TwoLittleFishies 150 reactor seal problems

918ReefCpl · 08/23/2019, 06:04 PM

Been using TLF 150's for several years on my tank, recently cracked the 1st generation style lids and ordered two replacement lids. Received the OEM 2nd gen lids with the finger grooves and replaced both o-rings with new TLF 150 O-rings. Today noticed that there was water sitting on the bracket and dripping down the side of the reactor - pulled the reactor off the tank, inspected the lid (NO Cracks) and the O-ring (no cuts,burrs or crushed) - replaced the O-rings again with new TLF o-rings and just noticed a slow leak again coming from under the cap onto the bracket. O-rings were lightly lubricated before installation and hand tightened down.

Has anyone else experienced problems with the seal on these reactors with the new lids?

Big E · 08/24/2019, 03:33 AM

I've gone through 3-4 of these over the years and I don't use them full time. They are junk and break or leak.

I have one with the newer lid, but it hasn't leaked on me. If you've already tried silone grease on the ring I'm not sure there is much you can do. Try not to over tighten, that might help.

On my main tank I bought a kit from Avast marine.......it's easy to assemble and will last your whole life. It's worth the extra cost beleive me. Use the on site coupon code and get 10% off.

The MR5 is what I have--
https://avastmarine.com/collections/...ia-reactor-kit

billdogg · 08/24/2019, 06:25 AM

I have had exactly the opposite experience with the TYLF 150's. I got my first one sometime in the early 90's and used it as a HOB GFO reactor on my 60 cube for about 20 years. Other than it being a little difficult to get the lid off for media changes, it has been a workhorse ever since. The only time it "leaked" it was because my cat had jumped on top of the tank and knocked the return elbow off. Me and the cat had a little talk about that one.

I purchased another a number of years ago for use on another tank. I lke the "new" top for it just because it allow for a better grip to get it off. It, too, has performed flawlessly.

918ReefCpl · 08/24/2019, 10:45 AM

Thank you both for the replies - sent an email off to TLF offices to see what their solution might be...
the tank is a closed loop system and no fuge/sump so anything that replaces the TLF-150's will need to be HOB type...

moondoggy4 · 08/25/2019, 11:24 AM

I have a Next reef reactor that sits on the top of the tank, I like it much better than the TLF reactors.

08/23/2019, 06:04 PM	#1
918ReefCpl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 736	TwoLittleFishies 150 reactor seal problems Been using TLF 150's for several years on my tank, recently cracked the 1st generation style lids and ordered two replacement lids. Received the OEM 2nd gen lids with the finger grooves and replaced both o-rings with new TLF 150 O-rings. Today noticed that there was water sitting on the bracket and dripping down the side of the reactor - pulled the reactor off the tank, inspected the lid (NO Cracks) and the O-ring (no cuts,burrs or crushed) - replaced the O-rings again with new TLF o-rings and just noticed a slow leak again coming from under the cap onto the bracket. O-rings were lightly lubricated before installation and hand tightened down. Has anyone else experienced problems with the seal on these reactors with the new lids?

08/24/2019, 03:33 AM	#2
Big E Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Euclid, OH Posts: 4,281	I've gone through 3-4 of these over the years and I don't use them full time. They are junk and break or leak. I have one with the newer lid, but it hasn't leaked on me. If you've already tried silone grease on the ring I'm not sure there is much you can do. Try not to over tighten, that might help. On my main tank I bought a kit from Avast marine.......it's easy to assemble and will last your whole life. It's worth the extra cost beleive me. Use the on site coupon code and get 10% off. The MR5 is what I have-- https://avastmarine.com/collections/...ia-reactor-kit __________________ 80g Rimless Acropora System reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2197142&page=31 Ed

08/24/2019, 06:25 AM	#3
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I have had exactly the opposite experience with the TYLF 150's. I got my first one sometime in the early 90's and used it as a HOB GFO reactor on my 60 cube for about 20 years. Other than it being a little difficult to get the lid off for media changes, it has been a workhorse ever since. The only time it "leaked" it was because my cat had jumped on top of the tank and knocked the return elbow off. Me and the cat had a little talk about that one. I purchased another a number of years ago for use on another tank. I lke the "new" top for it just because it allow for a better grip to get it off. It, too, has performed flawlessly. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/24/2019, 10:45 AM	#4
918ReefCpl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 736	Thank you both for the replies - sent an email off to TLF offices to see what their solution might be... the tank is a closed loop system and no fuge/sump so anything that replaces the TLF-150's will need to be HOB type...

08/25/2019, 11:24 AM	#5
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	I have a Next reef reactor that sits on the top of the tank, I like it much better than the TLF reactors.