How to Set Up BRS Standard & Deluxe Media Reactors
If you want clearer water and healthy corals, a media reactor is one of the most effective filtration tools you can add to your system. Running activated carbon in a reactor helps strip out yellowing pigments that look ugly and hurt light penetration to your corals, while also removing toxins released by corals and other organisms. Using GFO in a reactor targets phosphate, which if left unchecked can hold back coral growth.
The beauty of a reactor is that it forces water evenly through the media, making it far more efficient and faster acting than simply tossing a media bag into your sump. Even a small amount of carbon, when run properly in a reactor, can go a long way as a preventative measure to keep your reef looking its best.
Standard vs. Deluxe: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, both reactors look similar and function the same, but the Deluxe has a few upgrades. It’s made with thicker plastic, has a molded plastic top, and includes a built-in air purge valve to make maintenance easier. The Deluxe also has push-connect fittings integrated into the lid, which reduces leak points and makes it a bit sleeker. Functionally, both do the same job, so setup is identical.
What's in the Box?
Both the Standard and Deluxe kits include:
- Reactor Lid
- Canister
- Refillable Media Cartridge
- Two Sponges
- Canister Wrench
- Push Connect Fittings
- 1/2" RO Style Tubing
- Ball Valve for Flow Control
- Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump (not included w/ reactor only version)
How to Set Up BRS Standard & Deluxe Media Reactors
Step 1: Choose an Installation Location
You can run the reactor submerged in your sump or keep it mounted outside with only the tubing in the water. The main difference is how much tubing you’ll need to cut. For simplicity, many hobbyists choose to install it directly in their sump, but mounting it inside your aquarium cabinet can help save valuable sump space.
Step 2: Set Up the Pump
If you've purchased the version that comes with the Sicce Syncra 1.5 pumps, screw the threaded push-connect fitting adapter into the pump output and tighten it by hand for a snug seal. Do not tighten with any tools as you'll risk cracking the pump outlet and/or fitting. Attach the four rubber feet to the pump base. They can take a little effort, but with steady pressure they’ll pop into place.
Step 3: Prepare the Reactor
Before cutting tubing, make sure the lid is firmly tightened onto the canister. This ensures your tubing length will be correct once everything is connected.
Step 4: Connect the Output Tubing
Take a length of tubing and push it firmly into the output elbow fitting on the reactor lid. Give it a tug to confirm it’s secure. Cut the tubing so the outlet sits below the waterline in your sump. This helps avoid splashing. Always use a razor blade or RO cutter for clean cuts to reduce the chance of leaks.
Tip: To remove tubing from any push connect fitting, hold the collar down while pulling the tubing out.
Step 5: Connect the Input Tubing & Ball Valve
Push a piece of tubing onto the pump output, measure the correct length, and connect the other end to the reactor input. The ball valve is optional for carbon, but essential for GFO since you’ll need to fine-tune the flow. If you plan to use the ball valve, install it anywhere on the input side that's above the water line.
Step 6: Fill the Cartridge with Media
Running BRS Carbon in Your Reactor
Carbon helps remove organics and keeps your tank water clear, but it must be set up correctly to avoid turning into dust.
- Unscrew the canister and remove the refillable cartridge.
- Remove the cap and strainer, then take out the two sponges and set them aside.
- Place one sponge partway down the cartridge.
- Add the correct amount of carbon based on the BRS Carbon Media Calculator.
- Place the second sponge on top, sandwiching the carbon between the two sponges.
- Reattach the cap and strainer, then secure the cartridge back into the canister.
Before putting the reactor into your sump, rinse the carbon thoroughly. The easiest way is to place the pump in a container of clean water, run the output into a separate container, and let it run until the water comes out clear. Once rinsed, place the pump and reactor in your sump and open the valve fully for maximum flow.
Running BRS GFO in Your Reactor
Granular ferric oxide (GFO) helps control phosphate, but unlike carbon, it should tumble slightly. If it's allowed to sit stagnant, it'll clump over time and become ineffective.
- Measure the correct amount of GFO based on the BRS GFO Media Calculator.
- Pour it directly into the cartridge without using sponges.
- Reattach the lid and strainer.
- Secure the cartridge back into the canister.
Rinse the GFO thoroughly in the same way as carbon, but this time slowly open the ball valve until you see the media just barely tumbling at the surface. Too much flow will grind it down into dust, while too little will cause it to clump.
Running BRS Carbon and GFO in Your Reactor
While there are some disadvantages, you can also opt to mix your carbon and GFO together and run them in the same reactor. To do this, calculate the necessary amount of GFO using the BRS GFO Media Calculator. Take that number and double it for your carbon amount. Mix the media together and install into the refillable cartridge using the carbon instructions above. This 2:1 carbon to GFO ratio will be enough to separate the GFO particles and prevent clumping. You DO NOT want the media to tumble in this configuration.
Drawbacks to this method:
- You may have to use more carbon than necessary in order to achieve the proper ratio to stop GFO from clumping.
- Loss of the ability to change one media type independently from the other. GFO typically lasts longer than carbon, so you'll be either running carbon past its useful life or changing the GFO prematurely.
Benefits to this method:
- Only one reactor, which means less maintenance and up-front cost.
- No need to worry about tumbling the media.
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
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