What am I doing wrong? Media reactor

[Newbie1]

Ok I have two BRS MINI media reactors. I am trying to hard line it from my Maxijet 1200 to valve then to one which will be my GFO and then to other for Carbon. Then back to tank. When I did my test run with a bucket, both media reactors are leaking as if they are not seating properly. They ARE used but appear to be in really good shape.

 

[reefwiser]

Where is the leak occurring?At the seal of the filter cartilage or the inlet/ outlet lines? Did you have the media Internal containers inside during testing. As this makes the water run through the internal reactor before it exits the reactor. How is the back rubber seal on the clear plastic housing of the filter housing. You want to had tighten them housing all the way flush with the top of the filter.

 

[KenO]

Clean the black stuff off the white cap. Try using a product like this on the o-rings.
Amazon product ASIN B004VTGL9A

 

[Bfragale]

I would agree- pull the black o-rings out and give the canister and top a decent scrub where gasket makes contact. Ask scrub the o-rings. You can use a bit of vasaline on the orings to get a better seal.
Good luck my friend!

 

[Newbie1]

The leak is occurring at the seal of the filter cartridge. I only had the container inside (no media). when I screw the canister in, no matter how tight I screw, it will not make it all the way up to be flush. The black stuff on the white part, is from me (I think) screwing it on so tight, the black was rubbing off from the o-ring inside. Am I OK with using Vaseline? it wont harm my tank? Thank you guys very much with your help and advice! I seriously appreciate it.

 

[KenO]

I’ve never used Vaseline product just the lube product I listed.

 

[Miller535]

BRS sells replacement O rings for dirt cheap.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/o-ring-for-10-reverse-osmosis-canisters.html
Although you are saying that it won't screw on flush. So maybe the person who had it before you cross threaded it and screwed up the threads.

 

[KenO]

It should turn easily when you screw it on. I tighten by hand. I have the tool to give it an extra slight turn. Not much.

 

[Water Dog]

Are you using an RO wrench to tighten it? Hand tightening alone won’t get it tight enough and it will leak without the use of the RO wrench.

 

[reefwiser]

Should never use a wrench to tighten. Believe me. I have seen many broken filters in my 40 years as an industrial maintenance man. The wrench is used to remove the housing. As when the filter is in use the flow of water creates a vacuum making it hard to remove the housing. Making filter housings have a button on top to release the vacuum pressure inside the housing. Like others have said I would replace the o ring inside the filter housing.

 

[Water Dog]

I must be weak... :) Without using the wrench to snug it up, my BRS mini reactor will leak.

 

[mtfish]

It looks to me that it was over tightened and damaged the o ring. Get new o ring, clean everything up. I would use silicon grease instead of Vaseline. Put a very thin layer of silicon grease on the o ring where it seals with the canister. Make sure you are putting the internal canister in right side up (should be arrows). I would put whatever media you plan to run and then do water test. And I agree that you should be able to hand tighten to put on. I also use my hands to take it apart, but that is what the wrench is for. Good luck.