Biopellet reactor

[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?

[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.