Reef Octopus Algae Reactors

Jeremy Luke · Jan 7, 2019

I see that Reef Octopus is about to release Algae Reactors.

Do you have a date as to when they will be available and what the pricing will be?

Afm32607 · Oct 1, 2019

Any review on these products since they have been released? Particularly their maintenance requirements...

CoralVue_Marketing · Oct 4, 2019

Afm32607 said:
Any review on these products since they have been released? Particularly their maintenance requirements...

I know @shred5 has one and posted about it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-reef-octopus-light-macro-algae-reactor.650429/. @ReefNewsNetwork is running one as well.

shred5 · Oct 6, 2019

It really should not require to much maintenance..
Just open it and remove the algae..
Wipe down the sleeve that surrounds the light..
Your normal pump maintenance..

Other than wiping down the sleeve that is around the light It should not require anymore maintenance than any other reactor. They basically are a reactor that has a light down the middle.

Afm32607 · Oct 18, 2019

Most media reactors are terribly burdensome when it comes time to clean and change them. Hoses fall off, o-rings fail, you need tools to open them, the sponges clog, etc.

I wouldn't see some of this as being a problem here. However, how fast does the light at this spectrum grow coraline algae? Can the light be removed and fully soaked in vinegar? Are the tabs to open the unit easy to remove? Does the o-ring fall out when you open the unit and get lost? All seem stupid but can make maintenance more difficult that some might be willing to commit to. That's I guess what I was referring to.

shred5 · Oct 18, 2019

Afm32607 said:
Most media reactors are terribly burdensome when it comes time to clean and change them. Hoses fall off, o-rings fail, you need tools to open them, the sponges clog, etc.

I wouldn't see some of this as being a problem here. However, how fast does the light at this spectrum grow coraline algae? Can the light be removed and fully soaked in vinegar? Are the tabs to open the unit easy to remove? Does the o-ring fall out when you open the unit and get lost? All seem stupid but can make maintenance more difficult that some might be willing to commit to. That's I guess what I was referring to.

When I get a chance I will open mine up and take pictures. I think there is a separate sleeve around the light that can be taken out and cleaned like in most UV sterilizers.

I do hear you on reactors and cleaning them. For me it was a pain keeping my refugium section clean and keeping all the little chaeto bits out of dividers and skimmer.

This has thumb screws on top that you loosen and then turn and the top comes off.

I will try and get pictures of what you are asking about. I am going to rap this weekend and have people coming over Sunday so it will most likely be next week..

Afm32607 · Oct 18, 2019

Thanks. I really like the idea though so more info is always helpful.

shred5 · Oct 22, 2019

I did take pictures Sunday I just have been super busy.
I will post them in my thread when I get a chance...
It was not bad to clean. I actually would not have had to remove it from the sump. I could just tip it and pull it out but removed it anyway for pictures. If you remove it from the sump close the valve to the pump so water does not run out.

Reefrats · Feb 15, 2020

Any further reviews of the reef octo algae reactor? I have a chance to buy one for a decent price and am not finding a lot of feedback on this brand - maybe because they are relatively new.

shred5 · Feb 15, 2020

Reefrats said:
Any further reviews of the reef octo algae reactor? I have a chance to buy one for a decent price and am not finding a lot of feedback on this brand - maybe because they are relatively new.

I post in this thread for updates:

New Reef Octopus Light\Macro Algae Reactor

I am sorry never got any notifications. I am running pretty close to 100 percent for the lighting. I started at 75 percent and worked my way up over a few weeks. On the output plumbing I am using 1/2" pvc. As far as feed pump I am running at pretty close to 80 percent open...

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