which GFO/Carbon reactor do you use

[james1990]

its time to upgrade from my BRS dual GFO/Carbon reactor. not only does the GFO not get an even tumble, but it clogs after 2-3 weeks and I have to change the carbon before its spent. It works great if I stay on top of it and clean every single part once a month, I Just want something easier to change and less maintenance.

what are all of you using and how is the maintenance?

 

[yesjenks]

I use TLF reactor. Other then cleaning when I change media (every 8 weeks or so), I don't perform any maintenance.

 

[james1990]

I set one up for my buddy it looks nice and easy but I'm looking for something a little more robust. it just felt cheap to me compared to the BRS

 

[Jim]

I have the Next Reef twin monster reactors. Great reactors except I'm sorry I got the twin. You have to change both medias at the same time and that's not cost effective. I would get separate ones.

 

[dubs]

Tlf there is a reason they so popular they easy to clean and run and as far quality I been using them for good amount time now with no issues

 

[mbg75]

Just split the dual reactor a run separate flow through each

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/154189-splitting-brs-dual-reactor-pellet-mod.html

 

[Tonyscoots84]

TLF Reactor 150. I have been using them so far for 2 yrs no problems...

 

[Zuska]

I been using TLF reactor 150 as well. I have 2 of them for 4 years now and had no problems with them

 

[edd]

i ran a tlf and a geo for gfo and carbon, the geo tumbled notisibly more evenly.
now i have the geo and a next reef, will be buying another cause the geo is a pain to open. other wise a good reactor.

 

[Brando457]

I have used 2 x Nextreef MR1 reactors & 2 x BRS single reactors. Personally I think both work very well, the issue w/ the BRS is it a pain to mount if you have an open sump like me. The new BRS cartridges though perform very well.

One thing about the Nextreef that I did not like was the thumb screws on top. If you over tighten them the cheap plastic will snap <don't ask me how I know >

In my experience though you honestly can't go wrong with the Nextreef MR1s or the Bulk Reef Supply singles.

Hope this helps

 

[ecvernon]

I used TLF, and BRS now I use nextreef shorty reactors. They never clog the floe never slows down. I've been using them for like 2 years and glad I changed. I would rate in order of BRS dual, TLF, Nextreef being the least trouble

 

[jackson6745]

I like the construction on the BRS reactors but the cartridge design is poor. Water flow is uneven and doesn't fluidize the media evenly.
I've been using TLF 150 reactors for a long time and they're ok for the money. Not too happy with my current pair of them though. I have a really hard time getting them open (I am not over tightening). I usually have to use a pair of channel locks. Recently, one reactor developed a leak at the base where the acrylic meets the plastic. I run them inside the sump now instead of external.

 

[james1990]

I'm happy I posted a thread because the opinions are all over the place. the TLF looks really easy to change out and clean. anyone try the vertex?

 

[lnevo]

I originally purchased a reef octopus mf300b then found out its the same as the via aqua pr20/20, so I bought a second one of those. I really like these. Small footprint, easy to maintain, enough room for media for my tank size.

 

[kres1024]

Next reef MR reactors or geo reactors !

 

[james1990]

would the large GEO 420 reactor work on a smaller system with less media for some reason?

there's a couple for sale that I might pick up. enough people said they are good reactors here for me to try them

 

[lnevo]

No reason you can't use a larger reactor with less media as long as space is not a factor. Consider it space for more water volume