Media Reactor Vs Chaeto Reactor

[Espino963]

Hey everyone,

I recently ordered a BRS Dual Reactor as I had the intention of running them on a future set up, however I will be purchasing an established tank this weekend. The tank I'm going to purchase has a Chaeto reactor already.

Which route would be the best to go? This would be my first time running either since I'm still fairly new to the hobby. The total water Volume including the sump is about 80 Gallons.

Thanks in advanced.

 

[tricky_tran]

2 different things. BRS Dual Reactor is for the GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide. Phosphate removal Media) and GAC (Granular Activated Carbon. removing water impurities). the Chaeto Reactor is for growing Chaetomorpha (Macro Algae) which helps with Nutrient control, like nitrates.

 

[Espino963]

2 different things. BRS Dual Reactor is for the GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide. Phosphate removal Media) and GAC (Granular Activated Carbon. removing water impurities). the Chaeto Reactor is for growing Chaetomorpha (Macro Algae) which helps with Nutrient control, like nitrates.

So i could run a Chaeto Reactor and Carbon as well as GFO? I think i read that GFO will take away nutrients needed to grow the Chaeto. My ultimate goal would be to keep Phos down and have crystal clear water.

 

[Saltyanimals]

So i could run a Chaeto Reactor and Carbon as well as GFO? I think i read that GFO will take away nutrients needed to grow the Chaeto. My ultimate goal would be to keep Phos down and have crystal clear water.

Yes you could. I think you should resist the urge to put all these things online at the same time. Cool and fun factor aside for the gear, you may strip too much away. Just make sure you think through what specific thing you're trying to solve for and solution that.. then allow weeks to pass to see the impact. Personally I haven't run GFO in years. Carbon occasionally as needed to solve toxin concerns. Yet I prefer chaeto in fuge vs reactor (if you have space) for the pods.