Reactor suggestions

[Mike1995]

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]

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]

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

 

[miPapareef]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[JumboShrimp]

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]

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.

 

[GoVols]

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

Ole... ;Oldman Tech-M guy over here. So I would use Brightwell Hydrate-MG to knock out bryopsis.

https://reefbuilders.com/2017/10/27/treating-bryopsis-algae-with-brightwell-aquatics-hydrat-mg/

 

[Mike1995]

Thanks everyone I'll take a look at all the suggestions!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Algae scrubber may be of benefit