What is a Media Reactor and can you recommend one?

[RussC]

I'm hearing a lot about media reactors on folks sumps. It they often say they are running two media-carbon and GFO, how do you run two media in what looks like one chamber? Or should you have two chambers? And whether or not you have one or two chambers, do you need a pump for each chamber? Can you recommend any reactors? I will be running a 90 gallon display with a 25 gallon sump.

 

[mcgyvr]

Carbon and GFO should be run in 2 chambers because flow rates and lifespans (exhaustion rate) of the media are different..

Just because others are running reactors doesn't mean you should nor need to though..
Its not just something the "cool" kids are doing.. In fact I would say the "cool" kids don't need reactors

You run GFO ONLY when you have a phosphate issue that you can't solve by other means..
Anyone can run carbon though but its really not something you need to run either to have a successful tank..

TwoLittleFish make a nice little single reactor.. Phosban150 as well as many others..
Bulkreefsupply has a dual (and single made from water filter housings) that works fine too..
In general its hard to make a reactor that doesn't work.. So they are all about the same..

And yes you can run duals with a single pump (T'd off for each)
But again.. Its not something you must have for a successful tank..

 

[Ron Reefman]

As usual, mcgyvr is right on the money.

I run 2 systems that each include a big tank and a small tank and both have sumps and refugiums. I have a reactor plumbed into my main DT system which is full of stony corals. In 6+ years I've used it once, near the beginning, with GFO. Since then it has only had water cycle thru it. I keep it in the system, just in case!

BTW, I use a Next Reef reactor, but they are out of business. Sold out to somebody I believe.

 

[RussC]

This is exactly the kind of info I need. Thanks. I've done the hard part....I've convinced the wife we absolutely need an aquarium. Now the fun part of building and getting this guy up and running begins!

 

[LuizW13]

...I've convinced the wife we absolutely need an aquarium.

I wish i could have seen that.
LOL

 

[mako61]

I run a single media reactor mostly for carbon. I mix some GFO into my carbon if needed. It may not be perfect but is does work and its very easy since no GFO tumbling required. I was running 1/4 - 1/3 cup GFO to 1 cup Carbon. As my tank has gotten a little more mature, I dont run GFO anymore.

BRS has a video that talks about mixing. You can always run less GFO than they recommend just not more.

Mostly I did not want to waste sump space on 2 reactors, since I wasn't sure I even needed one.