AF90 Media Reactor 1300 ml — Compact Fluidised Filter for Nano and Small Reefs - Aquaforest

Aquaforest AF90 — fluidized media reactor 1,300 ml for nano and small reef tanks

The AF90 Media Reactor is the smallest fluidized reactor in Aquaforest's lineup, sized for nano reefs and small reef tanks up to 200 L. Clear acrylic cylindrical column with baffles tuned to fluidize the media without dead zones. Ideal for activated carbon, GFO (phosphate removal), zeolite (adapted zeovit method), or biopellets on modest volumes.

Useful volume 1,300 ml (~1.3 L), 9 cm diameter chamber, about 30 cm tall. 13 mm hose barb fittings compatible with standard reef external pumps. Maintenance is easy thanks to the screw-on lid that allows fast media reload without full disassembly.

Compatible media for the AF90

• Activated carbon — Aquaforest Carbon 1 L or equivalent, half-volume fill to avoid crushing.
• GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) — phosphate removal, 500-800 ml fill per fluidization.
• Zeolite — ammonia and heavy metal absorption media, full fill.
• Biopellets — solid carbon dosing for ULNS, 500-700 ml fill.
• Anti-nitrate resins — NO3 removal for top-ups, full fill.

Setup and operation

• External pump: not included, pick per media (carbon = gentle flow, GFO = moderate, biopellets = strong).
• Fittings: 13 mm hose barb — standard reef flexible tubing.
• Placement: in the sump or external, vertical.
• Rinsing: rinse the media before install to flush dust and fines.
• Fluidization: tune the flow to gently agitate the media without ejecting fines.

Specifications

• Brand: Aquaforest (Poland)
• Useful volume: 1,300 ml
• Dimensions: about 30 cm tall × 13 cm outer diameter (9 cm chamber)
• Fittings: 13 mm hose barb
• Compatibility: reef tanks up to about 200 L

Why choose Aquaforest at ReefSolution

• AF110 Media Reactor 2,800 ml — the step-up size for 200-400 L tanks.
• Carbon 1 L — the ideal steam-activated carbon to load in the AF90.
• Phosphate Minus 250 ml — the anti-phosphate media to combine in the reactor.

Frequently asked questions

Which flow rate for an AF90 running activated carbon?

Moderate flow (200-400 L/h) is enough to gently fluidize activated carbon without spinning it too fast. Excess flow grinds the grains and releases fines into the tank. Carbon stays effective at gentle flow — the goal is prolonged water/media contact, not speed.

Can I run the AF90 without an external pump?

No — the reactor has no built-in pump. Plan for a suitable external pump: Tunze Silence, Sicce, Aquaforest AF Pump, or equivalent. Flow depends on the media used and tank volume.

How long does the media stay active in the AF90?

It depends on media type and tank nutrient load. Activated carbon: 4-6 weeks. GFO: 6-8 weeks depending on starting PO4. Zeolite: variable, replace when ammonia isn't consumed anymore. Biopellets: several months with partial regeneration. Always watch efficacy (PO4 test, water color) rather than a fixed schedule.