Phosphate and Nitrate Reactors

[lrs183]

What are they and how do they work? Are they good to have or a waste of money and what are important details to know about them when adding them to a tank? Such as effects they would have on a tank, what they may or may not work with etc.

Tank setup

21gallon cube
21 pounds live rock
20 pounds live sand
Protein skimmer that came with it.
1 power head and return pump
Water runs at 80 degrees.

No coral in the tank as of right now but I intend to have it. I have 1 goby and a small CUC. Right now water parameters are fine but it is something I have wondered about to keep levels as stable as possible.

 

[Duvallj]

Theres a couple different kinds of nitrate reactors. Most are a hassle. Easier ones have a medium that feeds bacteria that utilize nitrate. I'd recommend against as normal water changes / good stocking will eliminate it's need.

Phosphate reactors are normally just reactors that have phosphate binding media (GFO is the norm). These are pretty easy and are do well to inhibit algae's growth. There is still some considerations like not dropping phosphate too fast/too low, proper flow, ect.

I wouldn't worry about either unless you are having nitrate/phosphate issues. Even then you can look feeding practices/ water changes first. After that look to running the gfo/using a refuge with macro algae.

 

[lrs183]

Well right now I don't seem to be having any issues but its good information to know. What exactly are phosphates in the tank?

Is there any kind of PH reactor out there that would keep That stuff at a steady level such as 8.3? Or does that not exist? Not that I would use them its just interesting to hear about technologies that are out there

 

[lrs183]

I realize how dumb that sounded asking about the PH but I'm not editing it out lol.

 

[Eric45]

Phosphates and nitrates are the two main organics that contribute to algae growth. If you overfeed, you will have a problem and a gfo reactor will eventually be useful. Try not to get the thumbscrew type as they seem to leak and when they leak, you may not know it until the floor or rug is soaked.

 

[lrs183]

Thank you very much for the description! I really appreciate it.

 

[phillrodrigo]

I really dont think I would bother with a reactor on a 21 gallon tank. Any time you have a issue getting it under control would be easy enough in that size tank.