Reef Ramblings

Reef Scientific RS Reactor Mix is a high performance multi-purpose chemical filtration media for aquarium use. This media removes dissolved organic carbon (DOC), phosphates, silicates, and other waste by products. RS Reactor Mix was originally formulated for use with the Magnavore Simplicity UV Reactor but it was soon realised that this is the ideal chemical filtration media for those with smaller aquariums, such as nano reefs, where there isn’t room to accommodate multiple types of chemical filter media i.e. phosphate remover and carbon. We recommend the continuous use of this media in reef aquaria as a means of removing DOC, such as terpenoids and other allelopathic compounds released by corals (that can damage or inhibit the growth of other species), yellowing compounds, phosphates, silicates, and other waste by products. This is particularly important where octocorals (soft corals) are concerned as they can release many different compounds detrimental to stony corals.

Regular use of RS Reactor Mix will keep aquarium water clear of the yellowing compounds associated with a build-up of DOC, benefiting corals by ensuring good light penetration.

Note: DOC is a catch-all term for the many organic chemical compounds that can build up in the aquarium.

Instructions.

Reactor Usage: When using RS Reactor Mix continually, replace two thirds of the media with new each month, at the same time rinse the remaining third in tank water before replacing in the reactor.

Bag filtration: Place RS Reactor Mix loosely in an 300µm mesh bag and locate in an area where water will flow through the bag. Occasionally agitate bag to help prevent channelling and to break up bio-films. Follow the same replacement schedule as for reactors.

Canister filtration: Load into filter as per filter manufacturer’s instructions. Reducing water flow through the filter may be beneficial. Do not reduce flow on outlet as this may result in pressurisation of the filter. Follow the same replacement schedule as for reactors.

A word of caution.

If chemical filtration media such as carbon or phosphate remover have not been previously employed in your reef aquarium start off with a low rate of flow though the reactor, gradually increasing the flow over the course of a week.In severe cases, where the aquarium water is heavily stained, abrupt removal of yellowing compounds can result in coral bleaching as a result of the sudden increase in available light.

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RS Reactor Mix can be used in both saltwater and freshwater applications.

Available in two sizes: 200 gm and 400gm

The larger size, 400 gm, represents a full load for the Magnavore Reactor.

Hints ‘n’ Tips

• Periodic back flushing of all media reactors can help prolong useful media life by removing the bio-films that can otherwise clog the surface of the media.
• Many successful reef aquaria contain one or two species of coral that fail to thrive, this is often because of allelopathy, the chemical warfare carried out by soft corals. If this is the case with your reef, I would suggest running RS Reactor Mix as removal of allelopathic compounds can often resolve this problem.

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For more information on the role of chemical filtration media in the aquarium, look out for further articles on Reef Ramblings

Tim Hayes

Midland Reefs

©2010

It’s just been announced that the UK government has created a Marine Protection  Area around the Chagos Islands,  making it the world’s largest marine reserve.

1/04/2010

The new MPA protects an area of around 544,000 sq kms containing the Indian Ocean archipelago regarded as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

This is a no take zone, meaning fishing, the collection of marine organisms (including corals), and hunting wildlife will be banned within the protected zone.

Although this is a positive step forward for marine conservation it’s not without controversy.

The military base at Diego Garcia is excluded from the MPA, the base is certainly a source of pollution to the local waters and has the potential to be a major polluter in the event of any mishap involving refuelling of ships.

From a human rights point of view this could have a negative affect on the Chagossians, the original inhabitants of the archipelago, who were evicted from Chagos between 1967 and 1971 to allow  for the US Air Force base on the largest island, Diego Garcia. The islanders have fought a long battle in both the UK and EU courts for the right to return and consider that the creation of the reserve may have the effect of banning them from returning as, if allowed to return,  they would not be able to  return to fishing, previously their main source of subsistence and income.

From a personal, and a humanitarian, point of view, I’d like to see the Chagossians returning to the archipelago and being tasked with the management of the MPA. There’s plenty of evidence out their that projects such as this one are more successful when the local population is involved.

For more on the plight of the Chagossians plrease take a look at an earlier article published in Reef Ramblings: Chagos Archipelago, No-take Marine Protected Area.

Tim Hayes

Midland  Reefs

©2010