Media Reactors?

[neogenix]

Hey Folks,

So I'm starting to think about what I want to do for my new tank, and bio pellets have come up numerous times, as well as GFO, and using chemi-pure or carbon in a reactor.

So what I'm wondering is, who runs what, and what do they run it in? As for bio pellets, do you run a CO2 scrubber? If not, why not? Ideally I want to make sure that I don't need 3000000 pumps to drive all of this, and if possible I'd love to run them through the same pump in serial...

Currently I was thinking about running something like this : Sump -> Chemi-pure in reactor -> GFO -> Bio Pellet -> Sump. Although, in all honesty, I'm having issues trying to work out which reactors, etc... the reason that I'm having troubles deciding on the reactors is I'm trying to work out how large a space I need to keep them in place :)

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[neogenix]

Something similar to maybe these:
-> http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/MR-5
-> http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/product/MR-16

or even:
-> http://www.marinedepot.com/NextReef_MR1_Media_Reactor_Chemical_Reactors-NextReef-NX1111-FIFRISCR-vi.html
-> http://www.marinedepot.com/Precision_Marine_Reverse_Flow_Substrate_Reactor_Ph osphate_Reactors-Precision_Marine-PM5111-FIFRISPR-vi.html

[Europhyllia]

nextreef
I do biopellets, GFO and GAC
I have a modified CO2 Scrubber (the scrubber doesn't need a pump)

[txg8gxp]

nextreef SMR1 Xl w/ biopellets
TLF 150 w/ GFO
I also plan to add a co2 scrubber

[neogenix]

nextreef
I do biopellets, GFO and GAC
I have a modified CO2 Scrubber (the scrubber doesn't need a pump)

What reactors are you running the GFO and GAC in ?

[txmike]

I am working on this same thing now.just made a DIY one over the weekend .i am now thinking a custom 3 tube rector so 1 pump and 3 diff media chambers.

[txg8gxp]

Just remember different media requires different flow.

[neogenix]

I am working on this same thing now.just made a DIY one over the weekend .i am now thinking a custom 3 tube rector so 1 pump and 3 diff media chambers.

What I was thinking was actually using a acrylic base and adding 3 tubes to it, with one inlet pipe, and a ball valve on each 'exit' (one to each of the tubes) to adjust the flow, and then having them pass back into one outgoing tube, which can be directed back to the sump. It'd allow easier plumbing / setup.


Just remember different media requires different flow.

From what I've been reading, and the ideas I've seen so far, it seems that a ball valve is pretty much a requirement with this. What about a line with T's off and ball valves to each of the media reactors? You can certainly just have a central return for the lot of them.

[txg8gxp]

A manifold with valves for each reactor chamber would work fine. I don't see any issue with that. Now my only issue is....some media needs to be replaced faster then others. So changing media on a big reactor like that might be alittle bit of a pain, but would work.

[neogenix]

What if you made each one independent, and with the correct fittings, you could pull one reactor tube out as you need, and put it back in when you're done replacing it?

[phippsj]

The most important reef keeping tool, in my opinion, is regular water changes. Invest in whatever infrastructure you need to make regular water changes happy and you will be happy.

If you go other routes, go slow. You don't want to crash your tank like I did with NP Biopellets (which was my fault... not the products).

[StevenSeas]

should be easy enough to build. I am sure there has to be a reason that they cost 70+ bucks, but really doesnt seem like a hard concept. When I read your OP i conjured up an idea much like the one you just stated. Is there any reason mainstream reactors are cylindrical or they just look sleeker that way? I mean I guess I could see where it would be slightly more effcient for tumbling media but really is it that much better?

[txg8gxp]

Reactors are cylindrical for more even flow through the media. Square reactor chambers would always have dead spots.

[ErikH]

Go with the Two Little Fishies brand reactor. For a tank your size, you could run GAC and GFO in the same reactor. They are awesome reactors. Ace also made a bunch of them back in the day, would be a good size for the bio-pellets.

[allan]

Ace posted a sticky how-to in the diy section as well.

[neogenix]

Thanks for all the input guys!!

[neogenix]

Ace posted a sticky how-to in the diy section as well.

Any chance you can find the thread in your history, or know what the subject was? I can't seem to track it down at the moment.

[allan]

Not at the moment from my phone. It was... Let me try and I will bump it.

[allan]

I couldn't find it so I sent a message to ace

[allan]

If you decide to build one I can go in half for the acrylic tube. I believe he said they come in eight foot lengths.

[txmike]

they are 6 foot i think $6 per foot

[txmike]

they dont have any in stock now but i found some 3.25" tube i have about 3' now will start work soon on one.

[sergiotami]

For me nothing beats the Dual Bulk Reef Supply GFO & Carbon Reactor....Its reasonably priced, easy to assemble and get going with no leaking..Replacement parts are eay to get if needed, the only difference is that I run carbon and Purigen by Sea Chem in mine. Purigen is reasonably priced, easy to recharge, last and removes phosphates for crystal clear water, cant beat it and with this reactor you dont have to worry about its small size getting out of reactor.....:) See link below!!!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/dual-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html