BRS Dual reactor vs Deluxe for GFO/Carbon

[BryanDuggan]

I ordered a deluxe reactor for my 30 gallon nano from BRS, and planned to run both GFO and Carbon. I was sent a dual reactor instead. I'm inclined to return it for two reasons:

Reasons to return:
I have a small tank stand to work in, I can make it work, but it will be a pain
The deluxe reactor (I'm told) is an improvement from the flow perpective and has better fittings

Reasons to keep it:
carbon depletes faster than GFO so you waste some GFO running them together
If (if) I ever get a larger tank it'll hold more media

Am I missing anything?? Based on the above I think I should exchange it but I am new to reactors....

 

[downbeach]

In your case I'd go with the single reactor. It would probably be best to mix your GAC and GFO together in a ratio of about 2 parts GAC to 1 part GFO, this way the GFO won't need to tumble, and you'll get better use from it. I also think you'd be better off in the future with individual reactor's, so you can adjust the flow on them individually. GAC should have a slow flow, while the GFO should have enough flow to keep it fluidized(slightly tumbling).

 

[ants86]

I would return it for the deluxe reactor. I'm in a similar position in that I have a small tank stand and not much space to work with. I use the deluxe reactor for both GFO and GAC. I put the GFO at the bottom and the GAC on top sandwiched between two foam pads (which come with the deluxe). It works really well for me, as I'm able to get the GFO to tumble while the foam pads keep the GAC from moving at all. The more solid build and sleeker look of the deluxe reactor are also pluses.

In terms of the GAC depleting faster than the GFO, you don't really need to run GAC 24/7, so even if it does deplete sooner than the GFO, I just keep the GAC in until it's time to change the GFO. That said, I do tend to change the GFO about as soon as it's recommended (every 4 weeks or so).

 

[Tommyboynj]

I'm with down beach. While most people tumble gfo i always found it worked just fine mixed with the carbon. I actually stopped using it about a month ago as I I'm running it with biopellets and found I was stripping the water to much. My lps have bounced back really well and my sps are doing well also. Use it sparingly.