Help with reactors.

[tjh9100]

I actually was curious if I too could get some information on reactors. What is the purpose and importance of a reactor. Is it necessary or is it just an extra thing to help out. I have a 90 gallon tank I am currently setting up and I have a 20 gallon sump. What are some recommendations. I also have a wet/dry filter that sits in my sump but the more I am reading it doesn't seem anyone ever uses wet/dry. Please any help would be great because I am new to saltwater.

 

[tjh9100]

I also should correct my sump is a 20 gallon long not standard

 

[powdermonkey]

What are you trying to accomplish? There are several reactors so more info is needed from you.

 

[tjh9100]

Reef and fish in my tank obviously need both to properly balance the tank. Really I just don't know the difference and the purpose it provides to the tank.

 

[Chris07]

A reactor is usually just a canister that water pumps through the bottom and out the top. What you put inside of the canister depends on what you are trying to accomplish. You can run carbon, GFO, or some type of bio pellet. Use the search bar and you can find plenty of articles about those three. Basically a reactor and what you put in it is another step in your tanks filtration.

 

[tjh9100]

Ok so in all it is essentially another form of filter whether it be comparable to a media filter/bio/or chemical. So it is not 100% necessary considering I am already using a wet dry media filter with bio balls and a foam filter layer.

 

[Chris07]

No they are not necessary but they are very helpful. I am personally not a big fan of wet dry filters.

 

[tjh9100]

Ok so after alot of research I have decided I'm gonna start my tank the slower and cheaper way by doing everything from scratch. Starting with base rock and regular marine sand, not live. I will change out the wet dry filter for a reactor before I start intoducing fish and coral into the system. Thank you all for your help i'm sure I will be around with more questions as I am new to saltwater. Been into discus and other freshwater for years and now it's time to change it up.

 

[Chris07]

A reactor doesn't replace your current filtration system Its just an addition to it. I would recommend a basic sump with some type of filter or filter sock for the incoming water, a chamber for a protein skimmer, and a chamber for a return pump.

 

[tjh9100]

I currently have a foam sleeve filter on the overflow box with water passing through a wet/dry filter and a protein skimmer in the sump tank with a return pump and heater. I have not yet put chambers in the sumo tank but so plan on it within the next two months. I also am currently shopping for a uv sterilizer.

 

[tjh9100]

The wet dry filter that I have sits inside of a tank (the 20g long tank I am using)