Different Media Reactors, Pro / Con

[kaOzGrUnT]

Here are three types I've seen to be very common, could you tell us which one you use, what are the pros and cons of that unit.

The first picture is the simplicity chemical reactor
Second is the simplicity chemical reactor with UV cell.
Third is the regular single chemical reactor.

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

LOL, does anyone use chemical reactor anymore?

 

[AlohaTropics]

Chemical Reactors are detritus and nutrient traps. Most Reef Tanks experience higher levels of dissolved nutrients because of Mechanical filtration parts so most of us chose not to use them.

The 3rd pic looks like a Reverse Osmosis Filter Chamber.

 

[seldin]

I think, the 3rd picture is the BRS reactor that you can use GFO in or Carbon. A while back, I did research on the same topic. The problem with the first item, is you can not view how much flow to set with a ball valve. This is important, so that the media does not bind.

The bulk reef supply site has some videos on this topic. In addition, their reactor is bulky but made like a tank. I bought this one. I wish they made a lighter weight model, so I could hang it on my sump. This one is very heavy. However, it does not leak.
When you get it, you can see it is made of top quality parts.

I first bought the two little fish phosban reactor and it looked very cheaply made and leaked right out of the box.

There are a couple of different brands of phosban reactors that are good. I like the BRS one that you show. In addition, you will have to research GFO to put into the reactor. Again, go to the bulk reef supply website for info.

Also, just learned that ESV makes an excellent GFO that is not priced high.

Good luck.

 

[kaOzGrUnT]

Chemical Reactors are detritus and nutrient traps. Most Reef Tanks experience higher levels of dissolved nutrients because of Mechanical filtration parts so most of us chose not to use them.

The 3rd pic looks like a Reverse Osmosis Filter Chamber.

Thank you, these are the types of answers I'm looking for.

 

[waynotcars]

Hi, I was looking at the BRS dual chamber for my 220. I was up in the air because the GFO is EXPENSIVE! I saw this thread and saw AlohaTropics post saying they are nitrate traps. Now I'm confused because I have done everything possible to remove ALL sources of nitrates from my 220 gal system. I was most interested in the GFO for phosphate removal more than the carbon. I am getting SO much conflicting advice on this subject. Is a reactor good, bad, necessary, not necessary? Wouldn't throwing a bag of carbon in the sump under the flow do the same thing as carbon in a reactor? Do I EVEN need to run carbon? Advice please before I spend MORE $.