PhosBan reactor leaking

[BestMomEver]

Hubby said he saw it leaking around the top. I took the lid off and reseated the gasket. That fixed the lid leak but now it’s leaking where the tubes are attached. Is this just a faulty piece of equipment or is the pump not suitable? I bought what the LFS recommended... o_O I may have just answered my own question... what I got was a cobalt mj mini rated at 159 gph.

 

[SplitBumper-70]

If its the Phosban 150 they are known to leak

 

[Geoffrey Tan]

The Phosban seal sucks.

 

[Geoffrey Tan]

The Phosban o-ring seal is not designed well.!! Vey hard to fit and easy to go out of shape and not fitting.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

is that the 2 little fishies one? It sucks, it leaks, I used it less than 2 weeks before I lost it and threw it out. Go for the aquamaxx hob reactor, its the same price, but a million times better quality.

EDIT: ahh, it was a necro bump!

 

[Syntax1235]

I’ve been using the same phosban 150’s for around 10 years and generally like them; however, seals are prone to leaking. But you said the rubber elbow is leaking? I have not seen that on the two of mine. Maybe replace the elbows or dial back the flow? 159gph doesn’t sound like a lot. Replacement parts can be found easily on marineandreef. I always have a couple extra seals and elbows around, I buy them during sales.

 

[air_run]

I’ve been using the same phosban 150’s for around 10 years and generally like them; however, seals are prone to leaking. But you said the rubber elbow is leaking? I have not seen that on the two of mine. Maybe replace the elbows or dial back the flow? 159gph doesn’t sound like a lot. Replacement parts can be found easily on marineandreef. I always have a couple extra seals and elbows around, I buy them during sales.

I second this. I have been running three of these for over two years and they tend to leak over time. To add to the above when replacing o-rings, also replace the flat seals as well as that is what typically what "crushes" when tightening the lid. I have found if you wet the seals/o-rings/inside of the lid when gently screwing on the lid, it helps tremendously. It is a little flawed but will seal with a little finagling.

With the rubber fittings leaking, I have never had one leak but I clamped all of mine with small black zip ties.

I do like these reactors but, I would never use one outside of a sump. Pic for reference.