Carbon/GFO reactor?

Briguy350 · Jan 14, 2013

I've been leaning towards getting a carbon and GFO reactor to help keep my water clearer. Any thoughts on using them? Pros/cons. I was thinking of getting the BRS dual reactor or just get a single reactor and mix carbon and GFO in the one. My tank is a 75 mixed reef, 7 fish, 20g sump with skimmer and live rock only. Thoughts?

ritter6788 · Jan 14, 2013

I'd get separate reactors. Flow rates for carbon and GFO are different and you don't always change them at the same time. Be sure to start out slow with the GFO. I use less than half of what BRS recommends.

jackers · Jan 14, 2013

I got the BRS dual unit and wasn't entirely happy with the flow control through both reactors. I ended up spending about $20 on RODI fittings, splitting the dual reactor up, and basically making two reactors. I'll try and get a picture up if you need it.

But even a non-optimal BRS Dual Reactor is still a major improvement. Money well spent.

Singlefin · Jan 14, 2013

I have the separate reactors which both have shut off valves but run off one mj1200. The intake is behind my return pump and discharges into the intake of my return pump. Both intake and discharge into my return pump chamber.

Downbeach · Jan 14, 2013

Here's another possibility, using a single pump, with ball valves to regulate the flow through each canister:

http://www.spectrapure.com/manuals/Media_Reactor_Manual.pdf

Alex27 · Jan 14, 2013

Singlefin said:
I have the separate reactors which both have shut off valves but run off one mj1200. The intake is behind my return pump and discharges into the intake of my return pump. Both intake and discharge into my return pump chamber.

I agree with this recommendation since its the same setup that I have. In addition, I've tried many different companies of reactor , but non has the ease of use and versatility like the BRS units.

Briguy350 · Jan 15, 2013

Yeah a picture would be great. I really don't want to take up more space in my sump with multiple pumps that's why I was leaning towards the dual. I was gonna order from BRS cause I can pick it up and save on shipping. Lucky me to live in Mn! Cost wise if I can get two single reactors and split off of one pump that would be ideal so any pictures or links to pictures would be awesome. Thanks!

Paul C. · Jan 15, 2013

I am running a single from BRS. Was mixing carbon/GFO. Could not control my phos levels due to the sponges getting clogged within a week. I have switched to straight GFO and my phos levels are under .05 As for the carbon, i use a media bag filled with carbon and place it where the water overflows out of the refuge and into the return section.

Downbeach · Jan 15, 2013

Get two of these:

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single - Bulk Reef Supply

To use one pump you will need to get an additional Mur-lok 1/2" Union 'T', and 1/2" Union elbow. Depending on what pump you buy to run these, you will need another type to connect the tubing to the output of the pump, probably a 1/2" male NPTF connector.

http://www.gamurdock.com/gam/files/documents/Murlok-Fittings-Brochure-NoPricing.pdf

Alex27 · Jan 15, 2013

BRS makes a new canister that can be used without the sponges and its much better. What I made was a manifold from my main pump and then used the 1/2" push fitting

EpicWin · Jan 29, 2013

Stay away from the brs reactors at all costs they clog and become more of a pain than they are worth. DO some research and u will find many people claiming the same. THis is the only bad brs product ive ever had

fyrfytr · Jan 30, 2013

Considered doing a DIY setup? Saw a nice one on YouTube that looked really nice and professional.

billwill · Jan 30, 2013

Strongly recommend a GFO reactor. That's been one of the biggest impact pieces of equipment I've added over the years, after the best skimmer you can afford. I haven't found carbon do be that necessary, except for occasional use. The TLF Phosban reactor is actually a great product, though I upgraded to an Avast Marine MR5 reactor for no explainable reason. It's nicer, but the other one worked just as well. Keep it simple in my opinion. There's no need to get crazy on this unless you really like to geek out to the extreme and invent something that does exactly the same thing after 50 hours of messing with it. Water flows through it and back into the sump. That's it. Get one, and the BRS high grade GFO, and you'll make a tremendous difference in your tank.