Bio-Pellet Reactor Recommendations
 

Short version: I got a 90G mixed reef ....using a mj1200, the BRS reactor I already have, clogs ... (deosn't efficiently tumble the pellets)

....So I need a decent reactor thats sure to tumble about 250ml (or more) of bio-pellets ....

I don't have room in my sump for a 2nd pump, so the new reactor will have to be "in-line" and using the same pump as Carbon & GFO reactors (yeah I'm doing pellets & GFO)

...as for oump size, will the mj1200 even do the job? ...I can replace the pump for higher GPH if need be, but I don't wanna grind the carbon and/or GFO into dust

I highly recommend a reactor with a cone bottom as they need far less flow to fluidize media. I use the SWC UR80 and for $110 is works great for 800 ml of pellet.

I don't know if running reactors inline will work however. It might be hard getting the flow right on the second reactor.

I agree with the cone bottom. I did a review with pictures and videos of the BRH90 octopus hang on BP reactor:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2052551

James is probably right too about the difficulty of running differing reactors inline as their flow requirements can vary greatly. A better way, and what I and others do, is to make a manifold to use one pump and valves off the manifold to tailor flow to each reactor.

One thing to consider is the bacteria needs both phosphate and nitrate to work. If you pump it through gfo first it will likely inhibit the bp a bit.

I use the octopus br-140 and have had a very good experience with it so far. Tumbles great and lots of room, even after adding 1.5 liters of pellets.

I love the NextReef SMR1. Best out there in my opinion

I use the xl version and it is a great choice.

I ahve tried a few and the JNS alpha 1 biopellet reactor is super nice. Comes with a sicce pump and is quiet. Take a look at them at least but made just for biopellets.

Seems like the JNS would be a problem with directing the output to your skimmer intake. I like the action but I presently run my output of my pellet reactor to my skimmer intake like recommended with most if not all pellet brands. Maybe the picture is deceiving and this can be done.

Avast media reactor, make sure you tell them it's for biopellets. I couldn't be happier....

Octopus or SWC with the inverted cone bottom gives best tumble for bio pellets. Anything with a flat dispersing plate will channel the water and eventually clog and need maintanence.

I like the Octopus, the inverted cone flows well and a nice even flow.

You cannot put them inline, you could "T" off of the pump, with ball/gate valves and regulate the flow to each reactor that way. The pellets need a pretty strong flow and Carbon/GFO need a verl low flow.

next reef SMR1 is what i used before I stopped the biopellets. It was the only reactor I found that didnt constantly clog or clump

JNS hands down

This is incorrect. I have been running a Nextreef for longer then the octopus has been around. It works perfectly.