Get the best performance from your GFO and carbon

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.

[Abreezeducttesting]

Great idea for the GFO or carbon canister. I put a single canister with a hard plastic tube to the center port and water coming in and filled the canister with filter floss to polish the water before the Carbon and GFO. The water flow around evenly and worked perfectly. I think its something easy for your canister to become a water polisher.

[Mrinthewind]

Years ago pre YouTube info was a lot harder to come by thanks guys, ,got a fire going to start another reef. Oh pre led also metal halide was it

[Menibor]

I just At first your voice annoyed me but after giving u a chance I realized u are a professional you have a great channel and I learned a lot from u Keep the videos coming :)

[SaltyReefTV]

I have been on a mission to get someone to make a reactor that will automatically agitate the media, like a fancy zeolite reactor, but include different size screens or throw some foam pads in the box for different media applications. Until then... these tips will get me by! 1 other wish list item is sell a gate valve for this size tubing instead of the valve included in your kits. seems like I am constantly fiddling with the valve to get the flow right. Thanks again!!!

[GENISISTWENTYONE]

Been using my dual for about a year now and I love it

[Weezing]

Will you guys be having another free shipping for orders over $50, or at least over $100? I missed the last one due to work and I am just waiting for a good deal to pull the trigger on the BRS dual reactor w/ MJ1200 pump with GFO and carbon

[Physics]

I have a 300 gallon FO those look pretty small would the dual be big enough?

[alexlegoff]

Great video! Would you guys make a video about acclimating settings for LED modules/controllers for new corals and anemones?? Maybe talk about height placement and surface area coverage too. Always find helpful information from BRS!! Thanks!!!

[HoangTran-jwun]

My aquarium 400 gallons which one can i used

[ferozkaamil]

Ryan when will u guys start international shipping ?
Can't wait to get one of them

[golpins]

Hey BRS,

I am using the dual reactors and got the High Capacity GFO. I added it two weeks ago and hit 0 PO4. Well now I am getting some algae on the sand and on glass. Is it normal to have to replace the high capacity GFO within 2 weeks of a new tank? Curious if I maybe spent the GFO quickly at first....

[raeesusman]

Hi, is there any advantages other than the brand and look when buying reactors such as the skimz, reef octopus or vertex reactors compared to the BRS reactors?

[birtikidis]

Is it possible to use a carbon reactor with zeovit?  I know they recommend running the carbon passively, but I bought this pretty sweet BRS carbon reactor last year, and would like to keep it running ;)

[TaylorPearcy]

You mentioned the ratio of Carbon to GFO as being 2/3 Carbon to1/3 GFO when running both medias in a single reactor. However, there is documentation that says Julian Sprung recommends a 2:1 ratio. How do I know which is correct and how did you guys come up with yours?

[ulriksommer]

I love your videos :) now i wanna start a reef tank up again :)

[AH-penw]

On the dual reactor - could you do GFO/Carbon in one canister and a DIY macro algae reactor in the second?

[reefing]

If I have a 20 gallon and want a reactor for rox carbon it says 2 tablespoons what is the best reactor to use I was gunna get the duel for both gfo and carbon but is it best or the mini?

[zxzx]

I'm confused. For my tank, your carbon calculator says to do 1 part carbon to two parts gfo? And the video says to use two parts carbon to one part GFO??

I have a 10 gallon, so the calculator says 1 tbsp rox to 3 tbsp GFO?? Is that the combo i should go with or can i just use 2 tbsp of both and call it a day? (Both BRS brand media)

And can i plum the mini and just have it sitting next to my tank on the stand top?

[slirpslirp]

Hi guys, do you run always gfo or in case of high phosphates in your tank ?

[nicolekarisny]

so if i have two pumps already being used for uv and up take and return do i need third pump