Media Reactor

[Vgyoung]

I have never owned a media reactor and know almost noting about them. I would like to further lower my phosphates and nitrates to just over all clean the water a little further. I have a 29 gallon bicube. I have a protein skimmer in the first chamber and both fuge and media baskets. Which media reactor would be ideal and what media do I get? I was looking at the phosban reactor 150 but I wasn't sure. Can anyone give me a synopsis of a media reactor and which ones do they recommend. Also I list of everything I would need to buy would be helpful as well. Thank you

 

[Jeff210]

BRS just came out with a 'mini-reactor' that you can get with a pump included...I run 2 of their reactors for GFO and Carbon and have been pleased with them...

 

[billdogg]

The TLF 150 is great if you have limited space - I use one in sump for GFO, plumbed to a DIY manifold so I don't use another pump for my 120 DT. I also have the BRS single reactors, one on the same tank plumbed the same way, used for carbon, and 2 x singles on my 150DT , again running carbon in one, gfo in the other. I find the BRS style easier to maintain. If you are not careful the TLF can leak, which is why it is inside the sump.

 

[Teenreefer15]

Phosbans are great, the BRS ones are better. I'd say to invest in the BRS one.

 

[Vgyoung]

Okay thank you guys But can anyone explain like the process of getting one they still confuse me xD

 

[Vgyoung]

by proccess i mean like when i get one how do i set it up

 

[Jeff210]

Here is a BRS youtube vid on how to set them up:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yba8hkQ6WC8

 

[MrZorbs]

I own the BRS mini reactor on my 29g reef and it's GREAT!

 

[Crooked Reef]

If you are looking for a media to lower nitrates you can use biopellets in a proper reactor. It is basically a solid carbon dosing. I personally would start with gfo for phosphates though and carbon dose with vinegar or vodka everyday for nitrates. I have both a tlf 150 and a brs reactor. I prefer the brs one.

 

[billdogg]

If you are looking for a media to lower nitrates you can use biopellets in a proper reactor. It is basically a solid carbon dosing. I personally would start with gfo for phosphates though and carbon dose with vinegar or vodka everyday for nitrates. I have both a tlf 150 and a brs reactor. I prefer the brs one.

IMHO, you will be farther ahead to control nitrates by performing regular water changes. Not only will you be easily able to export the NO3 that way, you get the added bonus of replenishing all the trace elements that are difficult (or impossible) to test for. Win Win

 

[Vgyoung]

I do a 1-3G water change weekly yet I still get diatoms(brown stuff) on the sand bed... I think I have excess silicates but im not sure :/