Biopellets fuel bacteria that consume nitrate and phosphate, but they only work if kept properly tumbling in flow — media that channels or sits still doesn't get the bacterial colonization it needs. The Reef Octopus BR BioPellet Reactor line spans three sizes for solid carbon dosing.
How Biopellet Reactors Control Nutrients
Biopellets are a solid carbon source that bacteria colonize and consume, and as those bacteria multiply and get exported (through skimming or natural die-off), they take up nitrate and phosphate along with them — a form of nutrient export sometimes called solid-phase carbon dosing.
Choosing a Size
- BR70 — the smallest in the BR series, built for solid carbon dosing with biopellets on smaller reef systems.
- BR110 — steps up media capacity from the BR70 for reef systems running a heavier bioload or larger biopellet charge.
- BR140 — the largest body in the base BR series, with a cone-bottom design for larger reef systems.
Setup Tips
- Start with a conservative pellet charge and increase gradually, since biopellets can cause a bacterial bloom if overdosed initially.
- Adjust flow so pellets tumble gently rather than sitting still or churning violently.
- Monitor nitrate and phosphate weekly while dialing in reactor size and media charge for your bioload.
The Reef Octopus BR BioPellet Reactor line is available at Marine Concept Supply — order online or pick up at our shop in Wheeling, IL. Shop BR70, BR110, or BR140, and browse more reactors.
