Understanding phosban reactors.

[Jarrett]

So i have been reading up a little bit on getting a reactor on my 75 gallon reef. from what i see and hear it doesent seem like this is all that complicated. my question is whats the differance between a phosphate reactor and GFO? do i need a seperate reactor to put phosphate media in and another specific reactor for GFO? Is their a differane between phosphate media and GFO media or are they the same thing that accomplishes the same thing

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewi..._campaign=mdcsegooglebase2&utm_content=TL4311

i was looking into buying this reactor whats your guys recommendations would this do a good job for my tank? also what type of pump would you guys recommend getting with it.

 

[fishman1069]

GFO= Granulated ferric oxide and it IS phosphate media

 

[thirty6]

Those are very popular reactors, maxi pump would do trick. It might recommend one on the website too

 

[Jarrett]

ok that makes sense, so would that reactor that im looking at be good fishman? and i just buy the GFO seperate and put the correct measurment of it in the reactor i am assuming.

 

[MatthewScars]

TLF reactor is great. I think I use a maxi jet 600 or 900 with a ball valve

 

[fishman1069]

Yes and I agree with scars on the reactor

 

[Jarrett]

so you have that same one i am looking at matt? what do i need for it i want to order it today. just the reactor and the pump and media. what would i put a ball valve on for? obv for adjusting something just dont know what. i am kind of clueless on how the reactors work if anyone minds educating me. i know the water flows through them and the media binds the phosphates but whats the proper way to set one up, or set the proper flow through it.

 

[fishman1069]

Yeah thats the one. When you set it up the pump is going to have the ball valve inline before the reactor. This is so you can control the flow into the reactor. The water goes in down that ceter tube and then get diffused thru the media and goes out the top. You have to make sure the media tumbles slowly so it dosent get broken down. When you first start the reactor with new media in it , make sure you run it into a small bucket.Wait until the water runs clear outta the reactor before you put it in the sump.

 

[Jarrett]

so their is a tube running from the pump and then another output tube that just rest inside the sump where the water pumps back in. i dont see anything on the website that recommends a certain pump for that reactor what do you guys think?

 

[fishman1069]

Yes you will need to get some 1/2" tubing. Like scars said, either a maxi jet 600 or 900. The reactor dosen't come with a pump

 

[Jarrett]

ok sounds easy enough thanks for the help guys. ill prob get the 600. since its suppose to just tumble slowly.

 

[Imbarrie]

Get the next size up. My 600 was a PITA and the 900 was only a couple dollars more. No problems at all with it.

 

[Jarrett]

alright ill get the 900 thanks for the tip imbarrie.

 

[Jaftica]

just tap of your return pump, install a valve and your done

 

[cowfish]

IMO the TLF reactors were poorly made. I switched to reactors from bulk reef supply and am very pleased with them.

 

[FMF0331]

imo the tlf reactors were poorly made. I switched to reactors from bulk reef supply and am very pleased with them.

i agree, brs is better quality. Very very happy with them

 

[BaaMNYC]

You guys are making me want one.

 

[emmanuel]

just tap of your return pump, install a valve and your done

+1

 

[Awibrandy]

​

IMO the TLF reactors were poorly made. I switched to reactors from bulk reef supply and am very pleased with them.

DITTO​

I have the Two Little Fishies, and they tend to leak. I finally wrapped some plumbers tape around it before I put the lids on. That is working to stop the leak from around the cap. But I haven't figured out a way to keep them from leaking around the rubber elbows. Also, the sponges that is suppose to keep the media from getting out do not do their job. For that I have to get, and cut out disk from the blue/white poly filter pads.
I run 2 daisy chained; one for gfo/phosban, and another for the carbon. I run them off of 1 1200 Maxi Jet.
I do plan on getting the BRS duo reactor as soon as I can.

This is what I am talking about..
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...actors/dual-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor-1.html

 

[NewfiDog]

BRS easy to use its a house filter with a little modification.
Dont get the duo if your going to run 2 different medias then just get 2, because if you put carbon in 1 its flow rate lowers then so will your GFO.