Dual BRS Reactor.

[smallblock]

Is anybody running this and are you happy with it.

 

[gmpolan]

I run the seperate BRS cannisters as mine require different flows for carbon and gfo but i guess it all pends on what you want to use the reactor for.

 

[smallblock]

I'll be using it with carbon and gfo I'll post a pic of the types in a few

 

[budsreef]

If you are going to run GFO and carbon, then I suggest getting the single reactors. Like gmpolan said they require different flows and they also get changed out at different intervals, with carbon about every two weeks and GFO about every four weeks.

 

[acroholic]

gmpolan;632615 wrote: i run the seperate brs cannisters as mine require different flows for carbon and gfo but i guess it all pends on what you want to use the reactor for.

+1

Edit:

Budsreef;632635 wrote: If you are going to run GFO and carbon, then I suggest getting the single reactors. Like gmpolan said they require different flows and they also get changed out at different intervals, with carbon about every two weeks and GFO about every four weeks.

Another +1

 

[gnashty]

Blake - I run the dual and am happy with it - but agree with above statements

 

[corigan]

I run a dual and wish I would have bought 2 singles for the reasons stated above. Now I run the dual with just one chamber filled with media.. :/

 

[markgsu]

I too run the dual, love it. I am one of the forsaken running GFO and Carbon in the same reactor. Seems to do a good job, might just not be as efficient as it could be.

 

[rbredding]

the carbon & gfo require different flows (to be efficiently consumed) and also have much different useful lifespans..

it's better to have them separated..

 

[ralph atl]

I run the dual, and I am very happy. As long as you keep the gfo in the first chamber with it's top tumbling you are fine. I feed heavy, so I change both carbon & gfo every 10 days or so.......

however, if you wanted to change out gfo less, just change the carbon cannister....

the correct flow is more important with gfo, then carbon, imho.

 

[smallblock]

Well I put in my order last night for it. Also got a few other things I needed. If I choose to split them up I could seperate each canister correct?

 

[acroholic]

markgsu;632839 wrote: I too run the dual, love it. I am one of the forsaken running GFO and Carbon in the same reactor. Seems to do a good job, might just not be as efficient as it could be.

You can run both no problems. The dual reactor may be a better use of space for someone without a lot of under tank room to work with.

Whether it is "good" or not to run the two singles vs one dual is related to how big a system volume you are running, IMO. The smaller your system, the less difference in the separate flow rates carbon and GFO need, IMO.

My 300/150 gallon reefs total about 425 gallons or so. I am not comfortable running a dual reactor with a flow rate of 20 gallons an hour through the carbon part it, which is what I would have to do if I ran carbon/GFO together in a dual reactor. That is just not enough flow for 425 gallons of water.

If you are talking about a 30-60 gallon reef with a 10 gallon sump, then I don't see a problem with it. The larger the system volume, the more flow you need thru the carbon, IMO. The GFO in a dual reactor dictates the carbon flow rate, which is a limitation I did not want to have.

 

[smallblock]

Thanks Dave for clearing that up for me, My 72 bow with a 20 gallon long sump should be fine with this I think. I also dont think I'm gonna be using that much media either.

 

[rbredding]

Smallblock;632963 wrote: Well I put in my order last night for it. Also got a few other things I needed. If I choose to split them up I could seperate each canister correct?

probably.. but it could get a little messy.. (cut the bracket, back out the connecting fitting between the reactors - not sure what's there.)


it can MOST CERTAINLY be done... but like I said.. it could get messy..

 

[smallblock]

Rbredding;632976 wrote: probably.. but it could get a little messy.. (cut the bracket, back out the connecting fitting between the reactors - not sure what's there.)


it can MOST CERTAINLY be done... but like I said.. it could get messy..

I assume its set up like their rodi units. It should be two seperate canisters mounted to the bracket with screws in the lids.

 

[rbredding]

I would say that's a safe assumption...

Edit: keep in mind that you can always run Carbon or GFO in both chambers... then you wouldn't need to modify the flow..

 

[smallblock]

Thanks everyone for the reviews and advice. I wish I would have checked the site before I ordered but I think since my system isnt huge I will be ok. I've never run carbon or gfo before. Is there anything else besides rinsing the carbon and the dropping mag levels I should be concerned about.

 

[acroholic]

Run the GFO in the first reactor, and the Carbon in the second. I think that's what BRS recommends. The carbon catches any GFO fines that would otherwise go into the tanks.

GFO need to have water run thru it before you bring it online, as it puts out a brown dust initially like carbon puts out a black dust.

Easiest way, IME, is whenever you change out Carbon/GFO/both and need to run some water thru the system, incorporate it with a water change. Put the output from the BRS Dual reactor into a bucket and run a couple gallons through it to collect the runoff from the new carbon/GFO, then dispose of that water. You replace the water you used for the media rinse with you new saltwater. Then you can set the reactor flow rate.