Thinking of ditching fluval in favor of Reactor

I've had some problems with my fluval 405 canister lately,namely every 10 seconds it spits out tons of microbubbles.I've replaced every seal and cleaned every part possible to no avail. The internals are composed of 2 foam strips(it has slots for 4 total but I don't feel they're necessary), 2 carbon bags in the lowest shelf, bio-max in the next, ROWA-phos in the next, and lastly polishing pads. Both Nitrates and Phosphates are low enough to be undetectable using my Salifert kits so nutrients aren't a problem. I just wanted to try simplifying maintenance some.Eventually I will go sump/refugium but spacing limitations inhibit that move for even the near future.

Question is...sorry for the long intro...Does replacing my canister with a reactor with let's say NP bio-pellets seem like a sensible move?

I don't think the ROWAphos in a media bag is getting enough flow to be completely effective anyway since it seems I have to replace it every two weeks before I get another "minor" algae bloom.

I'm just wondering if the tank might be negatively affected while NP bio-pellets get working. Perhaps I don't have enough LR to be completely filterless?? Only 22lbs right now. Tank is still young too...only 76 days. I have mostly sps monti's,1 birdnest. 1 acan frag with 4+ heads,2 Zoa frags,1 leather mushroom, 1 unknown mushroom per LFS(resembles BTA).

Thoughts? Ideas?

 

Bump...anyone??

 

Reactors allow for greater contact time than canisters so are more efficient. It would be a good move. Do not get rid of the canister as it can be used for many emergency usages.

 

2 10 is correct. The reactors are a very good way to go. Bulk Reef Supply have a very good set for fairly cheap. They are large and take up space, but maintenance is very very easy (which is rare for most reactors).

Edit: just had a though. Have you checked all your hose connections on the feed side of the pump? If one of those was not tight, it would suck in air at that connection.

 

Yes I did...I disconnected and re-connected them. I also wiggled both while running and they don't make a difference. If I were to move the canister ever so slightly I'd get bubbles,but nothing when I jiggle the hoses.

I appreciate the replies.I will probably be maing the move to reactor.Though media content is uncertain.

 

Hmm my Rena xp3 spits out oxygen bubbles quite a bit as well. Please let me know if you are able to diagnose the issue. Thanks

 

Carbon and a GFO or Bio Pellet would be my choices.

Warner Marine has a bio pellet that I really want to try. If you do Bio Pellets, you have to have a very good skimmer and consistently do your water changes.

 

I have had some trouble getting my fluval to seal properly in the past,I found that a little vegetable oil on the o ring seemed to do the trick.

 

My Fluval FX5 puts out microbubbles. I change the filter pad and this corrects the problem. If you rinse out and clean the pad it loads up more quickly and the bubbles come back sooner.

 

You know, I would've never thought of that.The last month and a half I've been in that filter I've never changed the foam pads,just rinsed and re-used in old tank water.I suppose it's worth a try. Still leaning on replacing this thing with a biopellet filled reactor though . I'll update this post with changes.Thank you all for replies.