BRS Reactors

[rcpilot44]

quick question

I am ready to pull the trigger and replace my TLF reactor. Is there much of a difference in performance by using the double reactor or should I buy 2 single reactors. I want to run GFO and carbon. Thanks

[GhostCon1]

Did you watch the video that they have of them? The guy does a pretty good job explaining what to get for what your needs are.

[pciscott]

I like the ease of changing the cartridge of the BRS reactors, but in my opinion the foam they use is too closed cell'd and they plug up very fast. I run maxijet 1200 on the dual reactor with 1.5 cups of GFO in the first stage and 1 cup of the Rox 08 carbon and I start out with the valve closed half way to get the GFO to tumble propper. Within a week the valve is wide open and by the end of two the carbon needs to be changed or not enough flow. I also see reduced flow when I reload the carbon as the sponges in the first stage start to plug.

I run a filter sock on my return, but tried not running one and the reactors plugged up within a week.

I have the TLF reactors in another setup and while they are not as easy to clean. They do not plug up near as fast.

I think if you could get the TLF thinner more open cell'd foam the reactors would perform much better???

Does anyone else have my same problems and how did you fix it???

Thanks, Scott

[cuse1]

I just removed the sponges on mine

[billdogg]

i use to single brs reactors - and have been unhappy with how quickly they clog also. Not quite sure why i didn'tthink to remove/replace the sponges! Duh..........

thanks for the tip!

Also - I use a TLF reactor on my smaller tank - other than the ease of cleaning the brs's, they are both fine products

[t4zalews]

when you remove the sponges..did you then put the media in a filter bag or something...I too find it annoying that the sponges clog up with media

[marc nichols]

Was just going to post similar question. I've used the BRS for nearly two years and while easy to service, after several weeks, flow is a dribble despite now pressuring off my sump return manifold. I have a single reactor and have run GAC and GFO in it with the divider foam. I tried running without the GAC with no change. I asked BRS if any of thier GAC options was less prone to clumping, but apparently not. I had not thought the sponges were the problem, however. Has anyone come up with a mod that works in the BRS?

[Stuart60611]

The cloging issue can be easily resolved. All you need to do is by some mesh from any hobby store and cut to size to replace the foam pads. If you do not want to do so, premium aquatics and a variety of other vendors sell the mesh for like $5.00. The mesh will not clog and will keep the media in the reactor.

[cuse1]

I just used the sewing screens and cut them out, one for the top and one for the bottom,, u can buy them at any hobby lobby store,, there in the sewing section.There called canvas screens. They come in 4 or 6 inch

[marc nichols]

Canvas screens, I can check that out this afternoon. Sounds like a smaller/more restrictive medium than the std sponges though. As to mesh, can this be better described. Looks like?

Thanks all

[sjm817]

I like the dual BRS that I have but have the same complaint. I cant seem to get much flow through it. I have it powered by a feed from a fuge pump. It gives me the same flow with a MJ1200. I scrapped the foam on the bottom since it gets hard and cant be cleaned and replaced it with filter floss. I'm using the stock sponges on the tops. My concern with using the mesh would be fines escaping. Maybe use mesh or screen on both ends of canister 1 and the bottom of canister 2 but foam in the top of canister 2 (exit)?

[Stuart60611]

This is what you want:


http://premiumaquatics.com/store/mer...&Category_Code=

[mmotown]

The sponges are the problem. I just so happend to check my canister and noticed my GAC not tumbling. replaced my sponges and it flows great now. I did notice cleaning the sponges really didn't work well for me

[sjm817]

GAC should not tumble. It will grind it into fines which will get into the tank. The final filter before the exit needs to capture fines from GAC and GFO before they exit the reactor.

[rcpilot44]

Thanks guys for the info.

On another thread someone recommended Nextreef MR1 complete kit w/ pump & hose. On special at Marine Depot for $79 . They are a little pricey since I would need two.

[rbredding]

following along.. I am looking to re-plumb my entire setup when my new MRC sump (YAY!) gets here next week...

[gweston]

Originally Posted by Stuart60611

This is what you want:


http://premiumaquatics.com/store/mer...&Category_Code=

That stuff looks just like gutter guard... I wonder if it is. The canvas stuff mentioned has rather small holes and I suspect would work. I wonder if that has clogging problems as well.

I was thinking to get a BRS dual set up.. will be following this thread for sure. I'd think on a dual... mesh everywhere and put poly/filter media on the reactor output... outside the reactors. That may do the trick.