Carbon/GFO reactors - best to use?

What don't you like about the BRS one? I was going to be ordering one from them in the very near future and am curious as to what you don't like because I have been hearing pretty good things about them and they are a good value.

 

I'm not a fan of that reactor either. I sold it awhile back. I didn't like the fact that the media is in containers inside the reactor. I could not see the media tumble. That bothered me.

I use a TLF 550 for my GFO (I have a big tank). The 150 is for smaller tanks. It is a very simple reactor. That is why I like it.

I use a Precision Marine carbon reactor. It is probably overkill but I bought it used. A TLF works fine for this application as well. The TLF reactors are made kinda cheap. But they are cheap and work so whatever.

 

it does clog easy as well.

 

I had the same problem with my BRS dual reactor. So I took my reusable container out of the reactor and replaced the sponge that is in the top and bottom with plastic canvas that is used for cross stitching. This allows more flow throw the reactor and more even tumbling. You just got to make sure the pellets that you use GFO, Carbon, or BioPellets are large enough to not slip throw the little squares.

 

I agree, I don't like the dual reactors for carbon and GFO. That being said, I *do* like the BRS reactors. I like how solid they feel and how easy it is to change the media. I guess I have some of the more clear media inserts. While it's not crystal clear, I can clearly see when the media is tumbling and when it's not. I got a pair of the BRS black heavy duty reactors which are plumbed individually. That way I can control the flow that goes to each and both and they have push button air bleed valves at the top. They use 1/2" plumbing instead of the 1/4" too. They also sell replacement sponge sets pretty cheap. And about the best part...you can hang them on the wall. I do not use them for bio-pellets...just granulated media. Here's a link: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/carbon-and-gfo/media-reactors-filter-bags/deluxe-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html

I tried the BRS Jumbo reactor for bio-pellets and it didn't work out.

--AJ

 

I use the black BRS "heavy duty" reactors as well.  I tried their regular reactor for GFO but didn't like the way it tumbled either so I got one of their cannisters for bio pellets for $10 to put the GFO in.  Works like a charm.  I also run one for the bio pellets.  Since carbon doesn't need to tumble I just use their regular reactor.