Using Media Without a Reactor

Shep · Jan 14, 2015

Can you use media without a reactor? It would be in an area of constant flow but it would be rather slow slow, would this still work?

143MPCo · Jan 14, 2015

I personally don't see why not, and know a few reefers that bag it and won't spend the money on a reactor... That said, it's always been stated (countless video how to, and posted thread) that an upflow type reactor works better for certain types of media like GFO as it's reportedly more effective if tumbling.

KoleTang · Jan 14, 2015

Some people use this method if they need to make the water more clear but don't want to run carbon aggressively. Not sure how well it works with GFO as it needs to be tumbled. But I know PO4x4 (Reef Interests) can be used in a media bag.

AquaFX · Jan 14, 2015

You can run media in a small bag. I'd recommend putting it in a higher flow area if you can. The GFO may not be as effective without tumbling but it would still work. I personally used this method in a 38 gallon and a 40 gallon, especially before they started introducing mini-reactors. It did help.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 14, 2015

What type of media are we talking about?

The bigger the chunks, the more readily water will flow through it without a reactor.

Shep · Jan 14, 2015

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
What type of media are we talking about?

The bigger the chunks, the more readily water will flow through it without a reactor.

GFO and/or carbon but I am rethinking the GFO now.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 14, 2015

If you can get pellet GFO, that would be better in such an application.

Shep · Jan 14, 2015

So in your opinions should I just bite the bullet and get a reactor or can i make do with out?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 15, 2015

IMO, that depends on how much cost is an issue. It's not hard to try it without and if that doesn't meet your needs, get a reactor or canister (depending on what media you use).