Nutrient export is an impassioned topic for most reefers, but that’s to be expected. Whenever there’s more than one way to perform a task, some will prefer one over the other.
Regardless of preferences, we all can agree on one thing: we want safe, quick and effective methods. When it comes to exporting nutrients, a good portion of reefers like to fight fire with fire. Or, in this case, fight nature with nature.
Chaetomorphia, or more commonly known simply as chaeto, reactors leverage the nutrient-absorbing prowess of micro-algae. By harnessing the power of algae, while keeping its growth under control, it’s possible to maintain healthy and balanced water parameters.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
For years, reefers have used their ingenuity to craft DIY chaeto reactors. While many of these homemade devices are quite capable, its construction and maintenance isn’t always the easiest. This is where the Pax Bellum A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor comes into play.
If you’re not familiar with Pax Bellum, let me be the first to introduce you to one of the coolest, and nicest, startups in the reefing community. Nowadays, it’s rare to come across a business that’s not only capable of producing stellar equipment, but doing so with a keen aesthetic style. But, we’ll discuss that momentarily.
So, what makes the A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor better than countless other homemade devices? Let’s roll up our digital sleeves and explore the design, technology and performance of this powerful, and attractive, chaeto reactor.
The Marriage of Art and Innovation - Pax Bellum, LLC Overview.
I’ve always felt the quality of a company directly impacts their product worth. Unfortunately, unscrupulous businesses are commonplace in almost every marketplace.
While depressing, when you’re surrounded by unsavory companies, the rare gems really shine. This is true for Pax Bellum.
Founded in 2007 by Tristan Wilson, Pax Bellum is the manifestation of a lifetime of passion. In brief, Tristan enrolled at the Pratt Institute as a Fine Art major. Little did he know this would spark a chain of events responsible for developing one of the most well-received chaeto reactors on the market.
Throughout his studies, he soon found himself in the watery world of reefing. After befriending the keeper of Pratt Reefs, Randy Donowitz, the colorful and dynamic realm of coral reefs proved too alluring to deny. After becoming involved with the Manhattan Reef Club, he understood his purpose.
Combining his artistic skill as a sculptor, and is blossoming infatuation with reefing, Tristan ultimately founded Pax Bellum. Originally established as a Research & Development company to brainstorm the potential of a macroalgae-based system, the past 13 years delivered more than a capable device.
After years of testing, studying and experimenting, Pax Bellum, LLC was born. Relocated to Vermont, Pax Bellum, LLC refined its approach. Through a series of calculated steps, Tristan revealed the ARID reactor system at the 2017 MACNA conference in New Orleans.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, in 2018, Pax Bellum, LLC is at the forefront of the macroalgae reactor industry. As word of this dynamic system spread, so did the interest (and copy-cats).
So, what is it about the ARID reactor design that’s literally turning the reefing community on its head? Let’s find out…
The Anatomy of Biological Filtration - A.R.I.D. Defined.
While there’s a myriad of features and design elements responsible for catalyzing the N18 to prominence, the A.R.I.D. is the true star of this show.
In the most simplified explanation, this biological filtration methodology exports nutrients by achieving balance via an organic (biological) medium, such as algae. Lovingly referenced as biological stoichiometry by Pax Bellum, this system naturally sustains nutrient balance without the cost and hassle of chemical-based filtration media.
A.R.I.D., which stands for Algae Remediation Illuminated Device, works in a familiar fashion. Much like other forms of media, water is flowed through the reactor. However, this is where things get interesting.
Inside the A.R.I.D. chamber, chaeto algae grows in a controlled environment. As water passes over the algae, specific nutrients, such as phosphate and nitrate, are pulled out of the water and into the growing algae.
Ultimately, the design and functionality of this system allows precise nutrient control. Moreover, since its chamber is sealed from atmospheric gases, it effectively maintains healthy CO2 and organics levels.
One of the first questions many reefers have when reviewing the A.I.R.D. N18 Reactor is what separates it from a refugium?
The most noteworthy difference between the A.I.R.D. system and refugiums is its operation and maintenance.
In a refugium, water is directed around compacted blobs of algae. This means nutrients absorption only occurs along its outer surface, which obviously results in “dead zones” within its interior spaces.
Rather than flowing around the algae, the A.R.I.D. system allows water to pass through the algae, not around it. Essentially, this results in greater algae growth and higher concentrations of nutrient export. It’s not only the fact that water can flow through the algae, but its shape and interwoven algae mass provides a refined turbulent and laminar water flow.
By maintaining a constant velocity, the A.R.I.D. system prevents dead zones. Ultimately, this offers greater nutrient export capacity and efficiency.
Manipulating Water Parameters in Style - Operation & Performance.
Personally, I appreciate the precision of the A.R.I.D. N18, which is designed specifically for medium reef tanks.
When compared to other forms of bio-media filtration systems, few offer the ability to easily target specific nutrients for export. While the ultimate goal is to limit phosphate concentrations, the use of algae can cause a reduction in nitrogen. As you may already know, if your tank is starved of nitrogen, algae growth will be lackluster, at best.
This is easily corrected by dosing with the included Nitrogen+Molybdenum solution. This solution is easy to dose and allows you to reach optimum nutrient concentrations to ensure healthy, and plentiful, chaeto algae growth.
So before diving deeper into its design and functionality, I need to address one of the most important operational requirements of the A.R.I.D. N18. Occasionally, it’ll be necessary to dose your tank with nitrates. Yes, you read that right.
While nitrates have a notorious reputation among reefers as a harmful nutrient, which in excess quantities it is, this nutrient plays a direct role than you may anticipate. The goal as a reefer is to maintain healthy and supportive parameter balance. For many years, the only way we could determine parameter balance was to test for nitrates.
During this time, when coral growth was lacking or deteriorating, and high nitrate levels were identified, we naturally assumed it was the culprit. In reality, however, it was typically excessive phosphate levels.
As we’ve discussed, chaeto algae literally sucks phosphates out of the water. Yet, in order to maintain adequate algae growth, water must contain adequate amounts of nitrates. Therefore, it’s essential to periodically dose your tank with the included nitrate supplement. This is what I really appreciate about the A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor, it’s not only incredibly efficient, but supports the knowledge growth of proper reef tank care.
The Illumination of Filtration - A.R.I.D. LED Lights.
If you’ve investigated chaeto reactors, either manufactured or homemade devices, then you’ve likely noticed the brightest feature, lights.
Designed to distribute focused light into the growing algae tube, Pax Bellum stuck with its theme of transforming solid concepts into stellar design.
The coaxial LED array rests within the grow chamber, and penetrates throughout the chaeto algae mass. Not only does this promote an optimum environment for algae to thrive, but its design contains light so it doesn’t influence other parameters. Internal chamber walls reflect light back into the algae, which translates to no wasted energy.
Establishing the System - A.R.I.D. Reactor Install & Care.
While the reefing hobby continuously offers new and upgraded equipment, sometimes the hassle of integrating them into your established tank just isn’t worth it. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with the Pax Bellum A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor.
Due to its watertight seals, this entire system is designed to efficiently operate outside of your sump. Not only does this streamline its installation process, but also simplifies its maintenance tasks.
Now, just because it operates outside of the sump doesn’t mean it’s not without limits. It’s recommended to stand or hang the reactor in its case along the rim of your sump. The reason why you don’t want to install inside your sump is because if it’s knocked over, you could have a serious electrical-shock situation.
Once installed, the Pax Bellum A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor stays with the theme of simplicity. Starting the chaeto algae colony is relatively easy, and due to its growing chamber design, is equally as easy to maintain.
Essentially, you remove the armature assembly and evenly spread several handfuls of chaeto algae within each open segment. To keep algae from shifting, wrap a couple of bundles around the spiral tube. Once the algae is evenly spread and secured, simply reattach the armature back into the casing.
Supporting swift and healthy growth requires a daily dose of the included Iron + Manganese solution. It’s recommend to dose 1 drop per 26.4 gallons of water. The light requirements vary based on the unique preferences of algae. In general, start with a daily light exposure of 4 hours, and increase this by 1 to 2 hours each week until the desired 16 hours of continuous light is achieved. I like 10 hours a day opposite to the main display light cycle.
Throughout this process, play close attention to the PO4 levels. If you notice they drop below 0.02 ppm, reduce light exposure until the PO4 reaches its ideal level, anywhere between .02 to .05 ppm. Remember, chaeto algae require at least 8 hours of no direct light exposure per day.
The Brilliance of Artistic Design & Innovative Performance.
Throughout our experience with the Pax Bellum A.R.I.D. N18 Reactor, we’ve come to understand two fundamental truths about this product.
- Bio-filtration remains an effective methodology for the modern reefer.
- Pax Bellum delivers a solid, no-nonsense and capable system for both novice and experienced reefers.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the benefits of chaeto reactors, or are looking to upgrade your current setup, you should definitely check out this device. Not only does it provide quality filtration, but its construction actively works to maintain the unique balance of your tank ecosystem. it's hands down the best chaeto reactor on the market. Be sure to follow Pax Bellum on Facebook.
I speak on behalf of all of us at Reef Hacks when I say, we can’t wait to see what’s next from Pax Bellum.
What’s your experience with chaeto reactors? Have you dabbled in DIY systems? Head over to the Reef Hacks Facebook page and send us a message.
As always, Happy Reefing!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.