Reactor a big plus?

[Jakepen]

Hey guys, I have the fusion 30l. And it is getting kind of out of hand. I was planning on getting the reactor from IM, but now I'm wondering, how necessary (does it improve conditions that much) it is. What are your thoughts. So far I have the tank, the stand, two Kessil 360s, spectral controller, the Kessil mounting arms (not goosenecks), ghost midsize skimmer, reefkeeper plus, mp10. Not to mention everything else required to maintain a reef tank.

 

[Lonny]

If your talking carbon and GFO then absolutely yes. A reactor is the best way to use those media. Imo. The carbon takes the yellow out of your water very well improving light penetration. The GFO will keep your phosphate down and you can run them together in the same reactor

 

[sc8kv123]

I've always found fluidized filtering to be the way to go. It's the best bang for your buck in my opinion. Passive filtration (mesh bag in the sump or media racks) don't seem to utilize the media to it's max. Reactors use your media better without wasting your money. They also have the flexibility to adjust the flow for each media type. Changing out the media is also easier and less messy.

All just my opinion though.

Edit: Also, what type of problem are you having? Algae issues? And how long has your tank been up and running?

 

[Reeferfourlife]

A reactor forces the water through the media which gives you maximum bang for your buck. Also it helps circulate the media so it doesn't clog with detritus.

 

[Hawain_Rob]

I just got the brs dual reactors and pump for $97 for 40g IM. I think it's a better deal then buying one mini max reactor for almost $100.

 

[Brian Kim]

I run 2 of those IM reactors on my JBJ45, one running BRS carbon and the other bioplastic from two fishes. My system is now 7 months old and have yet to see any algae outbreak.
I've tried going without reactors on my newly set up frag tank and just recently had a really bad diatom and cyano bacteria outbreak. It has a nice sump, filter socks, same Tunze skimmer, 2 wave makers, live rock/sand, Seachem matrix, Chemipure/purigen, refugium with cheato and bi-weekly water change.
Now I am thinking about purchasing the same IM reactors for my frag tank or those dual reactors from BRS. Most likely BRS since I have a sump but I would definitely go with IM for your tank. They will fit nicely in your back chambers.

 

[Jakepen]

Seems pretty unanimous. My tank isn't set up, I'm still getting everything I need. I knew reactors helped, just didn't know it was such a difference. Would anything else fit nicely in my tank, that's more effective than the minimax reactors? Heard some mixed reviews on those.

 

[Hawain_Rob]

Check the aquamaxx frs reactors they have them at marine depot.

 

[Jakepen]

I'll look into it. I heard that if you plan on running a reactor, it should be installed before you get your tank going. That if you put it in place after you have livestock in your tank, the decrease in phosphates (I think it's phosphates that GFO rids, still learning and this is off top of my head) is so drastic, it can be harmful? Just the sudden change in parameters, is this true?

 

[Lonny]

I'll look into it. I heard that if you plan on running a reactor, it should be installed before you get your tank going. That if you put it in place after you have livestock in your tank, the decrease in phosphates (I think it's phosphates that GFO rids, still learning and this is off top of my head) is so drastic, it can be harmful? Just the sudden change in parameters, is this true?

I hooked my reactor up after I had fish and my phosphate was high .5 it is now .025 and no ill affect on fish or inverts. But I'm very new also so this is personal experience not fact.