Macro Reactor build list

Brewman1987 · May 1, 2017

Hi everyone,

After talking with some members last night about my reactor, I figured I would post a list of the parts used. Mostly everything can be purchased directly off Amazon with the exception of the algae and plumbing adapters.

Phosban 150 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006JM0KI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_J1YbzbFVFBC2X

Led Strip Light- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I9VFH54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_p8YbzbJ1QDWS4

1/2" Murlock stem adapter off the Tee if taping into a existing pump feed.

For the pump I'am using a cobalt mj1200 pump from my brs dual reactor that is Teed off to feed the algae reactor. If you plan to just run the algae reactor I'm sure a smaller GPH pump will do fine.

Any questions ask away.

Dan

McMullen · May 1, 2017

I think I'll try this!

Any changes to the filter pads? Use them? Don't use them?

How long have you been using yours?

Do you think your getting better growth than simply placing cheato in a fuge?

143MPCo · May 1, 2017

Dan, do you still have the images you posted during the last change out and can you share them with the community if you still do?

McMullen · May 1, 2017

Another question, I followed the link for lighting. Here is what the company stated, "UV can help plants grow and kill insects. But they are very harmful to human beings, so we kindly suggest you do not use IR or UV in your grow lights, but we can add 1 or 2 pieces if you really need it in a specific situation." Any benefit supplementing coral with lighting in such a low nano meter range?

Brewman1987 · May 1, 2017

McMullen said:
I think I'll try this!

Any changes to the filter pads? Use them? Don't use them?

How long have you been using yours?

Do you think your getting better growth than simply placing cheato in a fuge?

I chose to not use the filter pads as the chaeto compresses down and is almost a filter of sorts. I have been using mine for almost 2.5 months now and now that my no3 and po4 is controlled I usually harvest every 2 weeks. When I started this unit up I ran the lights 24/7 and now is on a reverse light cycle and I just feed more to have steady but low readings for the corals. As far as the uv light for coral supplementing I can't answer that one, the light is strictly for the macro algae in my build.

Dan

Brewman1987 · May 1, 2017

143MPCo said:
Dan, do you still have the images you posted during the last change out and can you share them with the community if you still do?

As requested by Alex,

The first photo shows the initial amount of algae I started with in the reactor when my nitrates were up around 15ppm, I also added some red macro to help supplement my tang in the frag tank.

The harvest photos are about 1.5 weeks worth of growth and you can see how compressed the chaeto becomes.