RBR - Reef Bio React

You've gotten to the part of your aquarium experience (or your planned build) where you need to consider filtration. We've gone into some depth here before talking about different ways to mechanically filter, and several options for biological filtration both of which are indispensable. Some of you are going to need some chemical filtration as well. Whether this is as simple as using activated carbon, which we wrote on last week, or maybe you're in need of more specialist media, the hands down best way to get the most out of the chemical media of your choice is the TMC Reef Bio React.

In a nutshell, the Reef Bio React is a CNC precision engineered media-reactor, but maybe we need to go back a step. A media reactor is really just a chamber that holds a filtration medium like carbon, or granulated ferric oxide, among a myriad of other choices that we'll dive into later; it utilizes its own pump system to force aquarium water through the media at exactly the right flow rate providing superior contact time and effectiveness compared to simply placing media in a filter sock or mesh bag. Water is typically pumped into the bottom of the reactor, flows upwards through the media, and then exits back into the aquarium or sump.

This specific flow is the magic that ensures that water makes intimate contact with the entire surface area of all of the media, maximizing its performance and also one of the reasons that the TMC Reef Bio React is superior to its competition. There are 21, easily adjustable, unique settings that you can exactly dial in on the included low voltage pump and simple controller. The TMC Bio React series is also nearly idiot proof when it comes to installation and maintenance. I say nearly, because we all know someone... The user-friendly design features a quick-release lid making media changes a breeze. Its high build quality and durable materials were front of mind when TMC was engineering these units for continuous use. While the vast majority of you aren't going to see these very often and most of them will be in a sump, they're also well designed and look pretty slick in your system.

Most of you are probably going to run carbon in your TMC Reef Bio React and this is perfect. The Tropic Marin Carbon is a great choice, and we've recently written an article on it. Carbon is good for removing dissolved organic compounds (DOCs), discoloration and can also be used for removing toxins from chemical competition. Granular ferric oxide which is more commonly known as GFO is also very common and is good for removing phosphates and silicates which can both fuel nuisance growths if they are in excess of requirements. More recently some aquarists have utilized reactors for bio-pellets which is a whole different article. Resins which are designed to remove specific pollutants are available for use in your reactor. There's even some biological media. 

The TMC Reef Bio React S can push up to 132 gallons an hour, where the RBS M is capable of twice that amount (up to 264 gph). You don't want to go for maximum flow unless your media requires it. How will you know? Unless your media specifically states otherwise, you want to fluidize the bed. This means you'll see gentle movement throughout the bed of carbon, pellets or whatever you choose. You don't want the media to be flying around, just even, slow movement everywhere. The surface of it should look a bit like quicksand would in your imagination (because you know you've never seen it.) Pushing too much flow through the reactor can result in the media breaking down and releasing particulates to the aquarium which could irritate your fish and inverts. The model S will hold about a cup of small, grained media (250ml) and the M will hold two cups or 500ml. Don't overload any reactor or they will lose effectiveness. You'll need to adjust this flow with the included controller to get it just right. If you're getting clumps, you don't have quite enough flow. Conversely, if the media is flying around loose in the reactor, you'll need to turn it down. Anytime you add new media you should adjust your flow and do another adjustment 24 hours later if needed. After that it you can set it and forget it as long as the water level stays consistent in the sump. This consistent water level is a requirement for any reactor as well as skimmers, which makes it convenient to place these two filtration items right next to each other. The TMC Reef Bio React also features a feeding pause. Just hit the feed button and it will pause for 10 minutes, then resume on its own. If you want to resume activity before those 10 minutes is up, just hit the feed button again. This pause is optional, and unless you pause all your filtration for feedings, it is largely unnecessary.

Maintaining the TMC Reef Bio React is as easy as setting it up. You won't need to pay much attention to it most of the time. When doing water changes, make sure that the pump intake isn't blocked by anything. If you ever notice changes in how well the media is fluidizing, the pump intake is also the first thing to check. You'll need to replace your media on a regular basis, and the timing of this will depend on a lot of factors. How heavily is your tank stocked? Do you have corals that are at war with each other? What media are you running? For carbon, we suggest using less at a time, and doing changes more often (see the article on using Tropic Marin activated carbon). Every two weeks is a good starting point, some of you won't have to do it anywhere near that often, some of you may end up doing it weekly. As a rule, changing media more often is better than less often. Read the instructions carefully on whatever media you choose. Give the chamber and pump a good rinse with tap water every time you change media, don't use soap or abrasives.

A media reactor is an invaluable piece of equipment for many marine (and freshwater) aquarium hobbyists, by thoughtfully integrating a TMC Reef Bio React into your marine aquarium filtration system, you can achieve superior water quality, healthier fish and corals, and a more vibrant display. Choose a quality media from a manufacturer you trust and make sure that your control unit doesn't get submerged. Regardless of the model you choose the S or the M, your RBS will reward you with excellent efficiency by making sure all of the media you've bought is actively working by preventing channels through it. This efficiency reduces the number of media you use and thus reduces the waste you generate. No other filtration system allows aquarists the type of targeted filtration or contact time that media reactors do, and so for hobbyists who want to take their filtration professionally serious, the TMC Reef Bio React is our top recommendation. Ask your Local Fish Store about getting you one from Quality Marine today!