Reactor Questions

GoTakeANap · Nov 23, 2012

Im about to buy a reactor for phospahtes and carbon. I dont know much about them. I have 2 options I can choose from. A dual verison with GFO and Carbon side by side in one reactor(2 compartments) or buy 2 single reactors and use them that way. Which option is the best? Im leaning towards the dual but dont wanna go that way if single reactors are by far better.

Whats the best GFO and Carbon I can use in these/this reactors on the market?

About to place a order tonight. Black friday sales on either one. Just dont know whats the best route to go.

ritter6788 · Nov 23, 2012

I have a dual but I wish I would have gone with separate reactors. Mine does the job but I don't always want to change carbon and Gfo at the same time. I like different flow rates for carbon an Gfo and I can't change that with a dual reactor.

Check out bulkreefsupply.com They even have videos that explain the pros and cons of both.

Eric B · Nov 23, 2012

Ritter beat me to it but I would always go with individual reactors.

kschweer · Nov 23, 2012

If you have the room in your sump for 2 pumps I would say to for 2 single reactors. The reason is that carbon and gfo have different flow requirements. The gfo is supposed to tumble a bit so that it does not cake up and your carbon really should not tumble. With dual reactors running on one pump it is much harder to dial in the flow for both. With a pump for each reactor it is much easier. As far as the best carbon the rox from BRS is very good but is super strong and can strip the water very quickly which can be bad. If using it I would recommend using a lower "dose" of it to start and build up slowly. The GFO from BRS is also a good product. They make a "high capacity" gfo that is nice because it doesn't need to be replaced as frequently as "regular" GFO.

kschweer · Nov 23, 2012

You guys are quick. 2 posts in the time it took for mine...lol

GoTakeANap · Nov 24, 2012

kschweer said:
If you have the room in your sump for 2 pumps I would say to for 2 single reactors. The reason is that carbon and gfo have different flow requirements. The gfo is supposed to tumble a bit so that it does not cake up and your carbon really should not tumble. With dual reactors running on one pump it is much harder to dial in the flow for both. With a pump for each reactor it is much easier. As far as the best carbon the rox from BRS is very good but is super strong and can strip the water very quickly which can be bad. If using it I would recommend using a lower "dose" of it to start and build up slowly. The GFO from BRS is also a good product. They make a "high capacity" gfo that is nice because it doesn't need to be replaced as frequently as "regular" GFO.

i watched the BRS video and ended up ordering 2 singles with the pumps. Ended up buying them from BRS!

AZDesertRat · Nov 24, 2012

Here is the answer. Dual reactors but split with a wye and seperate ball valves so they are controlled and serviced individually. Also it appears they have a new GFO and carbon medias which if they are anything like every other item they sell are top shelf. I will have to try them myself next time and compare to what I have been using.

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