Changing Phosphate Media

It is time to change the phosphate media in my NextReef MR-1 reactor. But first, a little about the NextReef Mr-1 reactor. The reason that I chose the NextReef reactor is because it is massive! It will be more than large enough when I upgrade to the 210. Since it is so big, I would not fit into my cheapo cabinet on my 90, but it also comes standard with a hang on bracket (which is another reason that I chose over some other models. The quality of the unit is excellent and I really like it. My Phosphate levels were approximately .8 mg/L when I added the unit. Today, they test at <.03 mg/L . I run a Maxi-Jet 600 for flow and currently am using RowaPhos media. Read on for the Reactor cleaning and media changing.

First I remove the unit and place it in the sink, where I totally dismantle it.

As you can see, the unit collects a lot of debris. This is why it is important to clean it frequently. It prevents the unit itself from contributing to an increased phosphate level in the tank. You wouldn’t believe the number of copopods that find their way into this unit.

Here is the unit totally disassembled

I then thoroughly rinse the sponges and clean the unit with a flexible brush.

I use approximately 2 grams per gallon of RowaPhos in the reactor, which I measure out with a small digital scale.

I then disassemble the Maxi-Jet and thoroughly clean it.

Time to reassemble the unit and run RO water through to remove the brown water that comes off the media at first.

Back on the tank it goes!

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