Are Phosphate Reactors worth the money?

SINNERMF · 10/14/2007, 08:24 PM

I found some phosphate reactors that I thought were decently priced. I just didn't know if they worked very well. Anyone have experience?
Thanks,
Mike

sasscuba · 10/14/2007, 08:28 PM

Best $$$ I have spent for my tank! Got rid of all hair algae in weeks and keeps the water looking great! I run one 24/7 and will never turn it off. Best $40 in IMHO!

ReefRockerLive · 10/14/2007, 08:28 PM

IMO, yes they are worth it because not only can you place GFO media, but also carbon thus reducing the amount of bags in your sump.

ccoral · 10/15/2007, 10:47 AM

I agree the best small investment for your aquarium some even come with the pump for less than 40.00. I use two one for carbon one for GFO

SINNERMF · 10/15/2007, 01:09 PM

Do they come with the media bags?

ReefRockerLive · 10/15/2007, 01:12 PM

No, the reactors themselves usually don't include the bags. Depending on what kind of GFO media you buy, a bag will be included. I know that Phosban, Rowa-phos, and PuraPhos includes media bags.

arts007 · 10/15/2007, 01:21 PM

If your running the GFO in the reactor you wouldnt want to use the bag anyway, this allows water to circulate around the media fully

steve the plumb · 10/15/2007, 01:34 PM

you don't need a media bag with a reactor.You place the media in the reactor and thats it.There is a sponge inside so the media doesn't escape (little fishes)

ccoral · 10/15/2007, 02:02 PM

http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-...ct-VA3311.html

Check this out these units come with a nylon filter bag on the output and the pump as you do not want GFO or rowa back in the tank

nightOwl · 10/15/2007, 03:16 PM

If the pump that is supplying the water to the reactor is dialed in correctly you would not need the bag or the attachment on the output. This usually comes from having a pump that is too powerful for the media. For instance with Purigen you can not usually run the pump full bore it will just come out the other side. With carbon i can since it is heavier. I run two reactors on my 90, one with carbon and one with Purigen. Both reactors are powered by minijet 404s. Like others have said a great investment

. I agree with others you don't really want to use the media bag the whole purpose of having the reactor is so the water can circulate around the media.

Hope that helps,

Henry

SINNERMF · 10/15/2007, 04:35 PM

sweet, thanks for the input

10/14/2007, 08:24 PM	#1
SINNERMF Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 415	Are Phosphate Reactors worth the money? I found some phosphate reactors that I thought were decently priced. I just didn't know if they worked very well. Anyone have experience? Thanks, Mike

10/14/2007, 08:28 PM	#3
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	IMO, yes they are worth it because not only can you place GFO media, but also carbon thus reducing the amount of bags in your sump. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

10/15/2007, 01:12 PM	#6
ReefRockerLive GHL Mitras LX7 Club Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 2,454 Blog Entries: 1	No, the reactors themselves usually don't include the bags. Depending on what kind of GFO media you buy, a bag will be included. I know that Phosban, Rowa-phos, and PuraPhos includes media bags. __________________ -ReefRockerLive Current Tank Info: Rimless 67g \| GHL Profilux 3.1T eX \| 2x GHL Doser 2 dosers \| 2xGHL Mitras LX7 LED \| Abyzz a100 \| Bubble King DC 150 \| 2x Vortech MP40w QD \| Fauna Marin Zeomatic 2.2ltr \| Fauna Marin Zeolight System \| Fauna Marin Balling Light Method

10/15/2007, 01:21 PM	#7
arts007 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 600	If your running the GFO in the reactor you wouldnt want to use the bag anyway, this allows water to circulate around the media fully __________________ Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99% perspiration, which is why engineers sometimes smell really bad. Current Tank Info: 120g SPS reef tank. 2x 400 watt Reeflux 12k on lumenbrights

10/15/2007, 03:16 PM	#10
nightOwl Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,799	If the pump that is supplying the water to the reactor is dialed in correctly you would not need the bag or the attachment on the output. This usually comes from having a pump that is too powerful for the media. For instance with Purigen you can not usually run the pump full bore it will just come out the other side. With carbon i can since it is heavier. I run two reactors on my 90, one with carbon and one with Purigen. Both reactors are powered by minijet 404s. Like others have said a great investment . I agree with others you don't really want to use the media bag the whole purpose of having the reactor is so the water can circulate around the media. Hope that helps, Henry __________________ To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737

10/14/2007, 08:28 PM	#2
sasscuba Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Owasso, Oklahoma Posts: 990	Best $$$ I have spent for my tank! Got rid of all hair algae in weeks and keeps the water looking great! I run one 24/7 and will never turn it off. Best $40 in IMHO!

10/15/2007, 10:47 AM	#4
ccoral Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 468	I agree the best small investment for your aquarium some even come with the pump for less than 40.00. I use two one for carbon one for GFO

10/15/2007, 01:09 PM	#5
SINNERMF Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 415	Do they come with the media bags?

10/15/2007, 01:34 PM	#8
steve the plumb Moved On Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 3,664	you don't need a media bag with a reactor.You place the media in the reactor and thats it.There is a sponge inside so the media doesn't escape (little fishes)

10/15/2007, 02:02 PM	#9
ccoral Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 468	http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-...ct-VA3311.html Check this out these units come with a nylon filter bag on the output and the pump as you do not want GFO or rowa back in the tank

10/15/2007, 04:35 PM	#11
SINNERMF Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 415	sweet, thanks for the input