media reactor setup
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=79070
Printed Date: July 14 2025 at 1:50am
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Topic: media reactor setup
Posted By: jsol12
Subject: media reactor setup
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 12:04am
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I just got my first reactor (BRS deluxe) and I'm just wondering what is the best way to set it up. From the videos on their site, they say mixing the carbon and GFO will only work up to a 60 gal tank. Is this everyone's experience? Do you prefer to mix or have 2 separate reactors? Any pump recommendations, or is there a way to plumb it into the existing set up (I have 150gal red sea max). ------------- 150gal/25gal sump Red Sea Max S650, started 3/28/15 |
Replies:
Posted By: Fatman
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 11:06am
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I have used mixed gfo and carbon in a single reactor and I'm running 150 gallons of water in my setup. I think you'd just have to change it out sooner. Having two reactors, one GFO and the other carbon, seems to be the best way to go. My issue with it is that you need two pumps and have twice the equipment to cleanup when you change it out. I'm lazy and only run one when I run anything at all. Fat |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 11:10am
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I run a couple, with mixed GFO/carbon. I usually run a small amount of GFO and if I notice my phosphates jump up, I add another reactor. I used to run GFO on its own, but I noticed it would cake no matter what I tried. The only way it would not cake would be to run the water super fast through it, which caused it to tumble and disintegrate super fast. Even with a low tumble, the recommend amount, it would cake. I have 4 reactors and they all do that. I only mix now and have the results I want. I use cheap little MJ1200's to run them. I run mine in my sump too (it stands on its own with the MJ holding it up) because I had them out once, and not nailed to a wall/hanging, and my dog knocked it over...made a giant mess. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 11:44am
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I run a BRS dual reactor which I have modified to be two single reactors. I run mixed carbon and GFO (60/40 carbon to GFO) in both of them. It works great and since I have a manifold on my return pump I don't have to run additional pumps for them. I tried running GFO by itself and just had too many problems with it caking and plugging up so I really prefer to run it mixed instead of trying to keep it tumbling. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 5:45pm
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I also mix mine in a single reactor using an me 1200. ------------- 90 gal reef w/refugium 24 gal softie tank 11 gal nano anemone tank 5 gal fresh water |
Posted By: jsol12
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 9:59pm
How often do you change yours out? ------------- 150gal/25gal sump Red Sea Max S650, started 3/28/15 |
Fatman wrote:Posted By: jsol12
Date Posted: February 11 2016 at 10:01pm
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Thanks everyone! Any preferences on type/brand of AC and GFO? ------------- 150gal/25gal sump Red Sea Max S650, started 3/28/15 |
Posted By: Marcoss
Date Posted: February 12 2016 at 7:04am
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I use BRS. I use high capacity GFO because I have a larger water volume and small reactors. ------------- RedSea Max S400 - 90G Rimless Frag Tanks x2 - 185 Lookdown Bin |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 12 2016 at 7:40am
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AC gets saturated/used up in just about 2 weeks, whereas GFO, depending on the load of PO4 and the amount of GFO used, can continue working anywhere from 1-4 months. FYI, using PO4 removal media (whether GFO or the less expensive AA) is usually not a good idea for a tank younger than 6 months and should only be used based on testing PO4 levels. Coral do not do well if too much PO4 is removed/levels are too low. I have had experience advising people why they couldn't keep coral alive because they were continuously removing all PO4.  Aloha, Mark  P.S. I use inexpensive, yet good quality brands of AC and AA(activated alumina) purchased in bulk. If anyone is interested, I even resell these media to WMAS members at a bargain price.
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: jsol12
Date Posted: February 12 2016 at 5:03pm
Thanks for in the info. I stopped using PO4 removal a while ago, actually based on your suggestion, and my levels have been fine until a couple weeks ago it was reading 0.1 so I put some phosguard in a filter bag which has brought it down nicely. Until I get this reactor up and running anyway. My tank is at about 10 months now so maybe I am in need of this media now? ------------- 150gal/25gal sump Red Sea Max S650, started 3/28/15 |