/2017, 12:18 AM	#22
tmnigat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 93	looks very nice

03/03/2017, 09:36 PM	#23
JohnnyK731 Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 70	Here is mine same size and purchased at the same location it's been running for a little over a month. I started with a hand full of cheato that I stretched into the three chambers. So far I love it. I plan on cleaning it out this weekend and starting it over. IMO great product. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/11/2017, 08:44 AM	#24
bloodshrimp Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 11	Does the LED gets hot? Is there a heat sink to cool it down?