Recirculating Bio Pellet Reactor

[BeanMachine]

I am contemplating a purchase. Looking at the Reef Octo Biochurn 120R. Is the difference between recirculating and not really a huge difference?

For now let's not turn this into a biopellet debate just wondering your thoughts on the recirculating aspect of it.

 

[Jlooney_4]

The only difference I think is you can control flow out of the reactor and still have the pellets tumbling well. I think it's better.

 

[solitude127]

I don't think that there is a proven benefit of a recirculating reactor. It's nice to have the extra control but how do you know what to control and the affects of the control. If you want to increase your effluent, what does that do? If you want to increase the tumble, what does that do?

 

[solitude127]

I use the aquamaxx and really like it. If I had the extra cash, I'd probably buy the reef dynamics recirculating reactor

 

[joseserrano]

i wouldnt go in that direction. added extra complication to this already complicated add on.

 

[BeanMachine]

Guys- which one do you think is best as far as changing out the media? Any recommendations?

 

[biologicalme]

recirculating is the only way to go really. I dont use biopellets because they were too difficult to manage. It either stripped the nitrates and not the phosphates, or it stripped both too fast and made the coral look horrible. It was really difficult for me to find the right amount to use on my tank, and I honestly didnt really need it, I was just trying it out. The reason I say recirculating is the only way to go is because you actually have control! see, the classic biopellet reactors (the one I used) had a constant and very fast flow that kept the biopellets moving. This also cause my water to come into contact with the biopellets at a really fast rate. Once you have an established bacterial population, it becomes very effective at stripping the nutrients out of the system. The really fast water rate and the extremelly efficient bacterial population causes your nutrients to be depleted waaay too fast. The recirculating reactor provides high flow within the reactor, which is needed for the bacteria colonies to grow and thrive, while also allowing you to control the rate of water comming in and out of the reactor. This allows you to control the rate at which your water comes in contact with the bacteria within the reactor. If I had the money, id give it another try using the recirculating reactor. I'll probably incorporate it in a different system because I have mostly lps and they need a slightly more nutrient rich environment. That's just my two cents though

 

[CamelMD]

If I were going to buy a reactor I'd probably get one from Reefdynamics, quality units and I think as Eric said that extra control would be great with all that can happen with carbon dosing,

 

[pgr11]

recirculating is the only way to go really. I dont use biopellets because they were too difficult to manage. It either stripped the nitrates and not the phosphates, or it stripped both too fast and made the coral look horrible. It was really difficult for me to find the right amount to use on my tank, and I honestly didnt really need it, I was just trying it out. The reason I say recirculating is the only way to go is because you actually have control! see, the classic biopellet reactors (the one I used) had a constant and very fast flow that kept the biopellets moving. This also cause my water to come into contact with the biopellets at a really fast rate. Once you have an established bacterial population, it becomes very effective at stripping the nutrients out of the system. The really fast water rate and the extremelly efficient bacterial population causes your nutrients to be depleted waaay too fast. The recirculating reactor provides high flow within the reactor, which is needed for the bacteria colonies to grow and thrive, while also allowing you to control the rate of water comming in and out of the reactor. This allows you to control the rate at which your water comes in contact with the bacteria within the reactor. If I had the money, id give it another try using the recirculating reactor. I'll probably incorporate it in a different system because I have mostly lps and they need a slightly more nutrient rich environment. That's just my two cents though

This^^ . You have much more control and don't have to worry about having exact amount of pellets you simply control the output. I like my cadlight reactor for that reason but its a pain to add pellets

 

[reefes pieces]

I have the innovative marine BPS reactor and honestly it's freakin so easy to deal with. Need to fill it up? Just pull the chamber out and leave the rest behind. Need to adjust flow? Just twist the sucker til you're happy with the tumbling. No issues with sticky pellets either.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I would def look into the Cadlights reactor. It spins bio pellets like crazy. And u don't have to add pellets that often, so it's not really a big deal. Read a lot of bad reviews on the biochurn. Make sure u research it


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[newe70]

I have the innovative marine BPS reactor and honestly it's freakin so easy to deal with. Need to fill it up? Just pull the chamber out and leave the rest behind. Need to adjust flow? Just twist the sucker til you're happy with the tumbling. No issues with sticky pellets either.

I will be getting an Innovative Marine bps reactor tomorrow. It is good to hear ur comment.

 

[OCReefMadness]

Steve,

I suggest you dosing Vodka instead of running Bio-Pellet Reactor.

 

[BeanMachine]

Any other suggestions on Bio Pellet Reactors? Either recirculating or not I'm all ears.

 

[Six2seven]

I love my cadlight recirculating reactor. if I feel it was stripping too fast, I could just dial back the effluent without having to remove the pellets or stop the tumble.

 

[pgr11]

Like I said earlier the cadlight works great. The movement is great dead silent and never clumps at all. Only draw back is adding pellets. But that not too often so no big deal really

 

[mark.a.smith405]

Guess I'll be buying a new BP reactor! Haha I have the aqua max an it's loud!


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[SchnitzelReef]

Like I said earlier the cadlight works great. The movement is great dead silent and never clumps at all. Only draw back is adding pellets. But that not too often so no big deal really

Yep. I agree with this


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

 

[BeanMachine]

I'll look at the Cadlights as well.

http://www.reefdynamics.com/Reef-Dynamics-Bio-Pellet-Reactor-Model-BPR135E-p/bpr135e.htm

This one would work for my system... anyone know if I can remove the pump and feed it with the manifold from my return pump?

 

[mark.a.smith405]

I'm picking up a cad lights tonight if you wanna check it out cody


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