Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the KENT Marine Phos•Reactor. This unit is primarily intended to be used
with phosphate-removal media such as KENT Marine Power-Phos and Phosphate Sponge. However, it
may be used with numerous filtration media to best suit your aquarium needs. This unit is versatile and
can be used for both hang on aquarium and in-sump applications.
Additional Items Needed to Operate the Phos•Reactor
• Submersible pump or powerhead with mechanical pre-filter (i.e. sponge) capable of up to 100 gph
net water flow through the unit when media is present.
• Silicone Grease
Installation and Operation of the Phos•Reactor
1. Location. Determine the best location for both the Phos•Reactor and pump. Keep in mind that
it should be located in an area that is easily accessible allowing for regular maintenance.
2. Remove lid and all contents from inside of reactor; place them down next to the unit.
3. Slide one of the fiber discs down over the center pipe of the lower (longer) pipe assembly so that it
sits directly in contact with the black perforated disc. Slide the lower assembly down to the bottom
of the reaction column. The fiber disc may slide up and will need to be pushed back down to the black
perforated disc.
4. Add desired amount of media to the reaction chamber.
Tip Cover the center pipe with a short piece of clear tape. This will prevent media from falling into
the pipe when filling the unit. Remove tape after filling media.
5. Slide second fiber disc over center pipe above media. Place the upper pipe assembly atop the lower
pipe assembly by lining the lower tube up with the upper perforated disc and sliding them together.
6. Place O-ring into the groove on the top of reactor. Slide lid into slotted holes lining up the water input
and exhaust tubes toward the side of the hang-on bracket. Twist lid closed ensuring upper tube seats
into the hole on the underside of lid.
Tip Applying a very thin coat of silicone grease to the O-ring will provide a better seal, prolong
the life of the o-ring and ease twisting the lid on securely. Do not grasp or twist the lid
by the clear acrylic pipes as they may break.
7. For hang-on applications, a spacer foot is included and should be inserted into the tabs on the
unit’s bottom. The spacer has a range of positions to ensure the reactor is positioned as nearly
perpendicular as possible.
8. Connect the unit to the pump using the tubing provided. Tubing may need to be cut to desired
length depending upon application.
Tip Some pumps come with a flow valve to regulate the amount of water flowing through the unit.
This increases or decreases the water’s dwell time in the reaction chamber. The Fluidized Media
section below outlines the significance of a flow valve when using that media type.
9. Plug in the pump or powerhead and check for leaks.
Media Options
The KENT Marine Phos•Reactor can be used with three dierent media options:
Fluidized Media -
When using the Phos•Reactor as a fluidized bed filter with media such as KENT Marine
Power-Phos, you are attempting to expose the maximum amount of the media’s surface area to
aquarium water, increasing the filtration eciency. A water control valve is more critical with this option.
The goal is to cause the media to suspend in the upwelling water approximately 3/4 the total height of
the reaction column. The flow valve will allow the adjustment of how the media is churning in the
chamber and to what height it reaches. Do not allow media to be flushed out of the filter and into the
aquarium. The height to which fluidized media will be suspended will gradually decrease as the fiber disc
is clogged with material from the aquarium. Regular cleaning or replacement of the fiber disc will keep
the water flowing through the Phos•Reactor at the desired rate.
Micron Bag or Nylon Sock - Smaller media particles such as resins can be used by placing the media in
either a micron bag or nylon sock. This contains the media and allows for water to pass through but
prevents media from entering the aquarium system. The unit can be used for a multitude of media
applications such as carbon, resins, ceramics etc. or any combination. Instead of placing media loosely
in the unit as in step 4, place media in a micron bag or nylon sock and then place in reaction chamber.
When assembling, the filled media bag will need to be folded around the center pipe and slid into the
reaction chamber. Many times water flow from the pump can remain full flow to allow for maximum
water turn over.
Loose Media - Larger particles typically found with carbon, ceramics and granular media, can be placed
directly in the reaction chamber. Placing the media loosely in the unit will cause water to pass through
but will not cause the media to churn in the water column as in the fluidized media option.
Replacing Media & Cleaning
Depending upon the media used, it is nearly impossible to determine when the filtration media should be
discarded or regenerated. To ensure proper water quality, regular testing of aquarium water is part of a
successful hobbyist’s routine. Refer to the instructions provided with the various types of media for
detailed information on their use.
To clean the unit, disassemble and rinse with warm water and wipe or scrub with a soft towel or old
toothbrush as needed. Do not use any type of chemical cleaning agents to clean the Phos•Reactor!
These chemicals may include, but are not limited to, soap, alcohol, ammonia or other glass cleaners,
polishers, etc. In particular, alcohol and ammonia have a tendency to cause acrylic to craze or warp which
is very damaging and may cause the unit to leak. In the event that calcium carbonate builds up inside
the filter, the unit may be disassembled and soaked overnight in a weak solution of 1 cup white vinegar
in 1 gallon of fresh water; rinse the unit in fresh water when finished. The use of chemical cleaning
agents on the Phos•Reactor will void the Limited Warranty.
Troubleshooting
Symptom Cause Solution
Water is leaking
around tubing.
Tubing is not secured
properly onto fitting.
Push tubing further onto fitting. If needed add
a hose clamp from a local hardware store.
Water is leaking
around lid.
O-ring is not properly
sealed in groove.
Remove lid, apply a thin coat of silicone grease
to the o-ring with your finger, then re-seat the
lid and twist it to secure.
Height of fluidized
media inside reaction
column falls steadily
with time.
Fiber disc is becoming
clogged with particulate
material, decreasing the
flow of water into the
Phos•Reactor.
Clean the fiber discs in the Reactor by rinsing
them in water, then place them back in the
Reactor and resume operation.
Media Dosage Table
KENT Filtration Media Phos•Reactor Capacity Applications
Power•Phos 150 grams Granular phosphate-removal media
Phosphate Sponge 1 qt. Porous ceramic media; removes phosphate
and silicate
Reef Carbon 1 qt. Activated carbon; removes organic material
and water-discoloring substances.
Nitrate Sponge 1 qt. Porous zeolitic media; removes nitrate via
adsorption and fosters de-nitrification
Organic Adsorption
Resin
16 oz. Macroporous resin that removes organic
materials but not trace elements
Toxic Metal Sponge 16 oz. Cation-exchange resin that removes copper
and other heavy metals from water
Mixed-Bed Resin 16 oz. A blend of resins that remove organic
material and heavy metals from water
