Bio Pellet REactor and Maxijet questions

[Shawn O]

I'm about to buy a BRS biopellet reactor combo kit (SKU: 221012) and need some info on Maxi-jets. I'm trying to decide which Maxi-jet to use with this reactor; 400, 600, 900, or 1200. Also, do you think the foam pre-filters for the maxi-jet would be a help or a hindrance when used with the reactor?

BRS' video on the reactor says that a maxijet will (minimally) run it. The info on Maxi-Jets says they can be run in powerhead mode and circulation mode. What do they mean by these terms. It seems the term powerhead and wave maker seems to be used interchangeably here a lot. Is powerhead mode using it to move water through a pipe and circulation mode used to push water with the little propeller? Example: the 1200 is listed as Powerhead Flow Rate: 295 GPH, Circulation Flow Rate: 1300 GPH.

Also, what do you think is the minimum flow for the BRS reactor?

TIA, Shawn.

 

[Shawn O]

Bump to keep post from getting lost.

 

[mypepper]

Hello Shawn,

I also have the BRS reactors, which I'm using the Maxi-Jet 1200 pump for circulation, for running GFO and Carbon. As long as keep your inlet supply line to three feet, you'll have enough head pressure for your BRS reactors.

About a month ago, I took my Carbon off line and switch to using Bio-Pellets, which when using the Maxi-Jet 1200 pump to tumble the Bio-Pellets, I definitely need a larger pump to properly tumble the Bio-Pellets.

I decided to do things the most efficient, effective and safest means, which I purchased the Aqualund Proteus 200 Recirculating Bio-Pellet Reactor to reduce my Nitrates. Once my new reactor arrives, I'll start running my Carbon in my BRS Reactor once again.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[Shawn O]

Alright, thanks. Will look for something stronger than mj1200. What flow are you getting through the tube, 295 GPH or 1300 GPH? One would assume the smaller rate is for pushing it through pipe or tubing, but I gotta ask.

 

[Maxxingout]

I have the dual BRS reactor with the mj1200 and started using it with biopellets. I put in a small amount in each hoping that I could get the tumble needed. I have the reactor inlet/exit mounted so that it's just above the sump. I was only able to get slight tumbling but not all the pellets where moving. They tumbled so little that only part of the pellets ever tumbled, the rest sat still. This was with the valve full open and things only got worse once the bacteria started accumulating on the pellets.

I turned it off and will need to either get a better pump that can handle the head pressure or a dedicated reactor. I'm not 100% sold on them either. I might need to get my no3 & po4 down first. Reason being is I'm getting that brown film on my sand now that it haven't had for a while now.