The PhosBan Reactor150™ is designed with the upflow principle to achieve the most efficient use of PhosBan™ or other chemical filter media. By pushing water from the bottom upward through a dispersion plate, it forces an even distribution of water through the media.
1. Preparing the Reactor Unpack the reactor. Open reactor lid by turning counter clockwise. Check parts list to confirm that all parts are present. The reactor is supplied with all the parts needed to operate it except for the hose and pump. The pump used can be a powerhead, such as a Maxijet 500, or the supply of water can be tapped off of a circulating pump already in use on the aquarium (see diagrams 1-4 on instructions page two). The pump should have 100-200 gph (380-760 l/hr) capacity, although the flow must be reduced using the supplied ball valve. If the center tubes are not already glued to the dispersion plates, insert the end of the 9 inch center tube into one dispersion plate until it stops, and slide one of the sponges onto the tube so that it rests on top of the dispersion plate. Insert this assembly into the reactor column. It may be necessary to use tongs or a yardstick to keep the lower sponge resting on top of the dispersion plate when you insert it into the reactor column. Add about 1 cup of water to the reactor. Use a yardstick or tongs to push out the large air bubbles trapped in the lower sponge. 1a. Adding PhosBan media Before adding PhosBan to the reactor, temporarily cover the top of the 9 inch center tube with a piece of tape. This will prevent PhosBan from entering the tube when you add it to the column. To minimize dust evolution, wet the PhosBan first. Use a large spoon or scoop to put the PhosBan into the reactor. After adding PhosBan to the reactor column, remove the tape from the center tube. 1b. Finishing the reactor assembly Attach the remaining dispersion plate onto the top of center tube. Insert the remaining 2 inch length of rigid tube into the top of the dispersion plate (if not glued already). Slide the remaining sponge on top of the center tube above the dispersion plate. Press it down to be sure it is sitting flat all the way around the dispersion plate. Inside the top of the lid there is a flat plastic washer and on top of it an O-ring. Check to be sure the O-ring is seated properly. With the reactor sitting upright, attach lid on top of the reactor body by inserting the center collar (located on the underside of the lid) over the top of the center tube. Rotate lid on the threads until it becomes stiff (hand-tight) to seal and close the reactor. Do not overtighten! The flat washer allows slippage and makes it easier to open the reactor. It is otherwise not necessary.
2. Locating the reactor The PhosBan reactor can be seated upright in the cabinet, in the filter sump, upright on the floor below the aquarium or hanging on the side or rear of an aquarium. For hanging installations, use threaded bolt provided in the base plate to level it against the aquarium wall. Wherever it is located, the reactor must be upright and level to operate properly. To prevent any risk of back-siphoning, the outlet of the water return hose should not be located below the water line if the reactor is located below the level of the aquarium or below where the return line enters the aquarium or sump.
3. Connecting the Pump Attach the ball valve to the soft 90 fitting on the input pipe (center barbed connector on the lid). Connect a length of 1/2 inch i.d. hose from the pump output to the ball valve. Connect another length of hose to the barbed fitting that slides into the soft 90 fitting on the water output pipe (outer hose barb connector on the lid) to return water to the aquarium or sump. It is not necessary to use hose clamps to secure the hose connections on the supplied fittings because they are barbed. It may be necessary to use a hose clamp to secure the connection to the pump. Do not let the weight of the pump pull the hose since this can cause a leak at the soft 90 fitting.
4. Initial Operation and Adjustment Once the lid is securely fastened, the reactor is level, all of the hoses are securely attached, and the pump is located in the aquarium or sump, direct the return hose into a bucket, open the ball valve, and connect the pump to the mains electricity. Allow water to fill the reactor for 2 to 3 seconds and then close the ball valve to stop the flow. Partially open the valve slowly to about 20 gph to purge air from the outflow pipe and allow the initial dusty 1/2 gallon of water to empty into the bucket. When the water runs clear, close the valve and reposition the return hose to feed water back to the aquarium. Adjust the flow with the ball valve so that the PhosBan granules are tumbling slightly at the surface. A section of clear water will be located above the granules.
5. Maintenance About once per week open the ball valve for a few seconds and then return it to the normal operating position. This will stir up the media briefly and prevent caking or channeling. When changing the PhosBan, first shut off the pump that sends water to the reactor and close the ball valve. Place reactor inside a bucket to catch any spilled water when you open it. If the return hose is located in the aquarium or a sump above the level where you are servicing the reactor, make sure that the outlet is not located below the water line in the tank. If it is, lift the outlet hose so that it cannot siphon water from the aquarium or sump. Separate the lid from the reactor (the hoses may be left in place). Pour the water from the reactor into the bucket. Remove the top dispersion plate and sponge. Take the reactor column over a trash bin and spill out the PhosBan media. Rinse the reactor sponges with a strong jet of water. Never use soap or detergents of any kind. Reassemble the reactor per the instructions and follow the initial operation and adjustment procedure.
6. Replacement Parts & Accessories The sponges will periodically need to be replaced. Order them and any other replacement parts through your pet shop, which can order them directly from Two Little Fishies, Inc. or its distributors. For installing the PhosBan Reactor hanging on the back of an aquarium, or on the side of a filter sump use the PhosBan Reactor extension kit to provide a flexible and space-saving pipe connection.
