Can a media reactor be backwards?
- Thread starter Ztous
- Start date
Shaummy
Member
I use the TLF 150 reactor for my Rox carbon and actually run it in "reverse". I do it because the Rox tends to float to the top so I switched it to flow from top to bottom instead.
Keeps the carbon right down on the bottom sponge.
Now for GFO, it's a different story, I run it the "normal" way from bottom to top to allow the GFO to tumble ever so slightly at the top of the media.
Keeps the carbon right down on the bottom sponge.
Now for GFO, it's a different story, I run it the "normal" way from bottom to top to allow the GFO to tumble ever so slightly at the top of the media.
AMILLER400
New member
I run my reactor backwards too
I run my reactor backwards too
I didn't know I even had it backwards until yesterday. I set up and a reactor on my brothers tank and the tubing installed opposite of what mine is, so I checked mine and it has been backwards for over a year. I am new to the hobby so it was the only one I've ever used and I didn't know the difference. I only use one sponge filter on mine to hold the media down and because the flow is going down too it holds everything in place no matter how much media i put it. I use a 1/3 GFO & 2/3 Carbon Mix so I think this isn't a problem because it doesn't need to tumble. It's a BRS reactor and I've had great results using it this way. I just want to see if anyone else has an opinion and convince me that I should switch for some reason?
I am also interested to know if any of you dose trace elements because you use carbon and feel like you need to?... Most of my color corals just don't pop like my greens. Especially my blues. I am thinking about getting into the color program from Red Sea. Thoughts?
I run my reactor backwards too
I didn't know I even had it backwards until yesterday. I set up and a reactor on my brothers tank and the tubing installed opposite of what mine is, so I checked mine and it has been backwards for over a year. I am new to the hobby so it was the only one I've ever used and I didn't know the difference. I only use one sponge filter on mine to hold the media down and because the flow is going down too it holds everything in place no matter how much media i put it. I use a 1/3 GFO & 2/3 Carbon Mix so I think this isn't a problem because it doesn't need to tumble. It's a BRS reactor and I've had great results using it this way. I just want to see if anyone else has an opinion and convince me that I should switch for some reason?
I am also interested to know if any of you dose trace elements because you use carbon and feel like you need to?... Most of my color corals just don't pop like my greens. Especially my blues. I am thinking about getting into the color program from Red Sea. Thoughts?
AMILLER400
New member
Thanks. That's what I figured, I'm probably not getting as much even flow across my media inside the canister, but it's a trade off I'm willing to make..
homer1475
New member
I run a dual reactor, the carbon side runs down through the media so it doesnt tumble and grind up the carbon. The GFO side runs up through so the media tumbles, as GFO should or it clumps up.
I used to run the BRS mini with carbon and GFO mixed. Your running it right AMILLER400. You should not tumble the media when running them mixed together as the carbon is harder and will grind the GFO to dust. Also running them mixed together, the carbon keeps the GFO from clumping.
As to whether you NEED to run carbon in a reactor, use carbon at all......
BRS did a nice video of the difference between passive use(bag in the sump), and reactor use. The difference will surprise you.
I'm old school and have always used carbon from way back, so it just feels wrong to me if I don't, but a lot of people don't and their tanks are just fine too. I would say if you have softies that participate in chemical warfare, it's necessary, otherwise it's your choice.
I used to run the BRS mini with carbon and GFO mixed. Your running it right AMILLER400. You should not tumble the media when running them mixed together as the carbon is harder and will grind the GFO to dust. Also running them mixed together, the carbon keeps the GFO from clumping.
As to whether you NEED to run carbon in a reactor, use carbon at all......
BRS did a nice video of the difference between passive use(bag in the sump), and reactor use. The difference will surprise you.
I'm old school and have always used carbon from way back, so it just feels wrong to me if I don't, but a lot of people don't and their tanks are just fine too. I would say if you have softies that participate in chemical warfare, it's necessary, otherwise it's your choice.
AMILLER400
New member
Thanks Homer!
Here's the link to that video of anyone who's reading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP5Vu6OvLOI&t=168s
I love the BRS videos, they have helped me during my first year of reef keeping so much. I can't believe they have the resources and drive to make such in-depth content especially the BRS 160 series. I try to buy from them when at all possible.
Here's the link to that video of anyone who's reading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP5Vu6OvLOI&t=168s
I love the BRS videos, they have helped me during my first year of reef keeping so much. I can't believe they have the resources and drive to make such in-depth content especially the BRS 160 series. I try to buy from them when at all possible.
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