Carbon Reactors

[jdivz87]

Opinions of carbon reactors.

thinking of getting a carbon reactor for my 40G b….. specifically thinking of the BRS mini kit. Opinions? Thoughts?

obviously water pumps into it… then on the opposite side it just come out to which a valve is typically on to control flow rate.

 

[Mark Novack]

That is the simplest one that I know of. Its good. Anything more to pass water through carbon is shinola.

 

[jdivz87]

That is the simplest one that I know of. Its good. Anything more to pass water through carbon is shinola.

Is it as a simple as I connect it, the pump feeds water through it then comes out the hose? In same compartment. That’s the part that’s tricky because the videos don’t really talk or say

 

[dwest]

Is it as a simple as I connect it, the pump feeds water through it then comes out the hose? In same compartment. That’s the part that’s tricky because the videos don’t really talk or say

Yes, that’s how it works. I have one of those and have used it in the past. But 99% of my reefing time I have put carbon in a bag in the sump. I find bag much easier, less complex, and “works” for my system.

 

[Mark Novack]

It is that simple. Reactor is a filter is just passing the water through the media. It can enter and exit into the same compartment. New water is always flowing past so its not just looping the same water. And above is good too. Carbon hanging in bag works well.

 

[jdivz87]

Yes, that’s how it works. I have one of those and have used it in the past. But 99% of my reefing time I have put carbon in a bag in the sump. I find bag much easier, less complex, and “works” for my system.

So I want to use a media bag but “they say” it doesn’t work as good. But a lot of people say it works just as good, their water is just as clear and noticeable different

 

[jdivz87]

It is that simple. Reactor is a filter is just passing the water through the media. It can enter and exit into the same compartment. New water is always flowing past so its not just looping the same water.

Makes sense!!

 

[dwest]

So I want to use a media bag but “they say” it doesn’t work as good. But a lot of people say it works just as good, their water is just as clear and noticeable different

I agree you will get differing opinions. Both will work. But after almost 30 years of reefing what works best for me is most often the simplest, good enough way. Either way, you will be fine. I have settled on ROX carbon, 1/2 amount recommended, in a bag in my sump, replaced every 2 weeks.

 

[jdivz87]

I prefer bag, now is your water crystal clear?? And where do you put the bag?

 

[Bladezz]

The ridged RO tubing that comes with the standard BRS kit is awful. I like everything else about them.

 

[dwest]

I prefer bag, now is your water crystal clear?? And where do you put the bag?

Water is crystal clear. For $10 you can buy enough bags for a long time. Why not try the bags first then use a reactor if bags don’t work for you? I put my bag in the sump.

Good luck!

 

[jdivz87]

I prefer bag, now is your water crystal clear?? And where do you put the bag?

Water is crystal clear. For $10 you can buy enough bags for a long time. Why not try the bags first then use a reactor if bags don’t work for you? I put my bag in the sump.

Good luck!

Definitely trying the bag first. I didn’t know about BRS rox 0.8 so I ordered the Red Sea spec hopefully it’s good. Heard good reviews from different forums.
Any specific area in the sump

 

[Mark Novack]

Anywhere that it gets steady flow. Carbon works more like a magnet that a net. The porosity is storage area where the molecules can stick and there is attraction between carbon and what it removes.

 

[jdivz87]

Anywhere that it gets steady flow. Carbon works more like a magnet that a net. The porosity is storage area where the molecules can stick and there is attraction between carbon and what it removes.

That small compartment after refugium and before return chamber

 

[Mark Novack]

That is a good place.

 

[jdivz87]

That is a good place.

Thank you sir. Keep you posted

 

[codenfx]

I use the brs mini reactor and recently stopped using it. I find it a hassle to take out and change. Now I just use media bags and put them in one of the filter cups. I also put them between the skimmer and return pump section. Either way works fine.

 

[anthonymckay]

Right now I just use a bag of carbon hanging inside my roller filter, so the roller filter compartment that water flows into is almost acting like a reactor. This is just a temporary solution though as I'd like to eventually move to a proper reactor. Just can't decide on what one I want to use.

 

[RichReef]

Stopped using reactors. Just more to maintain. I use a loosely filled bag on an eggcrate shelf in between sump baffles. Nothing has suffered or changed. IMO they are useless unless you are running GFO.