Bio-pellet reactors... again

[gregr]

I finally stumbled across an adequate reactor and figured I should share this so maybe others can save some money and Advil.
Seaside Aquatics 2.5l media reactor- not one of their biopellet reactors, just the one for GFO or GAC. It's cheap- doesn't come with a pump but it most definitely does fluidize the media and that was something the Cadlights Conical reactor would not do and the RO BR110 could barely do even with a 750gph pump running wide open. To be fair to the RO unit- it did ok for a few months but eventually it clogs and is a PIA. The new reactor is built well- much better than the Aqua Maxx I tried- that leaked, had kinda chintzy fittings and cost $35 more than the Seaside. The Seaside reactor uses bigger fittings and I suspect that's one of the reasons it works so well. I'm using the same pump as with the RO (Hyperflow 12F), with a valve [included with the pump] and it's choked back to about 50% of max with 4" of biopellets so even with a full load there's plenty of flow. Probably get a smaller pump now that I can see how well it works.
I was so close to dropping $400 on a recirculating reactor... It looks like there's no need now

 

[gregr]

Video:
http://youtu.be/67IUjyW0USc

 

[gregr]

oops double post

 

[frogiii]

Here is my DIY DIY recirculating bio pellet reactor.: http://youtu.be/4qg2TzTluQk

 

[BeanMachine]

What exactly didn't you like about the cadlights reactor? Only thing I don't like is the bubble plate has such tiny holes over time they clog and the reactor loses flow. But a cleaning every six months seems to have worked for me.

I would be interested in your feedback on a new reactor as I'd be game to try one out.

**Didn't check the video... can you link the reactor and pump you got? Anything else one might need?

 

[gregr]

The Cadlights reactor simply doesn't have enough flow to move even 3-4" of pellets so there's probably something wrong with it. I called them- they were helpful and nice about it- offered to repair or replace which was cool but still a bit of a hassle to do the shipping so I just got another reactor... Nobody said I was smart or patient :lmao: I took the mature media from my old RO reactor and put it right into the Cadlights. The flow was weak from the beginning but after two weeks those little holes you mentioned were mostly clogged.
This is the one I just got. I'm using an over-powered Rio Hyperflow 12F. Pump comes with an adequate valve so all you'd need from there is tubing and a way to secure the output of the reactor so it feeds into, or at least near, the intake of your skimmer. The two plates with the tiny holes are removable- unlike with the Cadlights, so I think it'll be a lot easier to clean.

 

[gregr]

Frogiii- that looks awesome but I don't have the skills or the patience...

 

[frogiii]

Frogiii- that looks awesome but I don't have the skills or the patience...

thank you... yeah this thing took me awhile to make it work and it was not cost effective either since it's a scratch built lol... good luck with your seaside reactor.

 

[cali_reef]

Hi Greg,

Got a CADlight reactor last year and the POS never ran for 1 month straight without me taking it apart to clean or unjam the pump. I now dose a mixture of 50% vodka and 50% vinegar via an auto doser, result is much better.

 

[Breadman03]

I went with the Hydra Aquatics FR-100 after getting frustrated with using smaller reactors, most recently a TLF 550. Using the same pump and tubing, I now have all the media tumbling well. Next up is modding to make it recirculating.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

Can't believe people are having issues with the CADLights. Although I did sell mind to upgrade to a true recirculating reactor, mine worked great for almost 2 years. Something has to be wrong if the CADLights one isn't working for you.

 

[gregr]

I agree- something must be wrong with the pump. But they designed is so you can't really get in there and take it apart so it goes in the pile of equipment that couldn't cut the mustard... I'm extremely happy with my $75 alternative

 

[gregr]

Hi Greg,

Got a CADlight reactor last year and the POS never ran for 1 month straight without me taking it apart to clean or unjam the pump. I now dose a mixture of 50% vodka and 50% vinegar via an auto doser, result is much better.

Since I have dosing pumps and an Apex this would be a pretty easy switch but I've been using pellets so long I kinda don't want to change. Especially 'cause I have some pretty good sized colonies now- don't wanna shock them and eff it all up