UltiPhos Reactor Instructions
Congratulations on your purchase of the new UltiPhos Reactor, following this simple guide will ensure that you get off to a great start with your new equipment. We know you don't want to, but please read these instructions as they will save you a good deal of time and trouble in the long run.
A) Filling the Reactor:
1/ Unscrew the blue top of the reactor and withdraw the white grill and pipe assembly shown below.
2/ Remove the rubber 'O'-ring (part 5) and the media retention grid (part 4) and keep them safe.
3/ Push the white pipe (parts 2 & 3) into the well on the inside of the base of the clear housing.
4/ Pour the UltiPhos in. Keep your thumb over the open end of the white pipe and hold it centrally.
5/ Fill with media to 1" below the shoulder, marked * on the diagram above. This takes approx. 1 litre.
B) Connecting the Pump:
To operate the reactor in the reverse flow mode connect the supplied power filter to the port labelled “Out”. The treated water will exit via the port labelled “In”. The reverse flow mode works best as it prevents media compaction.
Tip: If the flow rate drops or stops then it is likely that the inlet grill (part 2) has become blocked with detritus from the aquarium. It can be flushed simply by reversing the flow of water through the reactor for a few minutes.
C) Rinsing the media:
Place the power filter in a bucket with some RO water and run the reactor for a few minutes with the outflow going back into the bucket or to waste. Once the outflow runs clear the reactor is ready for use. Tap water can be used instead of RO water if none is available.
D) Positioning the Reactor:
The UltiPhos Reactor is designed to be stood in or beside a sump tank with the power filter (supplied) placed in the sump and treated water being returned to the sump. Alternatively, by using a larger water pump it can be placed below an aquarium that does not have a sump.
The flow of water leaving the reactor is deliberately very slow; this prevents media abrasion and fines production. The slow flow also reduces the rate at which phosphate is initially removed from the aquarium. Coral bleaching has been attributed to a rapid fall in aquarium phosphate levels by many US hobbyists. So please do not be tempted to retro-fit a high flow water pump; this is neither necessary nor desirable.
Inside Sump Beside Sump
Under the Aquarium (No Sump)
E) How do I know when the media is exhausted?
When the level of phosphate in the aquarium stops falling or begins to rise the media is exhausted and should be replaced. UltiPhos binds phosphate in a non-reversible manner, consequently it will not release phosphate back into the aquarium even if you are a bit slow in replacing it.
F) Replacing the media:
1/ First turn off the water pump.
2/ Take the reactor to a sink or other suitable place. This can get messy!
3/ With the reactor standing upright, unscrew the blue top from the clear base and lay it to one side.
4/ Remove the rubber 'O'-ring (part 5) and the media retention grid (part 4) and keep them safe.
5/ Tip the reactor upside down over a dustbin or other suitable waste container and pour out the spent media. Be careful not to drop the central white pipe and grill assembly into the bin!
6/ Rinse out the reactor chamber with warm tap water to remove any residual media. Wash the media retention grid and the central white pipe and grill assembly.
7/ Inspect the well inside the base of the reactor, it should be free of all residual media. Push the central white pipe and grill assembly into the well.
8/ With your thumb over the open top of the white pipe carefully pour in the new media. Always keep the white pipe central and prevent any media from going down inside it. Only fill up to 1" below the shoulder on the white pipe that holds the circular media retention grid (marked * on the diagram above). This requires approx. 1 litre of media.
9/ Carefully screw the lid back on and reconnect the pipe work.
10/ ALWAYS RINSE THE MEDIA IN THE REACTOR BEFORE USE!!!!! Place the power filter in a bucket with some RO water and run the reactor for a few minutes with the outflow going back into the bucket or to waste. Once the outflow runs clear the reactor is ready for use. Tap water can be used instead of RO water if none is available.
Any problems send an email to help@ultiphos.co.uk