GFO & Carbon Reactor

[ThatGuy]

What exactly do they do? I'm not 100% on the purpose of putting one of these on. I just started looking at them because I keep seeing them mentioned in peoples setups.

Also would this one be good enough for a 42bow?
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/react...actors/deluxe-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html

 

[mnat]

The point of a media reactor is to have as much contact with the media as possible when water goes through. They were basically replaced just filter bags as means of passive filtration in the aquarium. With the reactor the water is forced through the media which makes it much more efficient and also much less wasteful that just passive filtration.

BRS makes great reactors but I don't think you need the deluxe model, I know plenty of people on here running the regular models with great success. I ran the dual chamber for a long time in my old apartment with no problems. Depending on your space you might want to look at some other models with the BRS as they can be a bit big.

 

[falconut]

Reactors were explained above by Mike. If you were looking for information about GFO. It is used to help with phosphate control and does best in a reactor.

 

[ThatGuy]

So is there any point to it? I don't have any carbon in my sump as it is. Does it help at all as far as nitrates or pH or something along those lines? Or is it just for water clearity?

 

[falconut]

I only added reactors to my setup after 5 years when I was having algae issues due to high PO4. I now use two, 1 for pellets and the other for GFO. I think the only nitrate reducing media for a reactor would be some type of biopellets, which would also reduce PO4. If your water is fine, then it's not really needed. You can always just throw a bag of carbon in a high flow area.

 

[ThatGuy]

If I were to do it, it would be to lower PO4 as I have been battling them for a long time now.

 

[TanksNStuff]

So is there any point to it? I don't have any carbon in my sump as it is. Does it help at all as far as nitrates or pH or something along those lines? Or is it just for water clearity?

Yes. The basic use for carbon is to clarify some impurities in your water. It helps remove some tiny particles you typically see floating in the water column. It usually makes the water seem more "clear" when using it... especially with a reactor.

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[ThatGuy]

Yes. The basic use for carbon is to clarify some impurities in your water. It helps remove some tiny particles you typically see floating in the water column. It usually makes the water seem more "clear" when using it... especially with a reactor.

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Maybe I'll put some carbon bags in a high flow area.

 

[mfisher2112]

Carbon isn't going to help you if you are looking to lower phosphates. You need GFO for that. GFO does best in a reactor, but there are some other products out there that claim to be able to significantly reduce phosphates without the use of a reactor. (I believe Rowaphos is one of those that comes in its own mesh bag and can be placed in a high flow area of your sump).

Carbon will remove some of the impurities in water. It essentially "polishes" the water of the some of the things that can make it look not so crystal clear. It also is helpful to keep some toxins at bay that could result from "coral wars" etc.

My opinion on everything is, if it aint broke, don't fix it.

If you are testing high for phosphates, then a small reactor and some high quality GFO will most likely be your answer to remove it from the tank, but you will also want to look in to where it could be sourcing from (IE: your water).

Bulk Reef Supply definitely has some good equipment. Stay away from the phosban reactor. Those things leak like nobody's business.