need help! bio pellet vs granular reactors.

[zoomster]

Good day to all!,

I am going to by a reactor ( mostly to help reduce my nitrate levels ) and as I have no experience as of yet with them, I was hoping to get
some guidance from all you pros!
While I understand the basics on how a reactor works, I really need to know a few PROS & CONS of the two types and a suggestion as to what type to invest in? ( I will probably get another one at some point just for running carbon/phos remover/ or other media as needed )
Any help, advice and experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks to all in advance,
Zoomster

 

[Poseidon]

The phosban 150 reactors and 550 reactors are very commonly used for pellets and granular medias, I myself have 5 running on two separate system and they work great.

 

[zoomster]

Hi Poseidon,

that is great as the 550 is one of the units I was considering.
But, what media  do you think would be better choice, pellets or granular for nitrate / phos removal?

thanks again!
Zoomster

 

[Poseidon]

Hi Poseidon,

that is great as the 550 is one of the units I was considering.
But, what media  do you think would be better choice, pellets or granular for nitrate / phos removal?

thanks again!
Zoomster

How big of tank do you have?

 

[unibob]

Biopellets, nitra guard cubes, prodibio and more.

There are many options available.

 

[zoomster]

I have a 72g bowfront with a about 25g sump.

Hi unibob. yes there are many options, which is part of my problem when trying to decide which way to go!   

 

[zoomster]

BTW Poseidon, the t5 lights that i bought off you work good. Light is much better and crisper than my old t8 set.  Thanks again!

 

[Duke]

if you want to remove nitrates, the easiest tried and tested way would be with bio-pellets.

 

[dale]

if you want to remove nitrates, the easiest tried and tested way would be with bio-pellets.

yes and you will need the special screens to go in your 550 cuz the foam pads that come with it will clog up quickly
i would suggest bio pellets first, just a little bit with a decent tumble action till you get more fish\corals n such, then activated carbon with no tumbling, then if you want to grow hard corals or if an algae problem occurs (other than original cycling outbreaks) i would add phosphate remover (gfo) with a light tumble...and testing your water regularly will tell you when and if you need these things at all, and if and how they are working., you can do all 3 with the same style reactors. other people will have diff ideas and methods,, options options options,, good luck and pics pics pics!.

 

[zoomster]

Hi Dale.

Thanks for your input and the heads up about screens instead of foam filters as well!
I know what you mean about all the options, makes deciding what to go with difficult sometimes!
All my water parameters are good EXCEPT the nitrate I keep battle with. i have done 10-50% water changes but still seem to have high levels which is why I have decided to "tech-up" a bit and get a reactor! as I stated earlier I will also be looking at using reactors for carbon ect as, I am starting to think it might be the way to go for better efficiency of the media.

Thanks again,
Zoomster

I really do appreciate ALL of the help and feedback from everyone! It makes for more confident decisions and investments!

 

[Poseidon]

BTW Poseidon, the t5 lights that i bought off you work good. Light is much better and crisper than my old t8 set.  Thanks again!

Yes for sure, glad your happy with it