Reactor suggestions

Mike1995 · Oct 5, 2018

I had a whole bunch of bryopsis and all sorts of algea. My water parameters were all sorts of messed up . But everything has gotten under control thru water changes and literally removing the stuff by hand . Testing parameters and etc
To help keep my phosphate under control im looking for some suggestions for reactors. Something under $100.

dbl · Oct 5, 2018

I've been using the BRS reactors since day one. I used to use the dual but switched over to the individual versions a couple of years ago. I personally find them pretty easy to use. I purchased extra interior cartridges so I can change media very quickly without the need to clean up before putting them back on line.

Obviously many options but these have worked for me and many others.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-deluxe1.html

Mike1995 · Oct 5, 2018

Could you post a picture of yours? I looked at those before but I was really confused how you would set it up

miPapareef · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
Could you post a picture of yours? I looked at those before but I was really confused how you would set it up

Like @dbl I use the BRS dual at first but down sized to the micro reactor because I just don’t use that much media. I also use a second set of media chambers so it’s easy to swap out and clean. I’d recommend the reactor kit with the pump, link.

I have the MJ1200 pump in my return chamber going into a valve and the reactor. Then the discharge is back to the skimmer section of the sump. I bought the whole thing as the micro reactor kit. Here’s a pic of the plumbing. Reactor is mounted on the cabinet slightly out of the pics.

Mike1995 · Oct 6, 2018

Oh wow awesome! How many gallons is the mini one you have recommended for? I have a 75g. Would that or the bigger model be best?

miPapareef · Oct 6, 2018

I have a 75 gallon. But I don’t run any gfo. I only use 1/2 cup of ROX.8 carbon. BRS says the mini spec is

Holds 1/2 cup of carbon (Approx. 50g) and 1/4 cup of GFO (Approx. 35g) mix or 3/4 cup of only carbon (Approx 105g)

If you want carbon and gfo, you would probably want the full size reactor. The full size spec is

Holds three cups of carbon (Approx. 300g) or two cups of GFO (Approx 290g)

I uses the BRS calculator to determine the amounts of media I should run.

Good luck with the tank

dbl · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
Could you post a picture of yours? I looked at those before but I was really confused how you would set it up

I actually use two of the individual reactors, one for carbon and one for GFO (actually PhosGuard). Mine are fed of a manifold so I didn't need a seperate pump for them. You can see one in the upper right corner of the picture. The output is discharged in the drain/skimmer section.

Mike1995 · Oct 6, 2018

dbl said:
I actually use two of the individual reactors, one for carbon and one for GFO (actually PhosGuard). Mine are fed of a manifold so I didn't need a seperate pump for them. You can see one in the upper right corner of the picture. The output is discharged in the drain/skimmer section.

So would that seachem phosban stuff be okay to use? I already have a different reactor with carbon

dbl · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
So would that seachem phosban stuff be okay to use? I already have a different reactor with carbon

I can't speak to Phosban as I've never used it. I quick search though and found the link below that explains the difference. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

https://www.seachem.com/support/forums/forum/general-discussion/1620-phosguard-vs-prosban

Mike1995 · Oct 6, 2018

dbl said:
I can't speak to Phosban as I've never used it. I quick search though and found the link below that explains the difference. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
https://www.seachem.com/support/forums/forum/general-discussion/1620-phosguard-vs-prosban

I had a coupon for my lfs and got one of those two little fishies reactors. I put phosgaurd in it and it made my water cloudy . I rinsed it first. Will it clear up?

mta_morrow · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
I had a coupon for my lfs and got one of those two little fishies reactors. I put phosgaurd in it and it made my water cloudy . I rinsed it first. Will it clear up?

It will clear up. But be sure you are tumbling gently.

Mike1995 · Oct 6, 2018

mta_morrow said:
It will clear up. But be sure to are tumbling gently.

They were earlier .Now they're kinda just sitting, floating. The pump I have is 160gph .is that too much?

dbl · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
I had a coupon for my lfs and got one of those two little fishies reactors. I put phosgaurd in it and it made my water cloudy . I rinsed it first. Will it clear up?

It should clear up. But this is a good time to mention...I've found it best to rinse the PhosGuard well before putting it on line. Even with the rinse, I usually put the discharge hose from the reactor in the sock (since my tank wears socks) for the first day after changing it. I personally also rinse the carbon too for what that's worth.

dbl · Oct 6, 2018

Mike1995 said:
They were earlier .Now they're kinda just sitting, floating. The pump I have is 160gph .is that too much?

As @mta_morrow mentiined, it should be a light tumble. I'm not sure what you mean by "just sitting, floating". I'm not familiar the the TLF reactors, but if it has a valve to adjust flow, you should be able to adjust the flow through the reactor. What you're looking for is akin to a "soft boiling look" - just a little tumbling.

Blue Spot Octopus · Oct 6, 2018

I can save some money, just get a bottle of Reef Flux it will take care of your bryopsis.

JumboShrimp · Oct 6, 2018

I use the BSR dual reactors, Phosguard in one, carbon in the other. I think they work great and are a good value for the money.

GoVols · Oct 6, 2018

FWIW:
Please bring your #'s down slow or you can shock an reef real fast.

Started off simmering 1/4 of an cup of Rowaphos in it's own reactor over three years ago.
To this day, only use 1/2 cup of Rowa on the recharge.

Just can't beat GFO in my book, but it takes time and patients to dial it in.

It's a tool and needs to be used properly.