Biopellet users I need your help!

[p-daddy]

I've been messing with these things for months and for the life of me I can't get them to tumble as they should. I'm running them in a TLF Phosban 150 reactor. I also grabbed some needlepoint mesh discs so I don't need the sponges.

 

I'd say I have 3-4 inches of pellets in the reactor (maybe 100ml?) Lots of people claim they are running more pellets in the same reactor utilizing a MJ1200...I DON'T BELIEVE THEM! I can barely get these things to vibrate let alone tumble using an MJ1200. I've also tried to use a Quiet One 3000, which is 780 GPH to no avail.

 

I probably shake the reactor about three times a day. I've physically stirred the pellets, I've tried smacking the reactor with a piece of 3/4 PVC a couple times a day. There's just not enough flow! My pellets just sit at the bottom becoming an ugly detritus trap.

 

I'm limited as to the size of the pump I can use because I have no sump. I'm just curious as to what others are using, lots of people are claiming a MJ1200 or even small yet pump.

[p-daddy]

No one?

[Mudfish]

I went through the same thing. I had a generic media reactor (in which I had replaced the sponges with plastic mesh, like you did) from Bulk Reef Supply, and the pellets would not tumble, no matter what pump I used.

 

Then I decided that I wanted to put my carbon and GFO back in that reactor, instead of in bags, so I purchased the special pellet reactor from BRS. The only difference (that I can see) between the two is that on the pellet reactor, the outlet port is the same size as the inlet port - on the generic media reactor, the outlet is smaller!

 

Now the pellets are completely fluidized - tumbling like mad. Wifey says it looks like a lava lamp. AND I don't even have to use a pump to get this result - I'm just running it with a "T" off my sump return line.

 

So look at the two port sizes on your reactor. Maybe they are too dissimilar; maybe they can be switched; I don't know. If you need a different one, I would suggest the biopellet reactor from BRS - $40. A MJ 1200 will run it fo sho.

[p-daddy]

Thanks for the input, I like the BRS reactors, only problem is they are a bit too bulky (pun intended) to fit behind my tank. It also lacks a convenient method of hanging it on glass.

[p-daddy]

Giving this further thought, if I plumb a small ball valve on the outlet end of the TLF reactor would it in effect restrict the flow out and cause further turbulence within? Giving me adjustable tumble?

[p-daddy]

Anyone able to weigh in? Not sure if my idea makes sense?

[MikeTR]

put your finger in the return line and see if it works

[p-daddy]

Finger over the outlet was a very good idea! However it actually decreased the tumble inside the reactor.

 

I'm stumped, I've tried pumps which are rated far above what should be used on this reactor. Perhaps the reactor itself is limited to how much flow it can accept. I've read on RC as well as viewed videos on YouTube where people are using smaller pumps to fluidize biopellets in a TLF 150. I just can't figure out how. There isn't a lot I could be doing wrong with this thing. It can't be a head height issue, as it is hanging directly behind the tank.

 

Very frustrating!

[MikeTR]

What if you try restricting the inlet so it has to force water through a smaller opening.. ?

[p-daddy]

The idea behind forcing water through the smaller opening is that it would create more pressure? Not sure if this would work as the reactor has a red plate at the bottom of it to distribute water flow throughout, the idea "hose nozzle" idea probably would just result in back pressure on the pump?

[MedRed]

I'm using a NextReef SMR1 with a Mag Drive 3 and 1000ml of Warner Marine EcoBak. I'd recommend ecobak as it doesn't clump and doesn't try to float.

[wamb0010]

Its really strange yours isn't working. Ive got the TFL reactor, I have 200ML of ecobac pellets and they tumble for me. I have the maxijet 600 on full power. I mean mine don't tumble all the way to the top of the reactor but they tumble. They would tumble better but I had to put that stupid foam disk underneath the red plate or else it would come loose and work its way, along with the pellets, to the top of the reactor and then there was no tumbling since there was no room for them to move.

[Captain Billy]

I have yet to see a phosban reactor that hasn't leaked eventually. And I have dealt with dozens. Just a warning if your running it externally.

[wamb0010]

I have yet to see a phosban reactor that hasn't leaked eventually. And I have dealt with dozens. Just a warning if your running it externally.

 

that sucks cuz I am running it externally

[Captain Billy]

Well I wish you the best of luck but it's a risk I am unwilling to take. I won't touch a tank with an external phosban reactor.

 

Lots of Vaseline around the o-rings helps but eventually it fails. I never thought they felt secure when you put them together.

[ramsey]

You may want to try a smaller pellet like the Vertex pellets.

 

Well I wish you the best of luck but it's a risk I am unwilling to take. I won't touch a tank with an external phosban reactor.

 

Lots of Vaseline around the o-rings helps but eventually it fails. I never thought they felt secure when you put them together.

 

Is this just for the TLF reactor or all reactors?

[Captain Billy]

No of course not I run two reactors externally myself. But not phosban reactors!!!

 

Mine are like this. Far safer for external use. Just like RO system carbon housings.

[wamb0010]

No of course not I run two reactors externally myself. But not phosban reactors!!!

 

Mine are like this. Far safer for external use. Just like RO system carbon housings.

 

ehhhh, Now I have to decide if I want to start over and get the BRS reactor.... bummer

[ramsey]

No of course not I run two reactors externally myself. But not phosban reactors!!!

 

Mine are like this. Far safer for external use. Just like RO system carbon housings.

 

Col, just making sure since I'm going to pull the trigger on a NextReef monster XL reactor next week.

[wamb0010]

I wonder if I just replace the O-ring in the TFL like every 6 months if i'll be fine.

[p-daddy]

I'm using a NextReef SMR1 with a Mag Drive 3 and 1000ml of Warner Marine EcoBak. I'd recommend ecobak as it doesn't clump and doesn't try to float.

 

You may want to try a smaller pellet like the Vertex pellets.

 

Really good to know, I thought most of these pellets were very similar. Sucks because I still have like 3/4 of a bag of NP pellets sitting on a shelf.

 

Its really strange yours isn't working. Ive got the TFL reactor, I have 200ML of ecobac pellets and they tumble for me. I have the maxijet 600 on full power. I mean mine don't tumble all the way to the top of the reactor but they tumble. They would tumble better but I had to put that stupid foam disk underneath the red plate or else it would come loose and work its way, along with the pellets, to the top of the reactor and then there was no tumbling since there was no room for them to move.

 

Have you heard of people using mesh needlepoint circles instead of sponges to reduce maintenance and increase flow on biopellet reactors? They are ridiculously cheap at like Walmart or Michael's, take minutes to cut and place int he reactor, and work well!

 

 

I have yet to see a phosban reactor that hasn't leaked eventually. And I have dealt with dozens. Just a warning if your running it externally.

 

I'm currently looking for other options, specifically something that will hang behind my tank and fit in the space between the tank and the wall. I really hate the way the whole thing is built, from the crappy rubber elbows to the annoying screw on lid. You get what you pay for though, and they are easily the cheapest in the reactor market.

 

I actually have something really cool in mind as a replacement, just waiting to hear from the manufacturer.

 

Thanks for all of the input guys, must just be the size, weight, and clumping properties of these NP pellets.

[Captain Billy]

I think I paid $60 for my reactors together, not including the mj 1200.

[phi delt reefer]

I think I paid $60 for my reactors together, not including the mj 1200.

 

 

BRS Dual reactor on the group buy is $48.00... spend the money

 

u can use the mj1200 u already have - i think they fit perfectly with the RO tubing - billy can weigh in on that.

 

 

your supposed to soak the pellets in RO water for 24-48 hours before using them.

[p-daddy]

I have a BRS Dual Reactor sitting here empty, it's too large to fit between the tank and the wall. I agree though, solidly built product. Gotta love the John Guest fittings. The one they released especially for biopellets is nice too, even easier than mesh discs.

[p-daddy]

So I'm considering switching my brand of biopellets, my choices are Vertex, Warner Marine, and Bulk Reef Supply. Anyone have any suggestions for small, easy to suspend pieces?