Running reactor

[Mattl22]

Right now I have my carbon and phosban reactor connected and running off 1 maxi Jett 1200 is this ok or should I get another maxi Jett
1 for each
Ps no electric outlets left I have 2 power strips both full
U can't plug a power strip into a power strip can u???


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[beerfish]

Right now I have my carbon and phosban reactor connected and running off 1 maxi Jett 1200 is this ok or should I get another maxi Jett
1 for each
Ps no electric outlets left I have 2 power strips both full
U can't plug a power strip into a power strip can u???


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If your reactor is running you'd better go catch it....

You're better off with 2 powerheads so that you can control the flow of each one. They tend to like different flow rates.

You can plug a power strip into another one. It's not exactly the safest bet, but it will work.

 

[ming]

or just T off your return pump if its strong enough for each of your reactors. This way you have less equipment, and less plugs used

 

[BIG L A]

or just T off your return pump if its strong enough for each of your reactors. This way you have less equipment, and less plugs used

+1, This is what Im about to do.

 

[REEF ADDICT]

or just T off your return pump if its strong enough for each of your reactors. This way you have less equipment, and less plugs used

thats how i have it less electricty used less heat in tank works fine for me...

 

[beerfish]

If you have a sump with a return pump, then the T idea works well... if not... 2 pumps.

 

[Mattl22]

I do have a sump but my return pump is a little weak I think it's either 500 or 700 gph
What gph pump would I need too run
The 2 reactors. Also as long as I'm doing that I would like to make my single return either 2 or 3 returns and Eliminate all the power heads can this be done???
The reactors r in the first chamber the return is in the last sounds like it might get complicated and expensive
What type of fittings would I need?
How much would it cost estimate??

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[masterswimmer]

The 2 reactors. Also as long as I'm doing that I would like to make my single return either 2 or 3 returns and Eliminate all the power heads can this be done???

Generating all your flow from your return pump and running through your sump is not the most efficient way to optimize in-tank flow. Powerheads are definitely better than having one larger return pump for a couple of reasons.

1 - Your overflow plumbing is most likely not set up to have 1500-2500 gph running through it. 1" PVC can only handle 600 gph. How big is your overflow plumbing? How many do you have?

2 - Much more flow can be generated with powerheads. The flow can be increased and decreased with controllable powerheads to randomize the currents.

3 - The flow can be directed by placing powerheads in low flow areas as needed.

Russ

 

[Mattl22]

That makes sense


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[Mattl22]

Russ what do u think I should run the 2 reactors off is the 1 maxi Jett enough


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[masterswimmer]

Russ what do u think I should run the 2 reactors off is the 1 maxi Jett enough


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The carbon and the GFO (Phosban) are both supposed to run at different flow rates. Therefore it is beneficial to have either one pump with a manifold (multiple outlets controlled with valves) or a separate pump for each reactor. My suggestion would be the individual pumps.

HTH,
Russ

 

[MIKE NY]

Matt..you've seen mine..I'm just using two mini-jet 404s with flow valves on each.

 

[Mattl22]

What flows r each supposed to be at ??


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[MIKE NY]

just enough to make the media tumble, not flying around in the chamber because it will break up and end up in your tank.....thats the reason for the different flow rates...the larger grain media will need more flow to make it move...

 

[pweissma]

What flows r each supposed to be at ??


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When I asked questions about reactors I got many different opinions which just means there's lots of ways to make it work. Some say run GFO faster than carbon; some say do it the other way around; some say mix the two in 1 reactor. For my Solana I didn't want to deal with the complexity or space of 2 reactors so I have one reactor under my tank in the stand run by a tiny pump equivalent to an MJ 400 perhaps. Smaller pump means less heat. I keep the GAC and GFO separated by a sponge.

 

[ECFENCING]

Go to bulkreefsupply.com

There is an excellent explanation on how to run the reactors. The best is running each one with a pump (mini jet 404 works well). I'm currently a dual reactor with a maxijet 1200. I run the gfo first then it goes through the carbon but as Russ said it's better to have one feed each for better control of flow.

I haven't had any issues running a dual reactor other than adjusting the flow every so often.