Order of Operation With Reactors

[Andrew Zemany]

Starting a new build on a112. I intend to run a carbon reactor. Will do gfo down the line as needed. Ill be doing bio pelletts and uv.

Would it be advisable to run the carbon and bio right out the gate? (I know to slowly work up bio)

Interested on the uv too. Ive seen it mentioned to wait on uv until full cycle and proper bacterial establishment. Others are indifferent.

General thoughts appreciated.

 

[Formulator]

Why the biopellets? Not really needed for a reef tank with sufficient rock.

The nitrifying bacteria are primarily on the rock as a film so UV probably won’t have a huge negative impact, but it also doesn’t have much benefit. I would wait until done cycling, but I think you could argue either way.

Carbon could wait also. It won’t hurt anything to run out of the gate, but its just a waste of money IMO. You don’t really have anything to remove unless you are going the old fashioned “throw in a couple cocktail shrimp” cycling method…