Thoughts on algae reactors?

[Davy Jones]

Looks like a few other players are finally entering the Algae reactor market. Tunze MAR 3181 and 3182 are being released and carried by a few retailers now, and while searching for a vendor that had them in stock I came across the fact that Reef Octopus is also releasing a reactor. There of course is also the pax bellum, various DIY or low cost options as well.


http://reefoctopus.com/product/lights-reactor-2-models-available/
https://www.tunze.com/US/en/product...html?user_tunzeprod_pi1[predid]=-infoxober002


I have tried a DIY version in the past, and was not successful at keeping chaeto, let alone having it provide any benefit to my tank unfortunately. I have an AIO right now, so a true refugium isnt an option.

I know many members have success with the reactors at growing chaeto, However Im wondering if it provides enough value/nutrient control to justify the cost, or additional equipment?

 

[Big G]

Bump

 

[Davy Jones]

Bump

Looks like everyone either uses a Refugium or an ATS if they want to utilize chaeto. I may have to try out one of the Tunze MAR's and start a thread with my experience

 

[Mortie31]

I tried the ATC 1 and 2 versions in the Uk. In my opinion they don’t work long term, they clog up, the light tube gets covered with algae and needs to be cleaned every few weeks, the maintenance I think is too much, yes they did grow Cheeto for a while, the ATC1 was better at this than the 2, but the growth slows over a few months. I pulled them both out, turned one into a nitrate reactor and ordered a new sump to set up a proper fuge..

 

[JustAnt]

I was interested in the ReefOctopus until I saw the crazy high price here
https://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-light-reactor

 

[MnFish1]

There is also a SKIMZ algae reactor - I would not recommend it... AT ALL

 

[JustAnt]

There is also a SKIMZ algae reactor - I would not recommend it... AT ALL

Thanks 4 the heads up!

 

[MnFish1]

Thanks 4 the heads up!

The O ring on the top is (expletive deleted) difficult to seal when changing the algae(i.e. removing for harvest) - the little things that hold the algae in place are extremely breakable. I liked it - but - no more

 

[green behind the ears]

Looks like everyone either uses a Refugium or an ATS if they want to utilize chaeto. I may have to try out one of the Tunze MAR's and start a thread with my experience

Did you get one in the end ?

 

[Davy Jones]

Did you get one in the end ?

Ironically I didn't until yesterday. My tanks have changed a bit since this thread, and am running a fuge now in my new tank. With that said, I'm using the tunze LED for the fuge and love it

 

[reefdoink]

I order one these:

PhytoTank Macroalgae Reactor-Hose Barb Version

poseidonreefsystems.com

They are a little over a $100 if you order a little macroalgae off them. You have to supply your own pump and tubing to plumb is up, but that is not much more.

 

[green behind the ears]

Ironically I didn't until yesterday. My tanks have changed a bit since this thread, and am running a fuge now in my new tank. With that said, I'm using the tunze LED for the fuge and love it

I have to say the tunze reactor so far is doing good I’m getting some healthy growth on the cheato

 

[Ludders]

I tried the ATC 1 and 2 versions in the Uk. In my opinion they don’t work long term, they clog up, the light tube gets covered with algae and needs to be cleaned every few weeks, the maintenance I think is too much, yes they did grow Cheeto for a while, the ATC1 was better at this than the 2, but the growth slows over a few months. I pulled them both out, turned one into a nitrate reactor and ordered a new sump to set up a proper fuge..

I too found the maintenance a pain in the rrrr's, which outweighed the benefits for me personally