Media Reactor Trouble

[scottj6]

I started using a BRS media reactor and went to change out the media for the first time. I turned off the reactor pump and started twisting the canister off and got water all over the inside of my stand. What is the best way to change out the media and keep things dry while doing so?

 

[T-J]

Turn off pump. Tilt reactor to drain off some of the water into the tank/sump. Disconnect input line off reactor. Walk to sink and drain off water. Open reactor and discard media. Rinse out. Refill with new (and rinsed) media. Fill reactor with fresh saltwater. Screw top on. Plug pump back into reactor.
Done.

 

[Fish Think Pink]

I started using a BRS media reactor and went to change out the media for the first time. I turned off the reactor pump and started twisting the canister off and got water all over the inside of my stand. What is the best way to change out the media and keep things dry while doing so?

I use a pan under the canister. I go slow, waiting for air to get into line to break siphon before I pull it all the way off.

okay - his is better description than mine I'd started to write - it just lacks the safety plastic tray I also use lol

Turn off pump. Tilt reactor to drain off some of the water into the tank/sump. Disconnect input line off reactor. Walk to sink and drain off water. Open reactor and discard media. Rinse out. Refill with new (and rinsed) media. Fill reactor with fresh saltwater. Screw top on. Plug pump back into reactor.
Done.

 

[scottj6]

The reactor is inside my stand that has no sump. I have an AIO box in the tank that the lines are fed to. Is it possible there is a back siphon from the output? Why disconnect the input line?

 

[scottj6]

A plastic tray is a good idea

 

[T-J]

The reactor is inside my stand that has no sump. I have an AIO box in the tank that the lines are fed to. Is it possible there is a back siphon from the output? Why disconnect the input line?

If you were concerned about a siphon, then you wouldn't be opening the reactor underneath the tank in the first place.
If you take away anything, then understand that the best option is to NOT open the reactor inside your stand. Use a pan as suggested, or whatever other method you choose, but take the reactor to a sink and open it. That is the safest and easiest way to do this.

 

[homer1475]

I'm going to assume your reactor is under the tank in the stand?

It's a simple siphon. Put a shutoff on the input line. Thats what i did when I had a biocube.

Mur-lok RO Inline Ball Valve Push Connect

Why does BRS recommend this? Mur-lok ball valves are some of the highest quality ball valves for push connect style tubing on the market. With high quality parts, smoother operation, and dual O-rings they will give you a lifetime of leak free operation. Mur-lok RO fittings are the only reverse...

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[T-J]

I'm going to assume your reactor is under the tank in the stand?

It's a simple siphon. Put a shutoff on the input line. Thats what i did when I had a biocube.

Mur-lok RO Inline Ball Valve Push Connect

Why does BRS recommend this? Mur-lok ball valves are some of the highest quality ball valves for push connect style tubing on the market. With high quality parts, smoother operation, and dual O-rings they will give you a lifetime of leak free operation. Mur-lok RO fittings are the only reverse...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Pretty sure the BRS reactors come with the ball valve.

 

[homer1475]

Pretty sure the BRS reactors come with the ball valve.

I know the mini does, not sure on the full size one, or the dual.

 

[scottj6]

If you were concerned about a siphon, then you wouldn't be opening the reactor underneath the tank in the first place.
If you take away anything, then understand that the best option is to NOT open the reactor inside your stand. Use a pan as suggested, or whatever other method you choose, but take the reactor to a sink and open it. That is the safest and easiest way to do this.

I understand what you are saying but thats the only option. Theres no way I could pull the lines through and take everything to the sink

 

[T-J]

I understand what you are saying but thats the only option. Theres no way I could pull the lines through and take everything to the sink

You don't have to pull any lines. Like another person said, just put a ball valve on each line. Close the valves, disconnect the media reactor from the lines and take just the reactor to the sink to drain/empty.

 

[scottj6]

My wife had a good idea. Add a second ball valve on the output and close both valves off to reduce spillage. We'll see how well that works

 

[scottj6]

You don't have to pull any lines. Like another person said, just put a ball valve on each line. Close the valves, disconnect the media reactor from the lines and take just the reactor to the sink to drain/empty.

Exactly what I'm going to do. Thanks everyone for your help