Am I The Only One Who Can't UNSCREW The Phosban Reactor's Lid??????

drrich · #1 10/02/2007, 06:26 AM

Holy cow!!

I go to the gym a few times a week, eat my spinach regularly, but yet when it comes time to change my phosban, I find it almost impossible to unscrew the top of my "three little fishies" reactor.

Anyone else?

Any tricks?

It seems like I almost break the thing each time; I certainly almost break my hands.

jbarone · #2 10/02/2007, 06:53 AM

That's funny... I fought mine just last night for almost an hour before I got it off.

rbursek · #3 10/02/2007, 07:11 AM

well I will be opening mine to change charcoal tonight, thanks for the heads up.
Bob

Shooter7 · #4 10/02/2007, 07:16 AM

jbarone, let me know the next time it's giving you trouble and I'll run over and help you out.

I have used one of those jar lid gripper things on mine to get better traction on it and haven't had a lot of problems with getting the thing off.

jbarone · #5 10/02/2007, 07:38 AM

I may take you up on that next time.

DrBDC · #6 10/02/2007, 07:57 AM

I've removed a knuckle or two on them. Get the top real dry for a better grip. Hold the reactor real good between your knees or with a helper. If you put a little rotation pressure on the output tube at the same time it will give you more turning power but be careful not to put much there. Then the next time you fire it up, only tighten it enough to keep water from leaking.

techreef · #7 10/02/2007, 08:40 AM

I just got one of these last night. Are you guys running them inside your sumps, and if not, do you have any issues with the reactor leaking? I guess I'd strip the sticker from the reactor body if I put the thing in my sump. Thanks!

Shooter7 · #8 10/02/2007, 09:06 AM

Run mine outside....no leaks.

SaltyDr · #9 10/02/2007, 10:19 AM

I agree. I changed the media out last weekand it was a real PITA to get the lid off.

ralphie · #10 10/02/2007, 12:05 PM

Wow, I have the older version with the ~10 screws in it and now I am almost happy I still have it.

hansmatt · #11 10/02/2007, 12:21 PM

I had that problem a few weeks ago...soaked it (upside down) in vinegar for a bit while I was doing something else, came right off then.

CruzinKim · #12 10/02/2007, 12:21 PM

Just a suggestion the next time you have the lid off, use a little silicone grease on the O-Ring to lubricate it. The grease will seal the lid from leaking and also lubricate it well enough so that it easily comes on and off.

AquaReeferMan · #13 10/02/2007, 01:00 PM

Oh man, I hate trying to get that lid off. At least Im not the only one.

jdieck · #14 10/02/2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CruzinKim
Just a suggestion the next time you have the lid off, use a little silicone grease on the O-Ring to lubricate it. The grease will seal the lid from leaking and also lubricate it well enough so that it easily comes on and off.

Double second that. It should not be overtightened. Lubricate the O Ring.

drrich · #15 10/02/2007, 04:46 PM

Will the lubrication contaminate the tanK?

sabbath · #16 10/02/2007, 05:21 PM

I thought silicone was not reef safe.

kau_cinta_ku · #17 10/02/2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sabbath
I thought silicone was not reef safe.

then you better get all glass tanks out of this hobby.

USC-fan · #18 10/02/2007, 05:41 PM

Lol, i had this problem this weekend when i was changing my carbon.

sabbath · #19 10/02/2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kau_cinta_ku
then you better get all glass tanks out of this hobby.

I think all glasses silicone dries to a solid. Is that the silicone you guys are using? The glue stuff not the lubricant?

jdieck · #20 10/02/2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drrich
Will the lubrication contaminate the tanK?

Nope, use silicone grease or silicone O ring lubricant.
I even use it on the suction cups.
Apply the lubricant and the wipe it off with a paper towel leaving just enough to provide lubrication.

sabbath · #21 10/02/2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdieck
Nope, use silicone grease or silicone O ring lubricant.
I even use it on the suction cups.
Apply the lubricant and the wipe it off with a paper towel leaving just enough to provide lubrication.

Cool. Good to know.

jdieck · #22 10/02/2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sabbath
I think all glasses silicone dries to a solid. Is that the silicone you guys are using? The glue stuff not the lubricant?

No. Try this:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

Or This:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...ne+grease&sr=1

Or this:
http://www.waterfiltersonline.com/de...licone_Sealant

jdieck · #23 10/02/2007, 06:14 PM

BY the way, use the lubricant for all your O rings in skimmers or reactors and the threads of plastic screws for the reactor flanges.
Also use a lit bit in powerhead impeller shafts.

rafa316 · #24 10/02/2007, 06:18 PM

Is this what you guys are talking about?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

If so I currently throw a bag with phosban inisde my fuval filter, is there I need for me to get this extra thing? what is the use of it?

jdieck · #25 10/02/2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rafa316
Is this what you guys are talking about?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...1&N=2004&Nty=1

If so I currently throw a bag with phosban inisde my fuval filter, is there I need for me to get this extra thing? what is the use of it?

It will help increase the performance of the media by improving the flow trough it as well as reducing it's tendency to clump up.