Why does BRS recommend this?
All of the BRS reactors come with easy to use push connect tubing, flow control, and a refillable cartridge. We took easy to find components to keep things cheap while designing an efficient easy to refill reactor for aquarium use. We keep hearing our reactors are the easiest to refill even when compared to others three times the price. When changing the media is easy you are more likely to do it in a timely fashion as well. We also recommend having an extra refillable cartridge on hand to make changing media that much easier.
Easy to use, setup and maintain. Perfect for utilizing GFO and Carbon in the aquarium. No annoying thumb screws and leaky lids like other reactors. BRS recommends a Sicce Syncra Silent 1.5 pump to operate this reactor. Sold separately or packaged with the pump. Choose a different pump depending on mounting height and amount of media used.
The BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor features several distinct advantages over other brands.
- Ultra-transparent media cartridge allows for clear viewing of reactor media
- Heavy duty plastic construction
- High quality easy to use double O-Ring push-connect fittings
- Easy to operate, clean and maintain
- Filter wrench included
- (2) 3 Ft. sections of tubing
- High quality ball valve for precise tuning
- Ability to run carbon and GFO at the same time
- 1/2" fittings and ports throughout reduce head pressure and provide ample flow rates
- Holds 1/2 cup of carbon (Approx. 50g) and 1/4 cup of GFO (Approx. 35g) mix or 3/4 cup of only carbon (Approx 105g)
- Dimensions: 9"H x 8"W x 5.5"
- Sicce Syncra 1.5 Pump Dimensions - 4.0" L x 2.3" W x 3.1" H
- Pump (optional) and media sold separately
BRS GFO & Carbon Reactors use 1/2" Push Connect fittings and 1/2" Mur-Lok Polyethylene Tubing
What's Included?
Standard
- 1x BRS Carbon Mini Reactor (5" Canister Housing)
- 1x 1/2" Push-Connect Union
- 6ft (2x 3ft sections) 1/2" RO tubing
- 1x 1/2" QC Ball Valve
- 1x RO Canister Wrench
- 1x 5" Refillable Media Cartridge
- 1 Year BRS Warranty
W/Pump
- 1x Syncra 1.5 Reactor Pump
- 1x 1/2" NPT x 1/2" Push-Connect Fitting
| SKU | BRS GFO And Carbon Reactor - 5 Inch Single |
|---|---|
| Aquarium Type | Saltwater, Freshwater |
| Reactor Placement | Hang On, In Sump, Wall Mount |
| Media Capacity | 1 Cup / 236mL |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Write Your Own Review
Product Questions
Can the supplied pump be used externally?
Question by: Greg on May 8, 2024, 10:50 PM
No, it cannot.
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on May 9, 2024, 9:52 AM
The supplied pump can be submersible or in-line use.
Answer by: Grace (BRS Staff) on May 9, 2024, 9:51 AM
How much carbon would you use in this for a 30 gallon nano reef? I use the BRS Premium ROX which says 1 tbs per 10 gallons, but it seems this would need more than three tablespoons.
Question by: Christopher Irick on Mar 11, 2024, 8:45 PM
Hey there! We have a calculator to help determine how much carbon you would need: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator/carbon-calculator-aquarium
Answer by: Laura (BRS Staff) on Mar 29, 2024, 8:53 AM
Do you sell replacement internal cartridges?
Question by: Stefan on Nov 8, 2023, 8:17 PM
Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, the shell can be found at this link
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mini-brs-reactor-refillable-cartridge-hard-shell.html
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, the shell can be found at this link
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mini-brs-reactor-refillable-cartridge-hard-shell.html
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on Nov 16, 2023, 9:06 PM
Can this be used with just Purigen?
Question by: Ann on Jul 12, 2023, 1:58 PM
Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, it can be.
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes, it can be.
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on Jul 27, 2023, 9:31 AM
Hi BRS,
Saw in the product video that soft tubing was used. Which size tubing/barb would need to be fitted on this?
Saw in the product video that soft tubing was used. Which size tubing/barb would need to be fitted on this?
Question by: Victor Susanto on May 27, 2023, 4:16 PM
Hey there,
Thank you for reaching out to us. This would take 1/2" tubing and you can buy the silicone tubing upgrade kit.
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Thank you for reaching out to us. This would take 1/2" tubing and you can buy the silicone tubing upgrade kit.
Please let me know if you need anything further and take care!
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on Jun 8, 2023, 10:58 PM
Thanks for your question! The parts used are the Mur-lok Stem Adapter 1/2" Tube x 1/2" Hose Stem (2) and
White Soft Silicone Tubing 1/2" , which is sold by the foot
White Soft Silicone Tubing 1/2" , which is sold by the foot
Answer by: Trista Briese (BRS Staff) on Jun 2, 2023, 9:00 AM
Can this be mounted horizontally?
Question by: Taylor on Jul 30, 2022, 9:21 PM
Thanks for the question! It is not recommend to mount this horizontally due to the upflow design of the reactor. Please let us know if we can help with anything else!
Answer by: Kyle Thomas (BRS Staff) on Aug 2, 2022, 2:36 PM
Is this item discontinued or possibly not scheduled to be carried any longer?
Question by: Alvin on Sep 11, 2020, 9:45 PM
It is not discontinued.
Answer by: Matt Lucero (BRS Staff) on Nov 5, 2021, 9:48 AM
Do you sell additional and/or replacements for the white "sponge" that is inside of the cartridge?
Question by: Sara Olson on Jul 13, 2020, 12:10 PM
Hey there-
Thanks for reaching out to us! You can find replacement sponges for our BRS reactors here: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-reactor-replacement-pads-hard-shell.html.
Happy reefing! :)
Thanks for reaching out to us! You can find replacement sponges for our BRS reactors here: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-reactor-replacement-pads-hard-shell.html.
Happy reefing! :)
Answer by: Brad Ohmann on Jul 14, 2020, 3:55 PM
Do you know that the reactor+ pump is selling for the same price as jyst the pump
SKU: 207733? Free reactor?
SKU: 207733? Free reactor?
Question by: David Ekers on Jul 10, 2020, 10:13 PM
Hey there,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We do offer the Sicce 1.5 pump as a discounted price with the Reactor Kit for convenience, but is the same pump. For warranty it would be covered through us with the Sicce 5 year warranty and if you have any further questions please let us know. Hope this helps!
Thanks for reaching out to us. We do offer the Sicce 1.5 pump as a discounted price with the Reactor Kit for convenience, but is the same pump. For warranty it would be covered through us with the Sicce 5 year warranty and if you have any further questions please let us know. Hope this helps!
Answer by: Mark Schlough on Jul 14, 2020, 12:30 PM
Hey there-
Thank you for reaching out to us and great observation! The reason why the mini reactor is the same price is due to a special agreement through Sicce where they provide sicce 1.5 pumps without the accessories and packaging for a lower cost to maintain the value of our BRS reactors after switching from the MJ1200 that used to come included with those reactors. They would also not be supported under their usual 3-5 year warranty if purchased with the reactor. If there is anything else we can do for you let us know. Take care!
Thank you for reaching out to us and great observation! The reason why the mini reactor is the same price is due to a special agreement through Sicce where they provide sicce 1.5 pumps without the accessories and packaging for a lower cost to maintain the value of our BRS reactors after switching from the MJ1200 that used to come included with those reactors. They would also not be supported under their usual 3-5 year warranty if purchased with the reactor. If there is anything else we can do for you let us know. Take care!
Answer by: Brad Ohmann on Jul 14, 2020, 11:55 AM
Can I throw the Zeovit square PCs into this and have it run thru the canister in place of throwing them into the sump?
Question by: Dan Brandriff on Feb 5, 2020, 6:39 AM
Hey there, Unfortunately not. Zeovit media has to be inside the dedicated zeovit reactor to work properly.
Take care
Take care
Answer by: Thomas Billington on Feb 5, 2020, 11:18 AM
Can I just buy the the refillable cartridge
Question by: Scott Brkich on Nov 1, 2018, 10:13 AM
Thanks for contacting BRS!
You are able to buy the replacement cartridges for the mini-reactor here. Have a great day!
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/5-brs-reactor-refillable-cartridge-hard-shell.html
You are able to buy the replacement cartridges for the mini-reactor here. Have a great day!
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/5-brs-reactor-refillable-cartridge-hard-shell.html
Answer by: Noah on Nov 1, 2018, 11:44 AM
I know this is an odd question, but would this mini reactor canister fit on the deluxe reactor. I like the deluxe top but like the smaller size of this canister. I just want to run carbon now, so the size of the canister on my deluxe reactor would fit my space needs very well.
Question by: John on Jan 17, 2018, 8:18 PM
Unfortunately, the thread sizing is different between the mini reactors and the deluxe reactors. There is actually no common thread pitch/size for the reactors body to head connection so it is very uncommon to be able to swap canisters between styles and brands.
Answer by: Charlie on Jan 25, 2018, 4:02 PM
Will the 10" canisters fit on this unit?
Question by: Michelle on Oct 30, 2017, 6:11 PM
Hey there,
They will not fit, as the threading on each of those canisters are different. :-)
They will not fit, as the threading on each of those canisters are different. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Nov 25, 2017, 11:27 AM
Hi, Up to what size tank do you recommend for this reactor
Question by: Ray eutermarks on Oct 24, 2017, 7:23 AM
Hi Ray, thanks for reaching out!
The size of system is going to depend on what type of media you are using. The reactor holds up to 3/4 cup of media.
3/4 cup of ROX carbon for instance will treat a 120 gallon system
1/2 cup of High Capacity GFO which leaves room to tumble media, will treat a 65 gallon system.
Check out our reef calculator to see how many gallons your chosen media will treat.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-5-single.html
The size of system is going to depend on what type of media you are using. The reactor holds up to 3/4 cup of media.
3/4 cup of ROX carbon for instance will treat a 120 gallon system
1/2 cup of High Capacity GFO which leaves room to tumble media, will treat a 65 gallon system.
Check out our reef calculator to see how many gallons your chosen media will treat.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-5-single.html
Answer by: Nick on Nov 10, 2017, 3:08 PM
If I wanted 2 of these would a single mj1200 pump be enough flow to make it through both of them and back up to the tank. This would go in the cabinet of a IM Fusion 20 and have to travel back up to the tank.
Question by: Josh on Aug 26, 2016, 9:21 AM
Great question! I wouldn't recommend trying to use the MJ1200 to pump water down to the reactors and back up to the top of the tank. I would recommend something more along the lines of the Sicce 0.5 or the Sicce 1.0 to handle that head height. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Aug 26, 2016, 2:21 PM
I was searching for the white hose that comes with the mini reactor I needed to buy extra since I want to move the location of the reactor. Any information is appreciated
Question by: Tony on Jul 4, 2016, 6:16 PM
All of our BRS reactors use 1/2" push connect tubing which can be found by clicking on the link below.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-2-mur-lok-polyethylene-ro-tubing.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/1-2-mur-lok-polyethylene-ro-tubing.html
Answer by: Charlie Onan on Jul 7, 2016, 9:06 AM
Will this reactor be good as a GFO+Carbon reactor for a small pico tank (about 2.5 gallons)? The tank sits on the kitchen counter....could I put it directly behind it or will it work best if it is under the tank somewhere?
Question by: Mark Shimala on Jun 26, 2016, 5:55 PM
Great question! You will have to have a pump somewhere in the aquarium to feed the reactor, which may be an issue for space. Honestly, with pico tanks, I recommend a vigorous water change schedule. :-)
Answer by: Randy on Jul 1, 2016, 11:36 AM
Im building a mini tank 20gal display and 10gal sump set up. can i use this reactor to run my Carbon and GFO? or is my tank too small for it?
Question by: Scott on Jun 20, 2016, 8:57 AM
This will work great for a system of that size! Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jun 21, 2016, 5:34 PM
Will this work for my nuvo fusion 20?
Question by: Nick on Jun 4, 2016, 12:58 PM
Hello, can I connect the reactor to my sumps out return pump using a splitter, or do I have to purchase its own separate return pump for it to work more efficiently?
Question by: Isaias Vieyra on Apr 27, 2016, 1:55 AM
Great question!
You can choose to either split the return pump or use a separate pump. Both options will work well!
You can choose to either split the return pump or use a separate pump. Both options will work well!
Answer by: Connor on Apr 27, 2016, 4:01 PM
Would this be large enough to use as a carbon only reactor on a 60 gallon?
Question by: Matthew Goldberg on Apr 19, 2016, 8:06 PM
Great question!
If High Capacity GFO and ROX 0.8 Carbon are used it can work. However standard GFO or Carbon will need a larger reactor.
If High Capacity GFO and ROX 0.8 Carbon are used it can work. However standard GFO or Carbon will need a larger reactor.
Answer by: Connor on Apr 26, 2016, 12:56 PM
I have a 90gal mainly fish only will the mini be ampl size for my tank?
Question by: Wil on Apr 8, 2016, 9:13 PM
Great question!
The mini would be a little small and not hold enough media. We recommend the standard reactor instead. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The mini would be a little small and not hold enough media. We recommend the standard reactor instead. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Apr 13, 2016, 6:02 PM
I want to run this with a mix of carbon and gfo and a different pump. How much flow should be supplied to this reactor?
Question by: Griffin on Mar 30, 2016, 5:25 PM
Great question!
Ideally this Will work on a max flow around 300 GPH, typically between 150 to 200 works great depending on the head height. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Ideally this Will work on a max flow around 300 GPH, typically between 150 to 200 works great depending on the head height. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Mar 30, 2016, 6:50 PM
Can I use the mini reactor to run bio pellets? I know you have a bio pellet specific reactor, but its a little large for my application.
Question by: Steven on Mar 30, 2016, 3:30 PM
Great question!
The Mini Reactor will be very difficult to use with Bio-pellets, the reason is the pellets will clog very quickly due to the shape and design of the reactor body. We recommend a reactor designed specifically for Bio-pellets whenever possible. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The Mini Reactor will be very difficult to use with Bio-pellets, the reason is the pellets will clog very quickly due to the shape and design of the reactor body. We recommend a reactor designed specifically for Bio-pellets whenever possible. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Apr 4, 2016, 10:16 AM
Hi, I have a bio cube 29 and I want to install this in the stand. Would the pump be strong enough to bring the water back up and also strong enough that I could just replace the return pump and use 1 pump?
Question by: Chris on Mar 8, 2016, 10:13 PM
How can I get a extra o ring for the mini reactor
Question by: Terry on Feb 1, 2016, 1:32 PM
Great question!
We do have replacement O-Rings which are the same as our other canisters. I have included a link below.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/o-ring-for-10-reverse-osmosis-canisters.html
We do have replacement O-Rings which are the same as our other canisters. I have included a link below.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/o-ring-for-10-reverse-osmosis-canisters.html
Answer by: Connor on Feb 10, 2016, 5:02 PM
Can phosban media be used alone or does it need to be mixed with carbon? Biopellets?
Question by: Isaac on Jan 27, 2016, 8:56 PM
Great question!
The phosban media can be used alone. It is not recommended to tumble media in the mini reactor as it is too small and may allow for clogging. there is not a need to mix Phosban with other media. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The phosban media can be used alone. It is not recommended to tumble media in the mini reactor as it is too small and may allow for clogging. there is not a need to mix Phosban with other media. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Feb 4, 2016, 3:26 PM
What is the largest aquarium size that I can use with this reactor ?
Question by: Miguel villalobos on Jan 21, 2016, 9:41 PM
It will vary depending on the media used however typically the largest will fall between 60-75 with the high capacity GFO and ROX 0.8 Carbon. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jan 27, 2016, 8:03 PM
Would one MJ1200 be able to provide enough flow through 2 of these mini reactors, using either a T/Y adapter or running the output from one reactor into another?
Question by: Nick on Dec 23, 2015, 8:34 AM
Great question!
The MJ1200 can work great with 2 reactors. by connecting the tubing is a fairly easy option. The only issue is if you are planning on running GFO it will need to be mixed with Carbon on the Mini as the GFO will clog very quickly by itself in the Mini reactor. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The MJ1200 can work great with 2 reactors. by connecting the tubing is a fairly easy option. The only issue is if you are planning on running GFO it will need to be mixed with Carbon on the Mini as the GFO will clog very quickly by itself in the Mini reactor. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jan 7, 2016, 2:27 PM
Hey! I'm pretty new to the reefing hobby. I had a 55 gal years ago. Nothing too special. I've just purchased a 125 gal with a 20 gal sump tank to start the hobby again. This is my first sump. I've been watching the BRS 160 videos and love them! So thanks for that! I wanted to know if the BRS mini reactor would work for my size tank? I'm sure I have plenty or more questions to come. Thank you for your time!
Question by: Carla Patterson on Dec 21, 2015, 12:16 PM
Great question!
The mini is able to hold around 1.5 cups of media and would be too small for a 125 gallon tank. For that sized tank you will need the standard reactor. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The mini is able to hold around 1.5 cups of media and would be too small for a 125 gallon tank. For that sized tank you will need the standard reactor. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor on Jan 6, 2016, 5:58 PM
How many cups of media (will be using for carbon) will fit in the mini?
Are there any drawbacks to using the mini for both carbon and GFO?
Are there any drawbacks to using the mini for both carbon and GFO?
Question by: Eddie on Dec 21, 2015, 7:42 AM
Great question!
The mini will hold 1.5 cups of media. It can be used with Carbon or carbon and GFO mixed together just fine however is too small for only GFO as it would clog. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
The mini will hold 1.5 cups of media. It can be used with Carbon or carbon and GFO mixed together just fine however is too small for only GFO as it would clog. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
Answer by: Connor Johnson on Jan 6, 2016, 5:55 PM
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