brs.li/MediaReactors Media reactors are designed to efficiently pump water through various filtration medias to remove contaminants. While you can use many of these medias in a simple filter bag in the sump, the reactor has the advantage that all of your tanks water volume comes in contact with the filtration media several times a day. Doing this increases the usable life and long-term effectiveness of the media which means better performance and lower costs, over time.
The BRS reactors come in four models: single, single deluxe, dual and mini. We highly recommend the single since it's sized correctly for most tanks, can be used for GFO and/or carbon and it's simple to use.
The single and single deluxe perform basically the same. The benefit of the deluxe comes from a robust build quality and sleek aesthetics. The cap is a single molded unit, integrated push connects are low profile, canister is polished making it easier to see through and has black styling.
The dual reactor has 2 canisters that run in series, which has the advantage of running both GFO and carbon in separate canisters with one pump. This does have significant long-term cost advantages because GFO typically lasts much longer than carbon, so you can leave the GFO in and replace the carbon more frequently (something you can't do when running them mixed).
Finally, the mini reactor is about half the size of the other reactors. While it's too small to tumble GFO, it can hold carbon or a mixture of carbon & GFO securely. If you're using just carbon, particularly a high quality carbon like ROX 0.8, the mini is good for most tanks up to 100 gallons. Personally, I like the mini for carbon alone since it can hold it securely in place, it's low profile, and super easy to use.
If you're using our suggested mix of 2/3 carbon and 1/3 high capacity GFO, it can hold enough GFO for a tank up to 40 gallons.
There are three ways to fill and use larger 10” cartridges found in the single and dual.
For using GFO alone:
1. Remove both of the foam pads
2. Use the GFO instructions or our GFO calculator to identify how much media to use
3. Add it to the cartridge
4. Reassemble the cartridge and reactor and place it on the wall mounts or in the sump.
Before turning the pump on, place the return line in a container or bucket to rinse the GFO and collect dusty fines. Turn the pump on and let the water flush the fines for a minute or so, until the water runs clear - then return the line to your sump.
Once the media is rinsed, use the valve to adjust the flow rant. You want the GFO to have a slow, steady tumble. While tumbling doesn't necessarily make the media perform better, it does prevent it from solidifying into a block. The goal here is to ensure all of the granules turn over at least a few times a day and stay free from each other. You don't want it tumbling vigorously as the media would eventually grind itself to a dust.
For using carbon alone:
1. Remove both of the sponge pads
2. Use the carbon instructions or our carbon calculator to identify how much media to use
3. Push one foam pad down enough to hold the carbon
4. Add carbon to the reactor
5. Place the second foam pad on top
6. Reassemble the cartridge and reactor and place it on the wall mounts or in the sump.
The goal of the pads is to hold the carbon securely so it doesn't tumble. There's really no performance benefits of tumbling carbon, since it's a soft material which will grind itself to a dust fairly easily.
For using a mix of carbon & GFO:
1. Remove both of the sponge pads
2. Mix 2/3 carbon and 1/3 GFO together
3. Push one foam pad down enough to hold the carbon
4. Add carbon GFO mixture to the reactor
5. Place the second foam pad on top
6. Reassemble the cartridge and reactor and place it on the wall mounts or in the sump.
It's also important to not tumble the mix here because the harder GFO will easily grind the carbon to dust over time.
Tip: Our reactors run basically silent with the Cobalt Aquatics Mj1200. If they do make a noise, it's likely the pump or tubing touching something and transferring some vibration. Try moving the pump or tube. You could also put the silicone pads between the pump or tubing it's touching.