Help with MEDIA REACTORS.

Maybe there's a change of plans... I just looked up the cost of GFO and it is crazy!! Can other type of phosphate removing media be used on the BRS GFO/carbon reactor? Like phos-ban, for example?

I can't believe how expensive that stuff is!! $54 for 1.7 punds!

I highly doubt I can afford the constant use of this type of media.

Any suggestions?

- Mag.

 

What I've been doing lately is use one of the 7" long media bags filled with carbon and attach it to the output pipe of my skimmer. I believe this works pretty well. I remember you have an HOB design, so I doubt it would work this way for you. You could put a bag in between the bafflers of your sump, that works very well too.

- Mag.

 

Which GFO were you looking at? GFO in general is expensive, but BRS is the cheapest. They have a "HC" high capacity like others do and it is generally twice as much as regular granular but removes twice as much.

For my 90g system I was looking at $75 per year for GFO regular granular. Pellets are even cheaper but I feel less effective.

Carbon is a no brainer.... it removes stuff you want removed and nothing else does the job it does. As far as phosphate reduction well there are other ways. One very promising thing is Biopellets.... basically solid carbon dosing with all the benefits and none of the drawbacks of liquid carbon dosing such as sugar or vodka.

However, pellets do not guarantee that you can get away from GFO. My phosphates were low to begin with, I ran pellets and thought I could do without GFO but then I took down the tank and had no long term use.

Phosphate concentration depend on inport and export. Bacteria can take up N and P, but other things can take up nitrates and the two are not removed in equal proportions. So the point is you can do stuff for nitrates, and run pellets but P reduction can be limited by no N. In my case it seemed the pellets were going to be enough for me and I was happy. Others have still had to continue GFO even though it is much less amounts.

To answer your question.... you can put any media in any media reactor. Does not matter what. I ran my biopellets in my BRS reactor. Took out the GFO and modified some screens.

 

I just started using bio pellets...2 weeks now in my Next reef MR1. PO4 and Nitrates were low to begin with as far as I know. Undetectable, on my Salifert for PO4 and 0 for nitrates using API. Going to upgrade test kit this week for something that can test more sensitively. I was planning on another MR1 and split the use of it for Carbon and ROWAphos if needed. I test weekly.

Powerman I read through your thread on the pellets.

I agree with you though Magnus, it is costly.

 

I was looking at the High Capacity and of course, I didn't think the price was a comfy price at all.. even for the small container, which I don't know exactly how much it would last me as of now, since I've never used it. (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/carbon-and-gfo/bulk-gfo-granular-ferric-oxide-phosphate-remover/bulk-high-capacity-gfo-phosphate-remover/1-75-pound-794-grams-bulk-gfo-high-capacity-ferric-oxide.html)

I used to run a media bag with Phos-ban and this worked as well, but I've ran out if it and thought this would be a much better, longer lasting solution. I can definitely say that after not using the phos-ban for a couple of months, that the dust algae has gotten more dense, and I would like to keep this from happening. I like my tank looking clean, as most of us in the hobby do.

 

BRS is as cheap as it gets for GFO. Phos ban is no cheaper. Yuo only need regular granular GFO. I used 150 ml every 3-4 weeks.

 

I use the Standard stuff and it works great, and you don't need to use allot at each filling, a 1 Lb tub will last me about 3 months which inst to bad.

 

Sorry for a old bump but came across this post with google.. Right now I am looking for a O-Ring for my BRS dual reactor and can't find one on their site so i sent a email about a RO O-ring and this was Their reply today..
"Dear Sid,

Your question regarding product O-Ring for 10" Reverse Osmosis Canisters has been answered

Your question:

Will this O-ring fit on a dual reactor ?



Their answer is:

Possibly. Every batch of canisters can be different, sometimes they are bigger/smaller and longer/shorter so its something of a gamble. If your already placing an order I would say its worth tossing on it just to check."


Can't even point me in the right direction for a O-ring for their reactor?...This is a first for me!