BRS Deluxe Carbon Reactor vs Avast MR5

[Djplus1]

Ok, figure I'll get everyones opinion here. I'm looking for a small media reactor to run Rox .8 and I think that I am going with either the BRS Deluxe single or with the local boys from Avast's MR5. I'm looking at $79 for the deluxe version with Italian made MJ1200 from BRS and just under $100 if I opt for the same pump for the Avast unit.

 

I have a tight space under my stand where I have the eshopps rs-75 sump and one of those 5 gallon water cooler jugs that is my ATO supply. I can't fit the reactors in the sump, that's for sure.

 

 

Main concerns are fit, mounting options, ease of use and noise level.

 

I would like to place the reactor on the ground next to the sump, which looks like a plus for the Avast unit. Will the BRS be floor mountable or will I need to screw it into something?

 

Do either of these have issues with vibration noise? I know that this is more about the pump, but these are pretty quiet so I hear.

 

How easy is it to refill and clean out the Avast unit? The BRS site has a video and it looks really, really simple.

 

I guess most importantly, if any of you have used both. What is your favorite and why?

[Origami]

I don't have a BRS unit but have several Avast media reactors. They open from the top, so any water inside the reactor stays there. The ones I use have a union-barb connection which allows me to basically uncouple the whole reactor and take it to the sink where I can open it. This also helps keep the floor dry. Cleaning it is equally easy. Thumbscrews and keyholes on the lid, along with the o-ring seal, keeps the unit sealed when operating. It can also, by the size of the input and output, handle a wide range of flow rates with modest back pressure on the pump. Construction quality is first rate.

[hypertech]

I prefer the Avast reactors over the BRS reactor. The BRS reactor is essentially an RO filter canister. So, to change the media, you unscrew the connector and take out the cartridge, which you then clean out and change the media in. I find replacing the media in a avast style reactor to be less messy. I also had a hard time figuring out where to put the BRS reactor. If you have a fish room or a big stand, it could be mounted to the wall and might be very advantagous in that sense. But, if you are expecting to stand it up somewhere, you may have trouble finding a spot for it to fit.

[Steve175]

I would go with the avast as well. Way better and more flow versatile design.

[Djplus1]

Thanks everyone, it seems that you guys explained it the way I thought they were. I think the Avast will just sit next to my sump more easily than me finding a place to bolt on the BRS. I was planning on getting the DIY version as well, as I do like to build things.

 

Origami- You said that yours had a union barb connection. Does it come that way? Or do I need to get more parts myself?

[surf&turf]

http://www.petsupplies.com/item/two-little-fishies-phosban-reactor/10004S13%2015N/?srccode=GPPETSUP

 

I like this one, Two little fishes reactor. Designed so you can hang it on the sump if need be.

Edited October 11, 2012 by surf&turf

[Origami]

Origami- You said that yours had a union barb connection. Does it come that way? Or do I need to get more parts myself?

Mine came that way. I only mentioned it because I have larger reactors and wasn't sure it it was included in the whole lineup. Looking at their webpage, it appears that all of their models come equipped with the union barb connection. It's a great feature to me.

http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/category/mediareactors

[Leishman]

Avast all the way. The DIY kit is easy to build, and changing the media is simple.

Edited October 11, 2012 by Leishman