Reef Octopus Bio-Pellet Reactor Issues ...

[jdg]

I'm running a BR-140 Bio-Pellet Reactor, or at least I'm trying to. I got it all plumbed up this weekend and turned it on and the MaxiJet-1200 just wasn't strong enough to run it.

Luckily, I had a spare MAG5 and hooked that up; however, I seemed to be getting even less flow. After some investigation, it seems that every time I power down the pump, Bio-Pellets back up into the down-pipe and obstruct the flow. The pump isn't strong enough to push them out (which is surprising considering there is probably only 3' of flexible tubing in an arc to the reactor inlet).

In order to restart it, I need to take the top off, pull the pipe out and shake all the Bio-Pellets inside of it out, swish it back around so it rests on the acrylic upside-down 'V', put everything back together and then restart the pump.

Is this really what I need to do? I can't imagine there is something wrong with the unit considering there really isn't all that much to a reactor design.

Once it starts, I get a very nice tumble, a bit stronger than the following video so I don't think a stronger pump is the answer either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COSaqcdkZNA&feature=related

The media sits approximately 5-6 inches off the bottom.

Suggestions?

An additional question for bonus points: During my investigation, some of the bio-pellets escaped and ended up in the sump and the main display. How hard should I work to pull these out?

 

[bayoupr]

Mine does the same. I install a ball valve between the pump and the inlet on the reactor. When I shut it down I close the valve first then power down. If I could find a check valve I would get one

 

[jdg]

Mine does the same. I install a ball valve between the pump and the inlet on the reactor. When I shut it down I close the valve first then power down. If I could find a check valve I would get one

Well, that's a pretty poor design. They should include the check valve if this is occurring with everyone.

What size pump are you using?

I'll go ahead and put a ball valve inline for now -- thanks for the suggestion!

I'll just need to remember to cycle it closed before I turn it off. Unfortunately, this won't work with power outages and the like.

 

[shifty51008]

i'll agree with the poor design. although I have never used that reactor I just don't see how the pellets are getting into the downpipe. the reactor should have some sort of mesh from stopping that.

BTW here are check valves
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+10090+4076&pcatid=4076

 

[jdg]

Thanks for the link to the check valves. I think they should provide this if there is a design issue here though.

Also, are there any issues with the pellets that have made it into my sump and display? How hard should I work to fish these things out? Or are they essentially harmless when spread out like that?

 

[shifty51008]

they should be harmless if they reach your DT or sump

 

[ati70cutlass]

all they could do is get stuck in your pumps but if you have your guards on you should be fine. they are just polymer that is slowly degraded by bacteria as a food source.

 

[MplsMan]

what I've been using in the gfo RX with a plastic mesh on the top to keep the pellets from going through, i did have a separate pump running it but it kept loosing flow through the RX. so now i run it off my return pump with a ball valve to control the flow, works great! i think it actually works better then the reactors that BRS sells or any one else sells.

 

[Reef Octopus]

New designs have the check value in the input tube

New designs have the check value in the input tube

New designs of Bio-reactor have the check value in the input tube. it works well.
By the way, the check value could be sold separately.

 

[rinconmike]

I just got my BR-140 and set it up on 5/6 and have not check valve. Do you have a link for this?

I found that if I keep the discharge pipe under water when I jsut the pump down, I do not get any siphon back. I am also using 3/4" tube with a Mag 5 and the flow is plenty that I have to close the valve around half way. Along with the ball valve, I use a gate valve to control the flow.

Mike