What reactors to run on new Tank

[thirty5]

Should I just run Bio-Pellets or run dual reactors with Carbon and GFO?

Can I use any reactor for any of the above?

Going on a 75 rimless

Thanks

 

[shark32]

I have a dual reactor from Bulk Reef Supply with GAC and GFO in it on my 75...
I am curious to see what anybody says about Bio-Pellets too... I ordered them, but have not decided if I will use them...there seems to be both good and bad reports...hopefully someone who has used them will chime in...

 

[thirty5]

The more i research, and people I talked to. Having reactors is only good if you have something for the reactor to do. Carbon is good I guess to keep water clear but if there is no crap in the water, what else is it going to pull out. And as for a brand new tank with nothing bad in it (YET), then GFO or bio-pellets are useless. I am going to get tank going first and then add it later on when needed.

 

[Brando457]

Next reef reactors are great!

 

[pecan2phat]

I can tell you that if using bio-pellets, using a correct reactor makes all the difference vs modding an existing media reactor.
For a year I was using a large MRC media reactor and constant clumping issues anytime there was a change such as adding new pellets or a significant bio-load change in the the tank.
After a year I finally bought a reef octopus pellet reactor and it makes all the difference. This is one of the rare occasions that trying to be frugal with what you have did not pay off at all.

 

[KathyC]

The more i research, and people I talked to. Having reactors is only good if you have something for the reactor to do. Carbon is good I guess to keep water clear but if there is no crap in the water, what else is it going to pull out. And as for a brand new tank with nothing bad in it (YET), then GFO or bio-pellets are useless. I am going to get tank going first and then add it later on when needed.

Activated arbon does more than keep the water clear, it also removes impurities and DOC from the water including those that are introduced when you feed. There is no good reason not to add carbon from the very start when setting up a tank.

As far as GFO, IMO that too can be added, though I would base the amount of media used on phosphate testing results so that you don't entirely strip the water to zero phosphates - which is not a good thing as the tank does need a very small amount to function properly.

Do you have zero phosphates in the tank you are upgrading from - as tested by a Hanna Meter (not a liquid test kit?) If not, then better to get the GFO going from the start

..bio-pellets..I'm still on the fence on those as some folks report good results and others have harmed/killed their tanks using them.