Bio Reactors??

[DisneyMatt10]

Hey all,

I'm sure this has been discussed about 3.8 million times. . . But are bio-reactors really necessary for a sump set up?? I was at a LFS this past weekend, and he was explaining to me how the sump setup works, and he put a very heavy emphasis on having multiple reactors in the sump setup. However, this is the first I have ever heard of reactors. I don't know to much about them yet, as I have not full researched them. But I was wondering:

If anyone on here has any experience with reactors?

What benefits do reactors provide?

What draw backs do reactors have??

-and-

How necessary are reactors?

Thanks in advance for any advice you all can provide me with!!

~Matt

 

[sawdonkey]

Reactors can be used for a lot of purposes, but in general, they are just a way to get more water to flow through a media. You can use a wide range of media for a wide range of purposes.

I run two reactors: one with GFO to keep phosphates under control, and one with biopellets to control nitrates.

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

Not necessary at all.
After so many different reactors over the years, I now only have the tank, 2 pumps(vortechs but ya), a Tunze 9001, and 6 drew's dosers connected to the RA. Tank looks so good I no longer get jealous of TOTM's.. (red sea reef care program ftw)

Otherwise reactor's are another piece of equipment that can break, leak, get plugged, after unplugging itself spoil the water, more pumps that could leak voltage... I'm probably missing some of the downsides. My biggest thing anymore is to NOT trap particulates. As I fully believe the tank does better with no filter socks or media in reactors to catch particulates, and then in turn they sit there and rot until cleaned out. Instead they continue through the cycle of degradation and become food for critters. I've got black sun corals spawning and popping up around the tank, all the while my acro's are doin just fine.(and my crinoid)