Teach me about reactors and there advantages

[ndz98]

I'm in the process of setting up a 75g tank and I've never really given reactors a thought and what they could do. What I do know is that they do seem to be very popular amongst many. I'm trying to get some information on them now that way if I do decide to get one, I can incorporate it into my setup before it's all set up.

What are some of the more popular reactors people have? What do they do? Have you noticed a big difference by using them?

Thanks in advance!

 

[joseserrano]

Reactor for what?

 

[ndz98]

Reactor for what?

Like carbon, gfo, media reactors. Things like that

 

[Ty Hamatake]

There are many different types of reactors. Big, little, GFO, carbon, bio pellets, etc... each have their own job and each come with their own maintenance schedule. I looked at reactors for the longest time, but eventually decided I didn't need them. In fact I am better off without them (I'll say most of them. My tank is very lightly stoked and I am having to dose nutrients, whereas many reactors are used to reduce them). So as @joseserrano asked, what would you be wanting to use it/them for? Also what are your overall plans for the tank (stocking levels, corals, etc)?

 

[ndz98]

There are many different types of reactors. Big, little, GFO, carbon, bio pellets, etc... each have their own job and each come with their own maintenance schedule. I looked at reactors for the longest time, but eventually decided I didn't need them. In fact I am better off without them (I'll say most of them. My tank is very lightly stoked and I am having to dose nutrients, whereas many reactors are used to reduce them). So as @joseserrano asked, what would you be wanting to use it/them for? Also what are your overall plans for the tank (stocking levels, corals, etc)?

Well I'm not really sure what there use is exactly except for that a lot of people use them. That's why I was trying to get some info to determine whether I could utilize one or not. I plan on keep a mixed tank. I don't plan on overstocking.

 

[Gablami]

A reactor is just a way to run flow through a substrate to achieve a goal. Sometimes just using a more passive method such as placing the media in a filter bag in your sump is sufficient. I wouldn't run a reactor unless your tank demonstrates a need for it (as in elevated phosphate levels or yellow water etc). Sometimes a reactor can do more harm than good.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Well I'm not really sure what there use is exactly except for that a lot of people use them. That's why I was trying to get some info to determine whether I could utilize one or not. I plan on keep a mixed tank. I don't plan on overstocking.

I agree with @Gablami, I wouldn't run them unless you need them. Are any of your levels out of whack? Nitrate, phosphate?

 

[ndz98]

I agree with @Gablami, I wouldn't run them unless you need them. Are any of your levels out of whack? Nitrate, phosphate?

No I haven't fully set up the tank yet so there's actually no water in it. I was just curious to see if they were useful.

 

[joseserrano]

Here is a BRS video.

 

[ramabama]

Since you are just setting up the better question might be should you plumb for reactors if needed in the future. The answer I think depends on if you want your return pump to run the reactor or a separate pump. If you want the return pump to do the work planning ahead could save you some headache down the road.