IM Minimax Desktop or Aquamaxx FR-S Reactor?

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#1
Reefers,

I've seen a few vids regarding the above reactors and both appear to be good products. However, I'm looking for first hand experiences from our community, comments, observations, likes and dislikes, etc. One of the two will make its way to my Nuvo 20 when that time comes.

Thanks for sharing.

G
 
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#3
Thanks, Sal! Good to know.

It looks like the FR-S is a little cumbersome when cleaning as you have to remove the entire unit.
 

solitude127

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I have the AM FR-S and like it. What type of media are you going to run in it? Originally, I was using ROX GAC and the media was too light so it just pushed everything up to the top sponges but I switched to just regular GAC and it does a lot better. It does have an adjustable pump and I have it turned all the way down.
 

newe70

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#5
I have recently using the AM FR-SE for both carbon and gfo. Very well build and good material. The pump is adjustable also.
 
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#6
I have the AM FR-S and like it. What type of media are you going to run in it? Originally, I was using ROX GAC and the media was too light so it just pushed everything up to the top sponges but I switched to just regular GAC and it does a lot better. It does have an adjustable pump and I have it turned all the way down.
Thanks for the feedback.

The type of media will depend on the situation, maybe just biopellets to start, still up in the air. Yeah - saw the pump, looks like by Sicce. Did you notice any additional vibration or noise from it?
 

solitude127

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Thanks for the feedback.

The type of media will depend on the situation, maybe just biopellets to start, still up in the air. Yeah - saw the pump, looks like by Sicce. Did you notice any additional vibration or noise from it?
There a little audible sound that I can hear when the doors are open but when closed, I don't hear it. Yes, it comes with a Sicce pump.
 
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#12
Quick update - I've done what I could to lower PH and nitrates on the tank but still high and causing algae issues. I decided to go with the minimax reactor and planning on just running Aquamaxx GFO for now. I do weekly 25% water changes, feed every other day (mysis, NLS pellets). Results to follow.
 
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#15
I went with the minimax reactor - works well with biopellets. Also using a modded cadlights pls-50 elite skimmer, the first gen model - been running great in conjunction with the minimax for about 7 months now. Nitrates went down to around 5-10 depending on how heavy I feed.

Surprisingly, PH went down as well, using gfo in a bag vs. reactor. Much easier and cleaner so I went this route although running in a reactor could have been more efficient.
 

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