Phosphate Reactor Questions

not to jack this thread but would this be a suitable pump for a phos reactor? its rated in the range of GPH for good GFO usage....

Aquarium Water Circulation and Powerheads: Hydor Pico Evolution Mini Pump

the 200 has a tiny foot print, 3.5watts of power, and 70GPH max @ 20" head

 

It depends on how big your reactor is. I use a Two Little Fishies Phosban 150 reactor. The instructions recommend a pump with output of 100 to 200 gph. You have to cut this flow back with a ball valve that usually comes with the reactor.

 

Most phosphate, or media reactors are similarly built, excluding those with lids that screw on, like the BRS model. As stated above, if there is an O Ring b/w the lid and the unit, be sure it's kept clean, and more importantly, make certain there's no chunks of media in the groove that holds the O Ring. If you visit a dive shop, pick up some silicone grease and smear some on the O Ring. It's reef safe, and does a lot for maintaining the seal, and preserving the rubber. Finally, as mentioned above a ball valve should be used between the pump and the reactor. You can set it visually once everything is running. For GFO, it should appear to percolate at the surface. Carbon can be run a bit more slowly. Although there's some debate on flows through different media like carbon and phosphate reducing media, I run both in mine, and the carbon "bubbles" just like the GFO. I don't find it to be an issue. Once it's established, the carbon grows beneficial bacteria just like LR does, so keep this in mind when swapping out.

Hope this helps.

 

I don't believe price always dictates quality. I use this one; ViaAqua Poly-Reactor (Multi-Media Reactor)

I only piad $40.00 and it has had no problems, for the price it comes with the proper pump. I use Pura Phoslock as the media.