PhosBan 150 - Return pump or MJ1200?

[NTP66]

So, I'm at the point where the GFO in a filter bag in my sump isn't cutting it anymore, and GHA is appearing in small, random places in my tank. The PhosBan 150 is just about the only reactor that will work on my tank, given that I have just enough space to hang it on the side of my 20g sump.

My only problem right now is debating whether or not to tee off my Eheim 1260, or just use one of my spare MJ1200's in the sump. The 1260 uses 3/4" tubing, while the reactor uses 1/2" tubing, so I'm wondering if it's worth tee'ing it off with a 3/4">1/2" reducing barb after my 3/4" TLF ball valve, or just using the MJ1200.

Any advice here? I know I'm procrastinating...

Here's an old shot of the stand, showing just how little room I have (I'll have to slide the ATO over a few inches).

 

[chris.scang]

FWIW, I use an MJ1200 for my TLF550 reactor. It works well.

 

[firemountain]

I am running into the exact same issue right now. I have the Spectrapure Dual reactor that has flow control, so I am torn a bit as well. Luckily with the controllability, I don't have to worry about overpowering the reactor.

 

[Donkeykong]

So here is my issue with using a T from the return. As the gfo gets clogged up in the reactor it slows down which causes more water to be diverted back to the return making drain have to re adjust, if you kick the reactor up to full blast for a second and then down again to clear up clumping the drain once again has to readjust, every time you put new gfo in the drain has to readjust. Some this might not bother them, but I put alot of effort into a dead silent Beanimal drain that I don't want to have to adjust every time I touch the gfo reactor. So my suggestion is go with a MJ1200. sorry for the rant

 

[myram]

I use a Maxijet 400 on my Phosban 150 with carbon in it............nice slow boil.

 

[r-balljunkie]

any chance you get to get rid of a pump.....do it.

home depot run....whalla

 

[indyjaco]

I use a Maxjet 900

 

[NTP66]

So here is my issue with using a T from the return. As the gfo gets clogged up in the reactor it slows down which causes more water to be diverted back to the return making drain have to re adjust, if you kick the reactor up to full blast for a second and then down again to clear up clumping the drain once again has to readjust, every time you put new gfo in the drain has to readjust. Some this might not bother them, but I put alot of effort into a dead silent Beanimal drain that I don't want to have to adjust every time I touch the gfo reactor. So my suggestion is go with a MJ1200. sorry for the rant

I completely forgot about this issue with clumping. I've got my return pump ramped down perfectly, so this will likely make me just go with a MaxiJet (I've got a spare 400 and 1200). Stupid GHA.

Thanks guys.