Biopellet reactor

[Reef Pilot]

I also use a Vertex, the older UF20 model. Only have to touch it when topping up bio pellets, never for cleaning. Since my nitrates have been consistently at zero for such a long time, my bio pellet consumption has almost stopped. Last time I had mine open (to add pellets) was in Nov/2012, which is well over a year ago.

I used to fill it almost to the top, which is a complete 1000 ml bag. Now there is only about 1/2 cup on the bottom left, and just keep a gentle tumble going with that. I use a mesh screen filter from Michael's to keep the pellets from exiting the reactor. You can also get a Vertex screen designed for this reactor to do the same.

I don't use a separate pump. The input line is T'ed off my return pump and flow and tumble is controlled by the reactor's ball valve on the input side.

[Delphinus]

(UF-20 is the model I'm using as well. There is also a smaller UF-15 that would probably work well if you want to look around for a used one..) Off the top of my head, I don't remember the pump I'm using to drive it, it was just some inexpensive thing that was recommended at the time. (Kien, do you have the same one still? Do you remember what it is?) In any case I would imagine any pump will do, maybe even a Maxijet1200 would work well.

As for the Cadlights, could you drill out the holes of the diffuser to make them bigger and less prone to clogging? That might be something to try. Even if you mess up and make the holes too big, you can fix that by getting the plastic screen mesh from Michaels to put over top of it.

[Treebeard]

I just watched Kien's videos on YouTube. Looks like the Vertex works really good.
I supposed I could try drilling the holes a bit bigger. I also think a larger pump would help.

Originally Posted by Delphinus

(UF-20 is the model I'm using as well. There is also a smaller UF-15 that would probably work well if you want to look around for a used one..) Off the top of my head, I don't remember the pump I'm using to drive it, it was just some inexpensive thing that was recommended at the time. (Kien, do you have the same one still? Do you remember what it is?) In any case I would imagine any pump will do, maybe even a Maxijet1200 would work well.

As for the Cadlights, could you drill out the holes of the diffuser to make them bigger and less prone to clogging? That might be something to try. Even if you mess up and make the holes too big, you can fix that by getting the plastic screen mesh from Michaels to put over top of it.

[kien]

I'm using a cheap Odyssea pump. Here's my posting on my biopellet reactor and pump plumbing.

[Tom R]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I also use a Vertex, the older UF20 model. Only have to touch it when topping up bio pellets, never for cleaning. Since my nitrates have been consistently at zero for such a long time, my bio pellet consumption has almost stopped. Last time I had mine open (to add pellets) was in Nov/2012, which is well over a year ago.

I used to fill it almost to the top, which is a complete 1000 ml bag. Now there is only about 1/2 cup on the bottom left, and just keep a gentle tumble going with that. I use a mesh screen filter from Michael's to keep the pellets from exiting the reactor. You can also get a Vertex screen designed for this reactor to do the same.

I don't use a separate pump. The input line is T'ed off my return pump and flow and tumble is controlled by the reactor's ball valve on the input side.

I use the same with a Mag 9 pump and the water volume set by the ball valve on the input side.

Tom R

[WarDog]

Kien has videos on YouTube?!

[Treebeard]

So I picked up the Vertex and it works great, however one small problem is I am using the sponge filter at the top end which eventually plugs and needs to be cleaned. What is this mesh screen from Michaels you refer to?

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I also use a Vertex, the older UF20 model. Only have to touch it when topping up bio pellets, never for cleaning. Since my nitrates have been consistently at zero for such a long time, my bio pellet consumption has almost stopped. Last time I had mine open (to add pellets) was in Nov/2012, which is well over a year ago.

I used to fill it almost to the top, which is a complete 1000 ml bag. Now there is only about 1/2 cup on the bottom left, and just keep a gentle tumble going with that. I use a mesh screen filter from Michael's to keep the pellets from exiting the reactor. You can also get a Vertex screen designed for this reactor to do the same.

I don't use a separate pump. The input line is T'ed off my return pump and flow and tumble is controlled by the reactor's ball valve on the input side.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by Treebeard

So I picked up the Vertex and it works great, however one small problem is I am using the sponge filter at the top end which eventually plugs and needs to be cleaned. What is this mesh screen from Michaels you refer to?

i dont use the sponges in a bio pellet reactor and its not needed , basically the tumble shouldnt be near the top anyways since the output is directed to your skimmer the skimmer takes the mulm out

the mesh is for the bottom to keep the balls from clogging the outtake i guess yuou can use one for the top too but i never seen the need

the mesh is plastic crochet mesh grid i believe is what hes taking about?

[kien]

I don't use the sponges either. However, I do use knitting mesh at the bottom. Doesn't clog as easily and allows for better flow. Just go to the knitting dept at Michael's and you'll see mesh/perforated sheets that people use to make knitting patterns. Or just ask a sales rep. That's what I did as I had no idea what knitting screen was.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Treebeard

So I picked up the Vertex and it works great, however one small problem is I am using the sponge filter at the top end which eventually plugs and needs to be cleaned. What is this mesh screen from Michaels you refer to?

No, you can't use the sponges for bio pellets. Unfortunately can't remember what they are called at Michaels. But they are round plastic mesh screens that you cut to size. I used them for both the top and bottoms.