Reactor Comparisons?

[MTWiley]

I'm looking at getting/setting up a GFO reactor for my 60 cube and possibly a second media reactor for carbon, but there are a ton of options out there and I'm having trouble deciding on what to buy. I'm wondering what makes a good media reactor vs a bad media reactor? Are there certain features on the higher priced reactors that make maintenance easier?

 

[atraperegrinus]

i have a TLF phosban 150 ~$35 and a vertex 2.0 ~$130 reactor, and besides obvious material and overall quality, the only real difference i see is that the vertex is easier to clean.

that said, the vertex feels like i could drop it off a cliff and it'd come out okay, thing is built like a tank, and very easy to use.

what he said below, the brs reactors are good for the money too.

 

[ksicard]

If your looking for the best value you should probably check out a BRS dual reactor. For the money it's a good setup and is perfectly sized for your tank and will help save space. Only reason to buy expensive reactors is if your trying to push A LOT of flow through it or you have a large tank which requires ample space in the reactor for media.

 

[AZRippster]

It may not be as cheap as the BRS, but the SpectraPure Dual Media Reactor works fantastic and the fact that it has independent flow controls was a deal maker for me. I run GFO and Carbon that requires different flow rates to maximize how each media performs. This reactor does the trick beautifully.

http://spectrapure.com/MEDIA-REACTORS-MEDIA/MEDIA-REACTORS/Dual-Chamber-Media-Reactor

 

[Harry_Y]

I want with the BRS delux models

 

[kinnadian]

I had the TLF150 reactor, I didn't like it. It is difficult and time consuming to replace the media (removing the downspout and sponges, rinsing it all out, making sure you get no new media down the downspout, etc), the lid always sticks and you have to pry against the plastic elbows to open it (one day they are going to break), the media goes through the bottom course sponge and prevents good flow distribution and the media clumps easier.

I've moved to BRS dual reactor and prefer it wholeheartedly.

 

[Allentown]

I love the next reef reactors. They have a mini version.

 

[Harry_Y]

I love the next reef reactors. They have a mini version.

He makes very nice equipment.

 

[tkeracer619]

Next reef is a great reactor that doesn't cost a lot. I also like my vertex. I use every reactor mentioned here regularly except the spectrapure and they all have their positive and negative sides.