Single or Dual Reactor

[sleepydoc]

So my tank has been up and running for about 5 months. So far, everything is going well. I'm getting some hair algae, but it's not too bad yet. I'm thinking of getting a GFO reactor just to keep the phosphates down before the algae gets out of control and trying to decide if I should get a single or dual chamber. I don't have a ton of space in my sump, and only needing one extra pump seems nice, but does it get to tricky trying to balance flow between different media?

Does anyone have experience in this area to make recommendations? I've also thought of getting two reactors and 'daisy chaining' them together with a Tee and a valve in the middle so I could regulate them somewhat independently. Or is this making things too complicated? Any insights are appreciated!

 

[bertoni]

If you want to run GAC and GFO, you could just use one reactor if it'll hold enough media. It'll be slightly inefficient with the GFO, but that might not matter, depending on the situation. If you need to be optimal, then you'll need to independent reactors, or you'll have to try to mess with the T-valve approach. I'd just use two reactors, personally.

 

[Tmoriarty]

if you are reffering to the BRS brands BRS recommends two single reactors if you have the space. The dual reactors are known to clog and need more maintenance. I run a T with two BRS reactors and have no issues. Bertoni is correct that if your tank can handle it you can run both Carbon and GFO in a single reactor, you wouldn't be able to adjust the flow for the GFO in this manner though. Decide how much space you have, if you have enough space get two single reactors.

 

[ek9vboi]

Not to go off subject, but have you gotten a clean up crew? Maybe they can take care of it or a starry blenny? Mine sure does love cleaning my clean rocks. Lol, I had to put in nori to keep him fat.

I would go with a single as they are easier to maintain and regulate when it comes to flow.

 

[dan-in-gr]

Hi, I had two different reactors for GFO and Carbon, plus my bio pellet reactor, sold the carbon reactor and now use one as sump and space was a premium. I use the recommended amount of GFO to last slightly over a month and double the carbon as it depletes twice as fast. Both are mixed together before putting into a reactor. My method came from a BRS video for using one reactor for both.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I have 1 reactor in my sump and the GFO and carbon are in their containers on the shelf. In 2 years I've only used GFO once for about 6 weeks. I'm ready if I need them, but I don't run either unless I see a need.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use GFO and ROX GAC mixed together in a canister filter.

 

[Buzz1329]

Hey Tmoriarty, where did you get the Tee to run your two BRS reactors? BRS has the "Tee Union 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" Push Connect (Murlok)" but not the 1/2" Tee I'm looking for. Thanks.

 

[sleepydoc]

Thanks for the helpful replies - I have a some turbo snails that are happily munching on the algae and keeping it in check thus far, I was more thinking ahead and trying to prevent the hair-algae horror stories that you read about. I think I'll get a single reactor for now. If I need to run more than one in the future, I can deal with that then.

Now to fix the filter for my QT so I can get more fish!

 

[Dre59]

I run 2xTLF as shown with a MJ1200

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX9niYw2UEo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Tmoriarty]

Hey Tmoriarty, where did you get the Tee to run your two BRS reactors? BRS has the "Tee Union 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" Push Connect (Murlok)" but not the 1/2" Tee I'm looking for. Thanks.

From lowes, its a different brand but does the job. You can also just search push connect murlok fittings on google and should come up with some sites to sell them that will match.

Here is a link to one...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FN81QW/ref=biss_dp_t_asn

 

[The Rio Reef]

Hi, I had two different reactors for GFO and Carbon, plus my bio pellet reactor, sold the carbon reactor and now use one as sump and space was a premium. I use the recommended amount of GFO to last slightly over a month and double the carbon as it depletes twice as fast. Both are mixed together before putting into a reactor. My method came from a BRS video for using one reactor for both.

I have the exact same thing for my 55g tank using one BRS unit. Works great :celeb3:

 

[ReLPSef]

I use the dual brs but only run GFO..no problems with clogging as of yet. Very efficient if you're cramped for space.

 

[shiladitya1991]

I run GFO and GAC mixed in a Reef Octopus PHR-100 reactor.I use Seachem Phosguard and Blue Spaces Activated Carbon.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I run GFO and GAC mixed in a Reef Octopus PHR-100 reactor.I use Seachem Phosguard and Blue Spaces Activated Carbon.

FWIW, Phosguard is not GFO. Phosguard is white and is aluminum oxide. GFO is red/brown and is granular ferric oxide.

 

[shiladitya1991]

So how far is phosguard effective in removing PO4?.. What are the GFO brands out there?? Thanks fr correcting me Randy...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is quite effective, but some folks have observed certain corals closing up, which I attribute to released aluminum ions.

If you observe leather corals closing up, I'd use less or switch to GFO. Other corals can close from aluminum ions too (like mushrooms), but leathers seem the most sensitive.


FWIW, I have some big containers of Phosguard and other aluminum phosphate binders that I've been slowly using up by using a bit at a time with my GFO and GAC. That seems to work better than just the Phosguard which irritates my leathers if I use too much.

I discuss it here:

Aluminum and aluminum-based phosphate binders
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/7/chemistry