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Bulk Reef Supply

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single

Grouped product items
BRS Reactor - Single

SKU: 204180

In stock

$43.99

$54.99
- +
BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single with Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump

SKU: 300180

In stock

$73.59

$91.99
- +

Why does BRS recommend this?

All of the BRS reactors come with easy to use push connect tubing, flow control, and a refillable cartridge.  We took easy to find components to keep things cheap, while designing an efficient easy to refill reactor for aquarium use.  We keep hearing our reactors are the easiest to refill even when compared to others three times the price.  When changing the media is easy you are more likely to do it in a timely fashion as well.  We also recommend having an extra refillable cartridge on hand to make changing media that much easier.

 

Easy to use, setup and maintain. Perfect for utilizing GFO and Carbon in the aquarium. No annoying thumb screws and leaky lids like other reactors. BRS recommends a Sicce Syncra 1.5 pump to operate this reactor. Sold separately or packaged with the pump. Choose a different pump depending on mounting height and amount of media used.

 

The BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor features several distinct advantages over other brands.

  • Ultra-transparent media cartridge allows for clear viewing of reactor media
  • Heavy duty plastic construction
  • High quality easy to use double O-Ring push-connect fittings
  • Easy to operate, clean and maintain
  • Filter wrench included
  • (2) 3 Ft. sections of tubing
  • High quality ball valve for precise tuning
  • Ability to run carbon and GFO at the same time
  • 1/2" fittings and ports throughout reduce head pressure and provide ample flow rates
  • Holds three cups of carbon (Approx. 300g) or two cups of GFO (Approx 290g)
  • Dimensions: 14"H x 8.5"W x 5.5"
  • Sicce Syncra 1.5 Dimensions - 4" H x 2.4" W x 3.1" H
  • Pump (optional) and media sold separately

 

BRS GFO & Carbon Reactors use 1/2" Push Connect fittings and 1/2" Mur-Lok Polyethylene Tubing

 

What's Included?

 

Standard

  • BRS Media Reactor - Single (10" Canister Housing)
  • 1x 1/2" Push-Connect Union
  • 6ft (2x 3ft sections) 1/2" RO tubing
  • 1x 1/2" QC Ball Valve
  • 1x RO Canister Wrench
  • 1x 10" Refillable Media Cartridge
  • 1 Year BRS Warranty

 

W/Pump

  • 1x Syncra 1.5 Reactor Pump
  • 1x 1/2" NPT x 1/2" Push-Connect Fitting
More Information
Reactor Placement External, In Sump, Wall Mount
Media Capacity 1 Cup / 236mL, 2 Cups / 473mL, 3 Cups / 710mL
Warranty 1 Year
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Product Questions

Can you use Aquaforest Life bio fil medium in these reactors?
Question by: Jon on Nov 20, 2023, 8:49 AM
Yes, you can use Aquaforest Life bio medium in this reactor.
Answer by: Laura (BRS Staff) on Feb 6, 2024, 10:00 AM
Will this accept 2.5"x10" sediment filters - such as the 1 micron ROSave.Z Depth Sediment Filter?
Question by: Nick on Feb 4, 2023, 11:40 AM
Thanks for the question! Yes it will!
Answer by: James Johnson (BRS Staff) on Feb 17, 2023, 1:06 PM
I just purchased a single reactor with a Sicce pump. I plan on mixing carbon and GFO. Will this be sufficient for a 90 gallon tank. I plan on replacing the media every 2 to 3 weeks.
Question by: marc on Nov 3, 2022, 11:53 AM
It depends upon how dirty the tank water is, but in most cases, that one reactor should be sufficient for your system.
Answer by: Scott F.(BRS Staff) on Nov 9, 2022, 10:42 AM
What size canister would I buy to replace a cracked one? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reverse-osmosis-canisters.html
Question by: Colby McLaughlin on Sep 17, 2022, 2:37 PM
Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to us. You would purchase SKU: 200900.

Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on Sep 20, 2022, 7:58 AM
If I hook this up to a return manifold off my main return line, do I still need that separate pump?
Question by: Pete on Apr 2, 2020, 5:29 PM
Hey there-

Great question! I Feeding the reactor off the manifold will negate the need for an additional feed pump. If you have any other questions let us know.

Happy reefing! c:
Answer by: Brad Ohmann on Apr 3, 2020, 8:43 AM
If I increase the flow, can I run this unit stand alone in the cabinet under my all in one aquarium (no sump). The drop and the return would each be about 4 feet. Can this unit withstand the pressure from this flow and maintain an adequate tumble? Should the unit not be used in this fashion?

(I note my intention is to add LEDs and use the unit as a Cheeto reactor).
Question by: Brian on Nov 3, 2017, 4:08 PM
Hi Brian, thanks for reaching out.
Provided you choose a pump with sufficient flow you shouldn't have any problems mounting this unit as described. The canisters are rated to pressures far exceeding the capabilities of any aquarium pump.
My only concern would be water spillage when opening the canister. I would recommend installing 2 valves as close to the reactor as possible while leaving some space between the elbows to allow you to remove them if need be. Placing a tray or other container under the unit would help reduce the impact or any spills.
Hope this helps!
Answer by: Nick on Nov 25, 2017, 1:14 PM
What is the largest width diameter of the plastic canister part?
Question by: Art on Sep 11, 2017, 8:22 PM
Our reactors clear plastic housing will measure just around 4.5” at its largest point.
Answer by: Charlie on Sep 13, 2017, 2:36 PM
I will be purchasing 3 reactors from you. Can I use 1 Cobalt MJ1200 with two separate reactors? I don't have room for 3.
Question by: Jorge Perez on Jun 5, 2017, 10:10 PM
While we have found the MJ1200 to work well for running a pair of reactor canisters in series, this does put additional resistance on the pump and for larger media loads this can lead to issues if you are planning to tumble media. I would not recommend this pump if you are planning to split the flow and run the reactors off of a tee. In that case, something more powerful like a Sicce 2.0 would probably be a better fit.

Happy reefing!
Answer by: Zack on Jun 13, 2017, 3:11 PM
I see the dual reactor setup runs off one pump (according to photo), would it be suitable to run 2 separate reactors off one mj1200 pump?
Question by: patrick on Feb 19, 2017, 5:06 AM
It's been working great for a long time but the push-fit adapter broke off flush with the top and I can't get it out to replace it.

Do you just sell the tops?
Question by: Devon on Nov 28, 2016, 12:59 AM
Great question! Unfortunately we do not sell the lid or replacement separately. You would have to purchase the canister with the lid. The link and SKU number is listed below. :-)


SKU: 400104
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reverse-osmosis-canisters.html
Answer by: Randy on Nov 28, 2016, 7:41 AM
If I were to use the recommended amount of GFO on a 125 would that be enough? Or would I need the dual one?
Question by: Anthony on Nov 11, 2016, 8:17 PM
Great question! A single reactor will be perfect for the amount of GFO needed on your tank! :-)
Answer by: Randy on Nov 14, 2016, 2:36 PM
Hi, if I'm using the reactor with a mix of carbon and GFO, and I fill it all the way, should I be using the sponges? Thanks
Question by: Mike c on Jul 7, 2016, 12:54 PM
Hi Mike, If you are physically mixing the GFO and carbon together, then you only need to use a single sponge at the top of the mixture to help keep it in place. You can use one below the GFO and carbon mixture, but the built in strainer will usually keep particles from seeping through. Water will flow from the bottom of the refillable cartridge up to the top which will push the mixture to the top. By using a foam pad to "hold" the GFO and carbon in place at the bottom of the cartridge will keep the media from moving or tumbling.
Answer by: Charlie on Jul 7, 2016, 2:17 PM
I see you rate this for a 50 gallon tank when using a mix. Is that due to the media capacity? If so, would it be ok to use on a 200 gallon as long as I change the media more often?
Question by: Isaac Getty on Jun 15, 2016, 9:57 AM
Great question!
this is due to media capacity and flow through the media. While you can change out media more often for best performance and cost efficiency a larger reactor is recommended or a dual to separate the GFO and Carbon. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jun 15, 2016, 10:06 AM
The gfo is tumbling on the surface, but the gfo on the bottom of the pile does not appear to be moving. Is this a problem?
Question by: Michael Fay on Jun 14, 2016, 10:35 AM
Great question!
Not a huge problem unless you find the water is not flowing out of the reactor. This can be mixed up and adjusted flow to attempt to correct the flow in the bottom of the GFO. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions.
Answer by: Connor on Jun 15, 2016, 11:51 AM
My question is this: why not run carbon between pads with gfo under it where it can tumble? Or what about gfo and carbon together with purigen tumbling beneath? Thoughts?
Question by: Michael Fay on Jun 1, 2016, 7:08 PM
Great question!
the main reason is flow for the tumble. when multiple media are used it certainly will take up room in the chamber, in most cases there is not enough room for a tumble when the canister is taken up with carbon. While this could work on smaller systems 30 gallons and under, larger tanks would need more media and inherently more room to tumble. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jun 2, 2016, 11:23 AM
How could I incorporate purigen into this with carbon and gfo? Or would you not do this? Thanks for your reply!
Question by: Michael Fay on Jun 1, 2016, 5:45 PM
Great question!
You certainly can run it in a reactor without issue. Reactors are able to pass more water over the concentrated media and will inherently have better performance. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jun 1, 2016, 6:33 PM
How many liters an hour will this do?
Question by: Finlay Elmes on May 25, 2016, 3:16 PM
Great question!
This will depend on what pump is used. With the Cobal MJ 1200 pump you can expect flow at maximum 200 Gallons per Hour. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on May 25, 2016, 4:03 PM
Hey, I'm trying to learn all I can to keep a good reef tank. Would this be a good choice for a 55 gal? I wanted to start with a smaller aquarium until I can get the hang of everything.
Question by: Reid on May 10, 2016, 2:11 PM
Great question!
The reactor is a great way to tumble GFO or run carbon (or both together) to keep colors and odors under control and Phosphate levels to a minimum (with GFO). This unit is designed to be used in a sump in most cases and not hang on back. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on May 10, 2016, 3:21 PM
I am running a 150 gal tank. How many of this reactors do I need for my tank?
Question by: Sergio on Mar 18, 2016, 12:09 AM
Great question!
You will want one rector for Carbon and one for GFO on a 150 gallon tank. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Mar 18, 2016, 3:00 PM
Do you carry replacement sponge disks for the media cylinder for this reactor?
Question by: Matt on Apr 10, 2015, 5:35 AM
Great Question Matt! We certainly do, replacement pads can be found here: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-reactor-replacement-pads-hard-shell.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Apr 10, 2015, 5:35 AM
Do you sell the sponges separately? Mine are dirty and will clog very quickly even after a solid cleaning.
Question by: Daniel on Feb 27, 2015, 4:07 AM
Great Question Daniel!
We certainly do, the replacement pads for our reactors can be found here: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-reactor-replacement-pads-hard-shell.html.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Feb 27, 2015, 4:07 AM
I would like to run this and a dual reactor off of a Y valve coming from my return pump. My return line is 1" schedule 80 PVC. I would like it to split off right after the anti-siphon valve, with one side of the Y going toward my reactors, and the other side as a return to the tank. My reactors use the normal 1/2" flexible tubing supplied with the reactors.

What adapters would I need to facilitate that connection? I know I will need a 1" PVC Y valve, but from there, I need something to knock down 1" PVC to a 1/2 flexible push connector. I can split that Y again for the 2 reactors. Help?
Question by: Adam on Aug 19, 2014, 9:47 AM
Hi Adam,

You will want to use a Reducing Bushing 1” Spigot x 1/2” Female Thread and a 1?2" Male NPT x 1?2" Push Connect to adapt your reactor plumbing to your return line.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/schedule-80-reducing-bushing-spigot-x-female-thread.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-male-npt-x-push-connect-1.html

I would avoid multiple Y fittings and make a manifold using a T off you main line running to another T for one reactor and then the end of the line going to your second reactor.

I know its difficult to describe so take a look at this to get an idea of what I am going for.
http://hgtv.sndimg.com/HGTV/2008/01/31/gby1603_water-feature-f_manifold-in-pieces_lg.jpg

Each output will need a valve as will the line going to your tank. Getting the flow right to each reactor and your display tank can be a little tricky but you should only need to do it once.

Hope this helps!
Have a great day :)
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Aug 19, 2014, 9:47 AM
I lost my o-ring. The canister leaking water on the cabinet. Replacement
Question by: Bill on Jul 22, 2014, 12:41 PM
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Jul 22, 2014, 12:41 PM
How do I run both GFO & Carbon in the same reactor? (not mixed). Any sort of divider in the middle to be used?
Question by: Navdeep on Jun 10, 2014, 6:45 PM
Hey there,
If you are going to use them both in the same reactor but not mixed, you would use a sponge pad as a divider. That said though, if you aren't going to mix them you may be better off with a dual reactor which will make it much easier to change the media.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Jun 10, 2014, 6:45 PM
what size tubing comes with the single reactor and can it be replaced with a more pliable tubing. I purchased one of these units and had trouble bending the tubing into the location I wanted, it is quite ridged and tough to bend.
Question by: Todd on May 14, 2014, 5:17 PM
Hi Todd,
It is 1/2" RO tubing. More can be found at the link below. Honestly it wouldn't really be worth it to try and adapt to a different type of tubing as you would basically have to rebuild the whole filter. I would suggest just using a push connect elbow if you need to go around a corner, that way you also won't have any issues with kinking.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-2-mur-lok-polyethylene-ro-tubing.html

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-ro-elbow-union-push-connect.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on May 14, 2014, 5:17 PM
What is the recommended tank size for the single reactor?
Question by: geoff on Apr 30, 2014, 6:48 PM
Hi Geoff,
It has a capacity of 2 cups of GFO or 3 cups of carbon. How big of a tank that works for really depends on what specific media you plan to run. What type of GFO or carbon were you planning to use in the reactor?
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Apr 30, 2014, 6:48 PM
If I use a carbon reactor in my sump, will i need to continue using the carbon in filter bags in the sump basket? I assume the answer is no, but by removing the media bags, not all of the water of the water will be filtered through carbon before returning to the display.

Also, do I place both the intake and output hoses of the reactor in the same sump chamber? Or should the outflow go directly into the last chamber with the main return pump?
Question by: Noah on Apr 29, 2014, 11:43 AM
Hi Noah,
No need to run carbon in a bag when your using a reactor. The idea isn't to run all of the water through the carbon in each pass (which largely isn't happening now either as you will get things like channeling with a bag). When it comes to which chambers of the sump, most people return to the same chamber as you don't have to worry about creating odd siphoning issues but largely its just a matter of convenience. Your cycling the water from the tank over and over again so its not a big deal :-)
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Apr 29, 2014, 11:43 AM
I am setting up a 120 gal tank and I was wondering if this unit will work for that size of tank? Thank you
Question by: Daniel on Apr 4, 2014, 4:04 PM
Hey Daniel,
That shouldn't be a problem at all. The reactor should have enough room to hold the amount of media you need to run with just about any type of GFO or carbon you use on a tank that size.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Apr 4, 2014, 4:04 PM
Can you run this if you don't have a sump?

Thanks.
Question by: Matt on Apr 3, 2014, 6:28 PM
Hey Matt,
Its not a problem to mount the reactor behind the tank or something to that effect as well. It doesn't hang on back, but so long as you have somewhere to put it, its not problem at all to use it on a tank without a sump.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Apr 3, 2014, 6:28 PM
In the video series of how to start a saltwater tank they use some elbows not included to help hold the plumbing in the tank for us that don't have sumps. I was wondering what pieces they were exactly and where/what hardware store it was gotten from? I checked my local Lowes and had no luck finding similar parts.
Question by: taylor on Mar 18, 2014, 10:54 AM
Hi Taylor,
They are just 1/2" push connect elbows. Its possible you may be able to find that at the local hardware store, though 1/2" is a bit larger then they usually come. If not they can be found right here:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-ro-elbow-union-push-connect.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Mar 18, 2014, 10:54 AM
What other pump would work with the reactor to run GFO? Thanks.
Question by: Stephan on Mar 11, 2014, 7:14 PM
Hi Stephan,
Really just about any pump in the 300gph range will do the trick, the Cobalt MJ1200 just happens to be any easy fit. The only pump I would avoid is the marineland maxijet 1200, as they are quiet loud when used for this purpose.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Mar 11, 2014, 7:14 PM
I am wanting to get a y fitting for this and wondering what size i need.... i am going to run another line to something else. I have 300' of 3/8 tubing at the house and would like to use it!!!
Question by: Chris on Feb 19, 2014, 1:08 PM
Hey Chris,
All of our reactors use 1/2" tubing and fittings, hopefully you have some of that laying around too!
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Feb 19, 2014, 1:08 PM
What is the difference between this one and the brs biopellet reactor? Can I use this one to run biopelletes?
Question by: Xing on Jan 26, 2014, 1:54 AM
-2
The biopellet reactor doesn't have sponges and comes with fittings to adapt to larger size pumps (which are generally necessary with biopellet reactors). This reactor will physically hold them but wouldn't come with the fittings for larger size pumps.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Jan 26, 2014, 1:54 AM
Do you sell replacement foam pieces to hold the media in place? Mine have lost their spring.
Question by: Steven on Jan 24, 2014, 3:13 PM
-5
Hey Steven,
We sure do! You can find them right here:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-reactor-replacement-pads-hard-shell.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Jan 24, 2014, 3:13 PM
Is this the same as the one for use with bio pellets? Just with foam pads, or is the cartridge different?
Question by: Daniel on Nov 7, 2013, 5:31 AM
-3
Hey Daniel,
The biopellet reactor doesn't have foam pads and it also includes fittings for a larger pump (bigger pump is needed for biopellets) wheras the gfo/carbon reactor only comes with an adapter for the cobalt pumps.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Nov 7, 2013, 5:31 AM
Can this be run inline with the biopellet reactor? What kind of flow rates would be required?
Question by: Paul on Oct 8, 2013, 2:04 PM
Hey Paul,
You would want to run it separately from a biopellet reactor. The two medias require different rates of flow and would have negative effects on each other :-)
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Oct 8, 2013, 2:04 PM
Does the MJ1200 come with some kind of per filter so I'm not sucking up gunk in my pump?
Question by: Robbie on Oct 5, 2013, 5:13 PM
12
Hey Robbie,
The pump does not come with them in the box but they are available (and suggested). I have included a link below:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/maxi-jet-double-pack-prefilter.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Oct 5, 2013, 5:13 PM
When changing the filter media in th BRS media reactor, what are the steps that need to be taken? I was conserned about getting water everywhere when unscrewing the lid of the reactor to change out media. Thank you BRS!
Question by: Landon on Oct 2, 2013, 5:30 AM
-2
Hey Landon,
Changing the media is actually really easy. You just want to make sure that the pump is off and then you unscrew the bottom canister. While you might spill a few drops if your careful almost all of the water will stay in the bottom canister and you can carry the canister media and water to the sink to drain it and replace the media. You can leave the main bracket mounted, the pump in the tank, etc.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Oct 2, 2013, 5:30 AM
how much total combined media will single reactor hold carbon & gfo together...
Question by: eric on Sep 12, 2013, 10:26 AM
Hey Eric,
The max capacity for the reactor would be a total of 3 cups of media if it doesn't need to tumble (like carbon/gfo mix). If you were actually maxing out the reactor though you might want to consider a larger pump then the standard mj1200.
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Sep 12, 2013, 10:26 AM
Will this hang on the back of my DT? If not can you recommend a quality HOB model and pump?
Question by: Kevin on Sep 9, 2013, 1:37 PM
-3
Hey Kevin,
The BRS reactor does not hang on the back. Units that hang on the back aren't as common, the phosban reactor is the model most folks will use in that situation. The same cobalt mj1200 is a great pump option for it as well.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/phosban-reactor-150.html
Answer by: Bulk Reef Supply on Sep 9, 2013, 1:37 PM