Can you run a successful reef long term without this....

revhtree · Sep 16, 2019

Can you run a a successful reef long term without some type of reactor and media?

What type of reactor and media combos are you running?

image via P Sherman

melanotaenia · Sep 16, 2019

Yes, you can; I run no reactors, and only run a skimmer with some micron pads in the sump the day after a water change, and that's it. Sometimes simpler is better!

Crabs McJones · Sep 16, 2019

What's your definition of long term? And does a refugium count as media since chaeto removes nitrates, phosphates, and filters?
I've been running my reef now for 5 years, no reactors, no media, just a refugium with chaeto and a skimmer

Eagle_Steve · Sep 16, 2019

10 tanks, oldest is 6 years at this point (longer if you count upsizing tanks when we moved the first time). No reactors on any of those. Only fuge and skimmer. Filter socks once a month for a day when I stir sand and blow out rocks. Granted some are nanos, but they make reactors for those also lol.

1 tank has a DIY charcoal reactor driven by an MJ1200. It is just a modified whole home filter with carbon in an old DI cartridge. It is about to come out, as it is a pain to keep flow consistent through the carbon.

Reefiness · Sep 16, 2019

Depends on the coral too. I ran a 90 gallon softy tank successfully for about 10yrs with no skimmer, no reactors, and no water changes. Had some hair algae, but coral thrived. Only ended that spree when I decided to go "kosher" and get all the bells and whistles so I can get sps. Sometimes I wish I was back in the good old days. Had a heavier wallet back then too.

Reefcowboy · Sep 16, 2019

revhtree said:
Can you run a a successful reef long term without some type of reactor and media?

What type of reactor and media combos are you running?

image via P Sherman

Is that zeolite shaker hooked to pvc pipe?

aqua_code · Sep 17, 2019

Carbon should go in a reactor and be at a small trickle. Check out melevs reef recent videos about it. Putting a bag of carbon in a filter sock 'can' work but it's not going to be nearly as effective. Can't believe only one other person voted no.

Mayerlyn A · Sep 17, 2019

I run an algae reactor as I have no room for a refugium. Would this count? Going on 2 years now and tank is happy.

motortrendz · Sep 17, 2019

I've always used reacors. A friend of mine has a very simple 75g tank with a hob filter and a hob skimmer. And his tank is beautiful. It drives me crazy actually bc I've spent thousands on filters and reactors for my tank(not complaining, I love my setup) but he can keep everything I can. But he definitly spends alot more time doing maintenance.

Timfish · Sep 17, 2019

Yup. Been doing it for decades.

Waterislife · Sep 17, 2019

I've been in saltwater since 1997, only run chemipure in my sump in place of sponge and filter socks

Retro Reefer · Sep 17, 2019

I don’t run them, occasionally I will use carbon for short periods of time but I just put it in a filter sock replacement cup which seems to work great.

krbshappy71 · Sep 17, 2019

The first pic in this post is so intimidating to me. So beautiful too, LOL! Too much to learn.

SaracensRugby · Sep 17, 2019

I mainly use a refugium with chaeto, and skimmer. It's a Triton style sump with no socks so nothing to change there. I do run a carbon reactor from time to time, but not on a consistent basis. Recent pic of my mixed reef tank that is 1.5 years in.

BeejReef · Sep 17, 2019

I don't know, but I'm sure trying ;Joyful
Deluxe Elite Bag-O-Carbon (it is the good stuff) and
XXL Turbocharged Hunk-O-Chaeto

If I somehow make a mess of things, I'll sometimes put a filter pad in the sump baffles for a day or two.

WV Reefer · Sep 17, 2019

I do not run anything other than the basics: lights, powerheads and heat.

Waters · Sep 17, 2019

I voted yes you can run one without any reactors but it really depends on the tank....although there are other ways to remove unwanted "stuff" other than reactor media. I run three reactors.....one with GFO, one with Carbon, and one with CO2 absorbent media.

Quietman · Sep 17, 2019

Well I sure hope so....no plans to run reactor, just a small amount of GAC in my media basket. But I did set it up this way on purpose...carbon dosing and big skimmer. Plus routine WC and understand a bit more maintenance maybe required. We'll see. I'm not claiming any success until at least the 2 year point. Seems to be the generally accepted min on success time.

MnFish1 · Sep 17, 2019

I have a 'reactor' that has carbon in it - but - its really no different than having it in a filter sock - so I wasnt sure how to answer this question. (I answered no) - I have tended to try to minimize (over time) the use of automation/reactors, etc - as its just one more thing to 'go wrong'. That said - I did order a mindstream...