phosban reactors are they good???

newreef06 · 08/16/2008, 10:25 PM

Im thinking of buying a phosban reactor. I was wondering how good are they. ARe they worth the money. Or should I just run a phosphate pad in my sump. Would I get the same results. Or will a phosban reactor be better

Scott

limitdown · 08/16/2008, 10:31 PM

Just go for the cheapest reactor (fancy name for filter tube). Since it's just for phosphate remover, there's really no point in getting a really expensive model. I believe marinedepot sells Three Little Fishes reactors/filter tubes for like $25. Just use a small pump or t-off a line from your return to feed it.

admann · 08/16/2008, 11:25 PM

I am taging along, was wanting to know the same thing.

Theguyfromnj · 08/17/2008, 01:05 AM

Reefstop has the reactor I am using. Comes complete with pump, valve, and all hoses with reactor only $35. Can't beat that deal with a stick.
http://thereefstop.com/index.php?_a=...&productId=717

akopley · 08/17/2008, 01:43 AM

is it cool to put carbon in with the phosban?

inachu · 08/17/2008, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by akopley
is it cool to put carbon in with the phosban?

yes you can.

Michael · 08/17/2008, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by akopley
is it cool to put carbon in with the phosban?

no dont do it, carbon exhausts quickly, but phosphate material like rowa phos for example can last months, if you put them in together you will be wasting money, best get 2 reactors and run seperately, or run phospban in the reactor and carbon in a bag in the high flow area of a sump, dont put them in together

Dino · 08/17/2008, 04:53 AM

Michael has it right

, while you could run GFO and carbon together it isn't an ideal set up. Carbon needs changed frequently (I change mine about once a month, some people prefer to change it every couple weeks) while GFO depending on your phosphate load could last for many many months. Plus you typically want a much faster flow through your carbon than your GFO (with GFO you want just enough flow to keep it "rolling").

I use the two little fishies brand and have had no trouble with either of mine. Check Dr. F&S, they frequently have them on sale - you'll need a pump and some hose, both of which can be had for cheap.

billdogg · 08/17/2008, 07:24 AM

+1 on the tlf reactors - get 2 for the reasons stated above - i run mine on mj400 powerheads with ball valves to restrict the flow. you can just put them in the sump someplace - works great!!!

Pulp Fishin · 08/17/2008, 07:57 AM

I love them! Just my experiance but I wouldn't run a tank over 20gal without one.

Ever had bad Hair Algee? Its much better to try and prevent then it is to beat after you already have it.

My reply your question if they are worth it or not? Is a ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure? I'd say yes!

doubleduece · 08/17/2008, 08:31 AM

Reactors are better because it will "fluidize" the media allowing it to work much more efficient...

abulgin · 08/17/2008, 08:56 AM

Although these reactors are great to have at the ready, I wouldn't run them with GFO constantly if you are also using Chaeto. If you have a good fuge setup with Chaeto, you'll be robbing the Chaeto of phosphates and inhibiting its growth. These reactors are great to use for quick solutions, like getting a phosphate spike down, but not long term IMO. You're much better off letting your fuge/Chaeto do the work--plus Chaeto gives you the added benefit of having a medium for propogating pods, etc. I have a Phosban reactor, but I use it solely to run carbon unless I have a real phosphate problem.

luntiz · 08/17/2008, 12:23 PM

Whats GFO?

sps1-2-b · 08/17/2008, 12:33 PM

Granular Ferric Oxide

ducatimikep · 08/17/2008, 06:52 PM

I have recently added a Two Little Fishes
Reactor. I power it with a Maxi Jet 600 &
Fill it with RowaPhos.
Excellent combination. Within 2 weeks my
Phosphate now tests 0 down from 1ppm.
I probably have $65 (shipping included)
In this set up.
I am very pleased.

twoodall · 08/17/2008, 07:17 PM

I plumbed my reactors in Friday, one with carbon one with GFO. I purchased two tlf phosban reactors, I am powering them with a MJ900, first through carbon and the second chamber has the GFO. I am awaiting the results, but I think it will be worth the investment.

Tangweed · 08/17/2008, 07:46 PM

I want to get the TLF Reactor also. How often do you change the media?

padi200 · 08/17/2008, 10:44 PM

I purchased two TLF chambers and one pump. Change the media about once a month. It takes less than five minutes to do. If you have lots of phosphate in your water, you made need to change sooner at first.

I HIGHLY recommend the TLF ones. I did lots of research and for the money, and even if you want to pay more, they are the best.

Chuck

Tangweed · 08/18/2008, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by padi200
I purchased two TLF chambers and one pump. Change the media about once a month. It takes less than five minutes to do. If you have lots of phosphate in your water, you made need to change sooner at first.

I HIGHLY recommend the TLF ones. I did lots of research and for the money, and even if you want to pay more, they are the best.

Chuck

Thank you!

cloak · 08/18/2008, 03:11 AM

There are ways around a reactor.

twoodall · 08/18/2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cloak
There are ways around a reactor.

Do you want to elaborate on that?

jun_celis · 08/18/2008, 07:59 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by newreef06
[B]Im thinking of buying a phosban reactor. I was wondering how good are they. ARe they worth the money. Or should I just run a phosphate pad in my sump. Would I get the same results. Or will a phosban reactor be better

Let's go back to the original question here. I can't go on with this hobby without this reactor! Will save you so much headache as you move forward!!!

tmz · 08/18/2008, 09:40 AM

Albugin is right. Tough balance between ana efficient reacotr which can strip the phosphate out of your system and maintaining a refugiunm with macroaglae to do the same thing. The macroalgae and some other organisms will wane in low phosphate water as will nuisance algaes. When my phosphate drops below .4 the chaeto morpha and gracilaria wane. Yet to keep sps corals I need to be much lower than that at most .1 to avoid inhibbiting growth. I've not been able to get that low with a refugia alone.

The reactors are relatively inexpensive and very efficient. Much better than a pad . So if your goal is to remove phosphate and/or to push water through activated carbon get the reactor(s). Mike is also right ,while many use gfo and gac togetrher it's much better to run them separately.

GrantMeThePower · 08/18/2008, 10:38 AM

Does anyone successfully have both a phosban reactor AND cheato in a refugium? I see the cheato more as a growth area for pods with the phosban taking care of the phosphates...

Elan L. · 08/18/2008, 11:05 AM

What does a phosban reactor do? do i need one?

08/16/2008, 10:25 PM	#1
newreef06 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western Ma Posts: 822	phosban reactors are they good??? Im thinking of buying a phosban reactor. I was wondering how good are they. ARe they worth the money. Or should I just run a phosphate pad in my sump. Would I get the same results. Or will a phosban reactor be better Scott

08/16/2008, 10:31 PM	#2
limitdown Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 640	Just go for the cheapest reactor (fancy name for filter tube). Since it's just for phosphate remover, there's really no point in getting a really expensive model. I believe marinedepot sells Three Little Fishes reactors/filter tubes for like $25. Just use a small pump or t-off a line from your return to feed it. __________________ All I want for Christmas is to stay employed... Current Tank Info: 200g display + 50g sump FO

08/17/2008, 01:05 AM	#4
Theguyfromnj Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: 08098 (south Jersey) Posts: 146	Reefstop has the reactor I am using. Comes complete with pump, valve, and all hoses with reactor only $35. Can't beat that deal with a stick. http://thereefstop.com/index.php?_a=...&productId=717 __________________ I started with nothing and still have some of it left. Current Tank Info: 144 Half circle mixed reef, Nova Extreme 8x54w T5, DIY 100 gal sump, 20 Gal refugium

08/17/2008, 04:53 AM	#8
Dino Freak of Nature Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Finding my way back to the boondocks Posts: 11,048	Michael has it right , while you could run GFO and carbon together it isn't an ideal set up. Carbon needs changed frequently (I change mine about once a month, some people prefer to change it every couple weeks) while GFO depending on your phosphate load could last for many many months. Plus you typically want a much faster flow through your carbon than your GFO (with GFO you want just enough flow to keep it "rolling"). I use the two little fishies brand and have had no trouble with either of mine. Check Dr. F&S, they frequently have them on sale - you'll need a pump and some hose, both of which can be had for cheap. __________________ Cody I will love and miss you until the last beat of my heart Harley & Rusty.

08/17/2008, 07:24 AM	#9
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	+1 on the tlf reactors - get 2 for the reasons stated above - i run mine on mj400 powerheads with ball valves to restrict the flow. you can just put them in the sump someplace - works great!!! __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/16/2008, 11:25 PM	#3
admann Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: lakewood, co Posts: 51	I am taging along, was wanting to know the same thing.

08/17/2008, 01:43 AM	#5
akopley Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 701	is it cool to put carbon in with the phosban?

08/17/2008, 07:57 AM	#10
Pulp Fishin Were all mad here. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: London Ontario Canada Posts: 608	I love them! Just my experiance but I wouldn't run a tank over 20gal without one. Ever had bad Hair Algee? Its much better to try and prevent then it is to beat after you already have it. My reply your question if they are worth it or not? Is a ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure? I'd say yes! __________________ Reef Central Corner Club Aquarium Dumpster Diver Extraordinaire Money talks, mine says "Good-Bye" Current Tank Info: RIP:60g Pentagon Reef 100lbs LR 20g Sump Deltec Mce 600 Mag 750 250W Metal Halide & 2x39W T5's Phosban ReactorX2 5gal refugium 36xTO RIP:135G FOWLER /Agressive

08/17/2008, 08:31 AM	#11
doubleduece Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: virginia beach, VA Posts: 214	Reactors are better because it will "fluidize" the media allowing it to work much more efficient...

08/17/2008, 08:56 AM	#12
abulgin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,664	Although these reactors are great to have at the ready, I wouldn't run them with GFO constantly if you are also using Chaeto. If you have a good fuge setup with Chaeto, you'll be robbing the Chaeto of phosphates and inhibiting its growth. These reactors are great to use for quick solutions, like getting a phosphate spike down, but not long term IMO. You're much better off letting your fuge/Chaeto do the work--plus Chaeto gives you the added benefit of having a medium for propogating pods, etc. I have a Phosban reactor, but I use it solely to run carbon unless I have a real phosphate problem.

08/17/2008, 12:23 PM	#13
luntiz Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 612	Whats GFO? __________________ 14,200gph and counting... I need more circulation!

08/17/2008, 12:33 PM	#14
sps1-2-b Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 1,248	Granular Ferric Oxide

08/17/2008, 06:52 PM	#15
ducatimikep Needs Moar Cowbell Join Date: May 2008 Location: Anderson, SC Posts: 263	I have recently added a Two Little Fishes Reactor. I power it with a Maxi Jet 600 & Fill it with RowaPhos. Excellent combination. Within 2 weeks my Phosphate now tests 0 down from 1ppm. I probably have $65 (shipping included) In this set up. I am very pleased.

08/17/2008, 07:17 PM	#16
twoodall Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Marianna, FL Posts: 201	I plumbed my reactors in Friday, one with carbon one with GFO. I purchased two tlf phosban reactors, I am powering them with a MJ900, first through carbon and the second chamber has the GFO. I am awaiting the results, but I think it will be worth the investment. __________________ Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop drinking coffee..... Current Tank Info: 150 gallon, 3-150w MH, 4 96w Actinic, 4 Lunar Blue Moon Glow LEDs, Aquac EV180 skimmer w/ mag7, Mag18 return pump, 3 #4 Koralia, 250# LR, 3" Live Sand Bed, 55 G sump/fuge

08/17/2008, 07:46 PM	#17
Tangweed Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mohnton, PA Posts: 1,002	I want to get the TLF Reactor also. How often do you change the media? __________________ Thanks! Jeremy Current Tank Info: 90 gal with 40 gal breeder sump / fuge, Octo skimmer, lights and some water.

08/17/2008, 10:44 PM	#18
padi200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA, CA Posts: 529	I purchased two TLF chambers and one pump. Change the media about once a month. It takes less than five minutes to do. If you have lots of phosphate in your water, you made need to change sooner at first. I HIGHLY recommend the TLF ones. I did lots of research and for the money, and even if you want to pay more, they are the best. Chuck

08/18/2008, 03:11 AM	#20
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	There are ways around a reactor.

08/18/2008, 07:59 AM	#22
jun_celis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Algonquin, IL Posts: 1,487	Re: phosban reactors are they good??? [QUOTE]Originally posted by newreef06 [B]Im thinking of buying a phosban reactor. I was wondering how good are they. ARe they worth the money. Or should I just run a phosphate pad in my sump. Would I get the same results. Or will a phosban reactor be better Let's go back to the original question here. I can't go on with this hobby without this reactor! Will save you so much headache as you move forward!!!

08/18/2008, 09:40 AM	#23
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Albugin is right. Tough balance between ana efficient reacotr which can strip the phosphate out of your system and maintaining a refugiunm with macroaglae to do the same thing. The macroalgae and some other organisms will wane in low phosphate water as will nuisance algaes. When my phosphate drops below .4 the chaeto morpha and gracilaria wane. Yet to keep sps corals I need to be much lower than that at most .1 to avoid inhibbiting growth. I've not been able to get that low with a refugia alone. The reactors are relatively inexpensive and very efficient. Much better than a pad . So if your goal is to remove phosphate and/or to push water through activated carbon get the reactor(s). Mike is also right ,while many use gfo and gac togetrher it's much better to run them separately. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

08/18/2008, 10:38 AM	#24
GrantMeThePower Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 234	Does anyone successfully have both a phosban reactor AND cheato in a refugium? I see the cheato more as a growth area for pods with the phosban taking care of the phosphates...

08/18/2008, 11:05 AM	#25
Elan L. Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: miami beach Posts: 3,216	What does a phosban reactor do? do i need one? __________________ ♀ ⊗ ┏ ┓ ♒♒♒♒♒ Current Tank Info: 75g sps dominated reef some lps. 24x18x12 frag tank plumbed into 29g sump w/ Octopus Xtreme 160