Can't find info on a proper sized bio pellet reactor

[cracker]

Hello, I need a proper sized bio pellet reactor. My tank and sump is around 300 gals. Needless to say this setup needs some work! I'm liking the Reef Octopus brand but not set. Any OP's? Thanks, Brian

[Saskswimfan]

I bought a Reef Dynamics Bpr500, I love the recirculating system. I like the fact I have another form of control with the effluent valve. Unfortunately reef dynamics is no longer in business, I know there are other brands, who use the recirculating design as well. If you don't go with a recirculating reactor, I would recommend a reactor that would be at least double the volume of the bio pellets at max dose. Just to clarify not recommending you start at max recommended amount of pellets, just give yourself enough room so they can tumble freely. I had a friend who had his reactor with roughly 60% full of bio pellets. No matter what he did, he always had dead spots, even through a gate valve on with no better results. Hope this helps

[cracker]

ThankYou Sask, I know what Your saying. I tried a DIY little fishy 550. No matter how big pump, the fittings were too small to get enough flow/ tumble. It worked to a certain degree but not enough.I'm looking for a proper reactor .

[cracker]

How do I figure out a proper sized bio pellet reactor for my 220, total volume around 300 gl.

[fisher4d]

1 cup for every 50 gal is rule of thumb

[Sounds Fishy]

I just purchased the Reef Octopus reactor with the 3.9" width for my DT, 220 gallons and a 50 gallon sump/refugium.I only have it one third full.It should accommodate you.Hooked up to a 350 gph mag pump.I use their smaller size reactor for gfo.

[Saskswimfan]

Originally Posted by fisher4d

1 cup for every 50 gal is rule of thumb

I've heard that too. I've also heard to start with closer to half of that amount and add more depending on nutrient levels.

[cracker]

Thanks for the reply's " fisher", I needed a reference, 1cup per 50 sounds makes sense. just add a little at a time.
Sounds, I will check out reactor you suggest. Can You give me the model ? I got a reply from BRS. They suggested a 400 $ plus product! Mighty proud I think. LOL

[Sounds Fishy]

#BR-110 for the Reef Octopus bio pellet reactor. Bulk Reef Supply is $185.00 and maybe free shipping...the feed pump I am using is actually 500gph,but I have a ball valve on it to reduce the flow.I said in an earlier post that I was using a 350 gph Mag. on the bio pellet reactor.My bad! The 350 Mag. is actually what I am using with the gfo reactor,again with a ball valve to reduce the flow

[Sounds Fishy]

Originally Posted by cracker

Thanks for the reply's " fisher", I needed a reference, 1cup per 50 sounds makes sense. just add a little at a time.
Sounds, I will check out reactor you suggest. Can You give me the model ? I got a reply from BRS. They suggested a 400 $ plus product! Mighty proud I think. LOL

If the reactor they (BRS)suggest comes with a feed pump,then $400.00 is not too bad. The reef Octopus does not come with a feed pump,so that is an extra hidden expense.

[DamonG]

You may want to Google recirculation reactors.. They are much easier and effective to deal with to be honest.. I have, and have used for a long time, my reef dynamics bpr135.. This is after using many others, and dealing with the "add a little at a time" stuff.. Honestly, that's a pain and I'm my experience, not accurate.. It works, but, not nearly as effectively as a recirculation reactor(and don't let anyone that hasn't had one tell you otherwise, because it's a night and day difference)..

And the amount of pellets are going to depend on the type of reactor also.. But, with the recirculation reactors, it doesn't matter, because your controlling what goes in and out.. So you throw them(pellets) all in at once and go! And vary the flow through it..

With the rd, I am using 10oz of pellets on 210 gallons total system volume. I only have it open half way at the most(most of the time, like 3/8), and I never, ever, after the initial break in, have read nitrate.. I actually slow it down further to get it to read any nitrate.. And this is on 3 systems that I have transferred and used this reactor..

Now, with that said, Reef Octopus used to make a recirculation reactor, but I'm not sure of they do any longer. Brs used to sell it.. But.. Avast, with their MR series single pass reactors, does indeed have an effective ad on for recirculation that works well.. And it's cheap! I used it playing around with my gfo.. If going that route for your sized tank, you could easily do a mr5 "kit", and the recirculation mod, along with a feed pump for i think 150.00 at the most.. That's off the top of my head.. But you would workout a doubt get the control you need, and the volume. They are also releasing a new reactor soon that is passive recirculation. I have one because I am testing for them, but it works well also. It just isn't on the market yet..

There is also a guy that makes them.. You will want to check the all in one pellets thread.. But i know he makes them also..

Above and beyond though, you really, really want to go with recirculation. And check some sales threads, every now and then, you can run across used dynamics reactors for sale..

[cracker]

Ok , Thanks again for the op's . The RO 400$ unit came with a water blaster pump. it fits under the reactor. ( it was the space saver model) I don't want to get stuck having to use this pump only. As for a recirculating or regular reactor , I 'll need to do more research
the Br 110 or 140 was looking good for my needs.
On a side, I use a RO water blaster for my return. Very nice pump.

[cracker]

Gents, I ordered a RO 110 bio pellet reactor. Thanks for the insights. We shall see!

[cracker]

OK I Received and setup a 110 reef octo bio pellet reactor. well built and sturdy. Only issue is being a pita to add more pellets.
So I set this up yesterday and tested for NO 3 and PO4. I got zero on both. The kits are ancient so I had the same tests done at my LFS in which I have great trust. He didn't believe it either and tested twice. both spit zero's
Well this can't be right because I have just about every form of algae in there . They all take turns coming and going in a cycle! So the trates and phos is all bound up in these algaes and old rock ect. I will have to wing it and go by how the tank looks in stead of seeing positive test results. I added 1/3 of the required pellets and will let it go for a while.
I have a question and could use some OP's. I have been running a DIY algae scrubber since February . All I get is a lot brown slim algae and a tiny bit of HA along the top. I have tried varying water flows lights on off times. The lights were approved by Santa Monica. Any way the scrubber never kicked off. Should I keep it going or unplug it , considering I.m trying this new bio pellet reactor? Thanks for Your OP's, Brian
http://[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/upsguy/media/HPIM8137_1.jpg.html][/URL]

[cracker]

well shoot! I actually got a pic! Lol