PAX BELLUM ARID??TRASH OR TREASURE

[Lightspeed]

hi all, have searched the forum on Pax Arids, saw more in sales threafs than positive discussion and feedback with by far the majority having issues with dead Chaeto and slime, dino's etc.

My Supermarin 200 occupies so much room in my sump i have had to take the refugium separation plate out, so wss considering equipment like the PB Arid.

My question and cause for concern is the overwhelmingly negative experiences by purchasers.

Is anyone using this equipment successfully or is it one of those expensive vases that sit in the corner and chalked up to now wiser after the experience but somwhat poorer financially???

 

[mitch91175]

Never used it but never have because I figured it would be a PITA to open and harvest on a routine basis.

 

[CoralNerd]

I love my Reef Octopus algae reactor same concept as PB.

 

[TLO45]

I purchased the largest unit and boy did it work! In a matter of weeks it completely stripped the system of nutrients so efficiently that I had to pull it offline. Worked fantastic for me and built extremely well. Personally if you are on the line between sizes I’d recommend the lesser of the two but as far as well built and efficiency...it worked great for me!

 

[TeotheCoral]

Trash...dead chaeto, slime then dino

 

[Lightspeed]

Trash...dead chaeto, slime then dino

@TeotheCoral Thanks for that feedback, many i have read have had the same experience.
Has anyone actually figured out as to why?
Do you think it is flow related?
Lack of exposure to air?

Those above using other brand reactors, are you dosing for the reactor specifically too?

Am still trying to understand as to why you would need to dose certain minerals for a reactor, and am wholly aware of PB nomenclature and explanation as to why.
Chaeto for many purchasers/users simply worked fine in a sump, yet after they put it in a PB reactor seems to turn to slime and everything falls to #%$@.

Many users i have read using the PB unit particularly, say it worked crazy effective for the first few weeks then uuuggghhh, but some swear by them too.

Do you guys n gals think it could possibly be a design flaw, or in your experience is it likely it could be owner error, though i am pretty sure most owners of a PB would try everything before giving in, as its not the cheapest led lit vase on the market.

Don't get me wrong i can see the merits of the concept, but truly am on the fence about this one, i just don't need an expensive Murano acrylic vase.