Bio-Pellet Reactor Recommendations

doctorgori · 10/25/2011, 07:42 AM

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

jamesdawson · 10/25/2011, 09:40 PM

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.

BigKahuna · 10/25/2011, 10:28 PM

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.

tkeracer619 · 10/25/2011, 10:44 PM

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.

mkart · 10/25/2011, 10:45 PM

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.

OneReef · 10/26/2011, 09:34 AM

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

tkeracer619 · 10/26/2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneReef

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

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

mojo~ · 10/26/2011, 02:29 PM

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.

bayoupr · 10/26/2011, 03:06 PM

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.

reefkeeps · 10/26/2011, 08:11 PM

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

Reefnut2010 · 10/27/2011, 01:32 AM

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.

Steved13 · 10/27/2011, 07:54 AM

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.

ahsan111222 · 10/27/2011, 10:21 AM

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

soverjas · 10/27/2011, 06:32 PM

JNS hands down

tkeracer619 · 10/27/2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefnut2010

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.

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

10/25/2011, 07:42 AM	#1
doctorgori Moved On Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Simon Bar-Sinistar Posts: 1,097	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

10/25/2011, 09:40 PM	#2
jamesdawson Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: I AM THE SEA Posts: 1,303	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. __________________ Old Reefers Never Die, they just...join the crew! Current Tank Info: I'm expanding my reach

10/25/2011, 10:44 PM	#4
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	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. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

10/26/2011, 02:29 PM	#8
mojo~ Skimmer Guy Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: IN Posts: 5,647	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. __________________ Mojo~

10/26/2011, 08:11 PM	#10
reefkeeps Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alpharetta Ga Posts: 1,093	Avast media reactor, make sure you tell them it's for biopellets. I couldn't be happier.... __________________ What I do, I do very well, and what I don't do well, I don't do at all. Current Tank Info: 150 REEF

10/25/2011, 10:28 PM	#3
BigKahuna Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: NY Posts: 977	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.

10/25/2011, 10:45 PM	#5
mkart Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1,313	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.

10/26/2011, 09:34 AM	#6
OneReef Reef Guru Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the great South Posts: 3,218	I love the NextReef SMR1. Best out there in my opinion

10/26/2011, 03:06 PM	#9
bayoupr Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,308	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.

10/27/2011, 01:32 AM	#11
Reefnut2010 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Gabriel Valley, Ca Posts: 427	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.

10/27/2011, 07:54 AM	#12
Steved13 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Treasure Island, FL Posts: 146	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.

10/27/2011, 10:21 AM	#13
ahsan111222 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 16	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

10/27/2011, 06:32 PM	#14
soverjas Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Detroit Michigan Posts: 98	JNS hands down