Flip's 120g NBBB (2 Viewers)

[CCrescini]

Oh, I forgot to add that I ordered a ReefDynamics (fka EuroReef) BP135 for my setup. I was running a CADLights unit, but it's really not up to the task, IMO. It looks nice, but it's pretty awful, really.

In the spirit of the budget build, I'm getting the unit "almost new" for $210. They're $299 new. Got it on Ebay.
Bio Pellet Reactor for 135 gallon Systems For In-Sump and External Use

Should have it by Friday. I'm pretty sold on the idea of only using recirculating BP reactors vs. standard ones. If you're interested in the quick and dirty, check these videos out:
https://www.reefdynamics.com/Articles.asp?ID=266

Anyway, more to come!

I have that same biopellet reactor. I have found two problems. First there is a dead spot above the 90 where the water enters the unit. This doesn't seem to be too big of a deal, I just give the unit a shake once a week. Second, and more importantly, it is sensitive to which pellets you use. When I get the NoPo pellets from reef dynamics, it works fine. When I use other brands (I'll have to check the exact brand, the bag is at home), it all turns to mucus. I think the flow through is too low pressure when you rely on the unit's pump to pull in water. As a result, if using pellets prone to producing sludge, the outlet tube can get clogged. Then it all goes to hell. I've cleaned mine out, and am about to set it up with a force feed from a powerhead I use to supply a couple of other reactors. Hopefully that will fix the problem. Once you have yours up and running, I will be interested to hear your review.

 

[flipside]

I'll be sure to post what I think, but that does make sense. The CAD Light one that I have is designed similarly, pump-wise. Nowhere near as strong though.

Thanks for the information. I'll definitely post my impressions.

 

[RR-MAN]

Looks great Leo.

Oh, I forgot to add that I ordered a ReefDynamics (fka EuroReef) BP135 for my setup. I was running a CADLights unit, but it's really not up to the task, IMO. It looks nice, but it's pretty awful, really.

In the spirit of the budget build, I'm getting the unit "almost new" for $210. They're $299 new. Got it on Ebay.
Bio Pellet Reactor for 135 gallon Systems For In-Sump and External Use

Should have it by Friday. I'm pretty sold on the idea of only using recirculating BP reactors vs. standard ones. If you're interested in the quick and dirty, check these videos out:
https://www.reefdynamics.com/Articles.asp?ID=266

Anyway, more to come!

Are you suppose to run a BP reactor on a new set up? Since there isn't really any waste for the bacteria to break down (reefdynamic video mentioned this, lol). I'm asking for my own information. I have never ran a BP reactor so don't know anything about it. I'm very hesitant to use one but would like to give it a try in the future.

 

[flipside]

Yes, it's okay to start running one during your cycle. Bacteria is almost immediate in new setups, should you seed it. I've been running one since day one. I just monitor my nitrates and phosphates closely... I only test once a week now, but the reactor I have keeps stalling out on me. It could be operator error.

Personally, I think that in that video he's tumbling too fast. You really need to tumble slow enough for the pellets to not clump-up, IMO. Bacteria doesn't have time to really colonize at the rate most guys run their reactors. That's why (again, IMO) a good recirculating reactor works best. If this one doesn't work well (as Chris above has pointed out... and now has me concerned with my purchase... LOL), I'll be forced to fab my own. At that point, it really isn't a budget build anymore... Go figure.

Honestly, I don't know if there's going to be any long term differences in running this thing, or a nice refugium loaded with macro, or a turf scrubber... but, it worth the old college try.

I guess we'll see how it goes. I've had good success in the past, but my rock wasn't this "dead" in the past. I'm having some algae issues, but I'm scrubbing with a toothbrush, using filter socks, etc... I really think it's because my current BP reactor bites big ones. I could be wrong... But, it's the only thing that's screwing up on me.

 

[TexanReef]

I've toyed with the idea of adding a B reactor. But then thought, am I adding one because I'm trying to solve an issue or am I adding it as something to add?

Still undecided. Though I would love to have a go at making one. I have the tools, the jigs... Time? Well, that's another story.

Good luck with it! I'm enjoying following along with your progress.

 

[flipside]

I really appreciate that, TR!

Honestly, I'm a terrible person to ask about these reactors. I'm strongly biased because they have worked so well for me in the past. You're absolutely right though. If you have no problem too eradicate, why shell out the money to see a cool, tumbling thingy under your tank?

If you're a stickhead, I feel they are "almost" a must have. We are typically OCD about or parameters (namely nitrates and phosphates). A properly established bp reactor takes out all the guess work.

Note that I did say "properly established."

 

[TexanReef]

You've not had the issue with milky water, cyano outbreaks, etc.?

I almost hate going to RC to research things these days. The amount of energy used to get through all the chaff outweighs the useful information.

That's why it seems, to me, so much better to talk to people like you who are devotes of a specific reefing gadget.

Makes me want to find the time to build one of those suckers...

 

[flipside]

LOL! No. I've never had those problems. But, the key is to control your output to the tank. To keep the appropriate tumble for the pellets, and control the effluent, a recirc is essential.

RC has it's uses. There are some good scientist and engineers over there that have helped me on "many" occasions. But, yeah... you do have to be selective, and re-research what you're told over there. There's a lot of BS everywhere. It's not site-specific, by far.

 

[flipside]

I don't have much to report other than algae has subsided, BP reactor is busted to Hades and I have to booty-fab it, and I got a new camera to post some better pictures. Here's some macros I took earlier this evening...

All of the above corals have been in my tank for a month or so... They are going back to their original owner tomorrow. Maconbits basically had me hang on to them for him. Since taking 3 of his nems, the mother split two more times. He's getting most of the LPS and softies back (as well as a couple of nems), but I'm keeping the following that came from his tank:

I almost killed this one. It was bleaching out badly. Seems to be coming back to life, though.

And these I picked up at FJW last week, during one of his Aussie shipments:

I think this one is designer... Pink Lemonade, or something like that... who cares though... Love it!

I'm not sure what this one is called, but had to have it, too. The last two pics are basically mini colonies.

That's all for now. I have a busy weekend in-store, so I don't know if I'll be doing much more. I do have the parts for the BP reactor coming in tomorrow, so I may get that finished. I'll post what I had to do to make it work (d@mn fleabay shopping)! LOL

Hope you all have an awesome day! TGIF, right!

 

[Lord Spice]

Looks good Leo !

 

[Diesel]

All need to be done is a FTS............. PLEASE!

 

[flipside]

Thanks! Diesel, I'll work on that FTS soon.

 

[James Lynch]

So was it just a bad seller on EBay or something about the reactor that makes it have an issue? You know a malfunction or something.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

waiting for the tank breakdown sale

looking good leo.

c

 

[flipside]

Hahaha! Chuck!!! Miss ya' brutha! Hope all is well in paradise!

James- It was just a shipping issue. The seller didn't quite pack it that well. I have it fixed now. I had to use some acrylic, weld-on, and buy a part from Reef Dynamics. It was actually kind-of fun to do, so no real complaints.

It's under the tank now. Much easier to adjust and I'm sure it'll do what I need it to do. I'll try to find some pics of the repairs I did... And, I still owe a FTS (though, not much to show yet).

 

[flipside]

Man... I was carrying in a bunch of stuff from the car, and I accidentally factory reset my phone. The pics I had of the broken BP reactor are lost. I texted them to a buddy of mine, and I sent him another text to see if he still has them...

Basically, the top part of the reactor, that goes from the intake of the acrylic cylinder, down toward the pump, was broken in shipping. It cost around 30 bucks to make, or buy from Jeff/Reef Dynamics. I chose the latter and they were great. Ordered some tubing from them too, because I'm too lazy to go pilfering through the hardware stores to find the ones I need... just to find out that I was a size too small, or a size too big... Ugh...

Any way, from there, as I was pulling the reactor apart, the piece at the bottom came loose... too easy, might I add. Well, the problem with that piece is that it's put in place during construction, and is not meant to be removed and/or serviced later. I'm talking about the piece that slides through the lower Uniseal, with the PVC aiming downward... to stir up the biopellets. I had to "cut" the whole reactor off of it's PVC base, and weld a new platform in place, just to fix that issue. This could have gone "really" wrong had I not played with acrylic in the past. I don't recommend it to anyone.

Any way... I have a perfectly functioning reactor, churning away under my tank now. I did a video because... again... I'm lazy. This shows the BP reactor leak testing with tap and very little biopellets in it:

REEF DYNAMICS BPRP135E - YouTube

The reactor it is replacing is the CAD Lights one. The main problem with that reactor is the pump sucks (pardon the pun). It's under-powered, finicky, and there's not enough room in there to replace it with a better one. Just tired of it so to the trash it goes.

Oh, and Diesel... there's a FTS in the video. LOL (again... it's that laziness thing).

 

[flipside]

Here's my first time using my new(ish, to me) camera for a video. Please ignore the background noise (my kick-ice son getting his gamin' awn), and my extremely poor camera skills. HA! You'll see what I mean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZnrToej1MQ

 

[G-reef]

Camera work is great. Tank looks amazing.

 

[kgk]

Great video. Is that a mimic tang? I have never seen one in a tank. He's purty.

 

[flipside]

Camera work is great. Tank looks amazing.

Wow! Thanks G-reef! It's coming along as well as it can, I suppose.

Great video. Is that a mimic tang? I have never seen one in a tank. He's purty.

Yes sir! I like the eyes. Looks like it's wearing blingin' mascara or something. LOL! It was "yellower" when I tossed the Hawaiian in there. After the dust cleared, it learned to stay the color it is now. Haha!