TLF PhosBan Reactor 150

I currently do not have a carbon source. Should I consider pellets??

 

If I was to do it i would go with GFO first (changed monthly and will reduce phosates) then grab another reactor and run carbon (that will give you crystal clear water).

 

The directions for this reactor say to get a 300 to 350 gph for running bio pellets. Is this true guys or will a Maxi 900 or 1200 be good. This is only a 56 with 3 fish only. I plan on starting VERY slowly. 1/4 or 1/2 a dose to start as not to crash anything.

 

I have read that Rowaphos does an amazing job of removing phosphates. If you want to run bio pellets you should look at the Phosban Reactor 150 item on MarineDepot.com and watch the video. They recommend just enough flow to bounce the pellets around. You don't want them near the top of the canister.

 

I've used biopellets, and I would not recommend running them in that reactor. If you want to run biopellets, look into the ones that are made specifically for them. They are pricier, but save a ton of headaches. Even when modded, I ended up removing the whole set up as it was a PITA.

Just my 2 cents.

 

More details. Why was it a PITA?

 

Just couldn't get the pellets to tumble correctly, constant clumping, and therefore constantly needing to be adjusted. I have done a bunch of reading since and have found others have the same problem. I haven't bought one yet, but from what I have read the purpose built pellet reactors seem to have far less problems, but I can't confirm that.

 

I currently am running 2 TLF 150 reactors. One had bio pellets and the other has Rowa phos. The bio pellets stuck toghther for about a week. I would just shake the reactor every evening, this would bust them up and start tumbling again. I could take 30 seconds an evening for a week to shake a TLF reactor vs 100 bucks.

 

I am only going to be running these pellets for a 56 gallon tank. Maybe 1 cup total at full dose. I plan on starting about 1/4 or a 1/8 of a cup and add 1/4 cup every 2 weeks until at the max 100ml per 25 gallon. I am going to get a 300 GPH Model: Evolution 1200 Mini from Hydor.

 

I am finally up and running today. I ended up with a mj1200 and it is really working great. I am starting with a very small dose and will add more in about 2 weeks. The full dose will my 200 ml for my 56..