Can't open phosban reactor!!!

ClaptonsGhost

ClaptonsGhost

Active Member
I hope this is the right forum, I don't see any specifically for equipment. I have a Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor 550 on my tank. The bio-pellets are worn down and it's time to add some more, but I can NOT open the damn thing!! It's hard enough getting into the position I have to in order to reach it, but even if I had it in my lap I can tell the top is not going to budge.

Does anyone have a tip or trick up to and including sledgehammers to open this thing? I've even tried industrial strength gloves for grip. Cannot move it. It's like it's welded on. This is the first time since it was installed that I've even tried to open it btw, it's not like it used to be easy to open before. I've read reviews on Amazon complaining of the same thing but no solutions offered.
 
silverado61

silverado61

Well-Known Member
Try posting it in "lighting, equipment and diy". Ya never know.
I never tighten lids on for that same fear. Pain in the arse to get that jelly lid off.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I suggest taking the hoses off of it to de-pressureize the container first. If you have your ball valve cut off on the pump, it isn't letting air into the tube - which is causing it to pressurize. Try taking off the rubber end caps and then twisting it off. If you have done that already and you are still having difficulty, Try taking it out and to the sink, turning it upside down to let it drain. Tap the top on the counter and then use the gloves again to make it come off.
 
ClaptonsGhost

ClaptonsGhost

Active Member
Then I must be Superman because, just out of pure ANGER, I opened it finally. My LFS lent me this rusty old plumbers wrench but when wrapped around the lid the two handles were too far apart to grab with one hand. When they installed the reactor they glued everything so it's basically permanently attached to the plumbing. I did try at first to empty the water out. I didn't realize that, like a gas can, without a release hole the water won't come out. Then, literally, like I said, out of sheer anger and one step from having a major stroke, I twisted it off. Then there was the other part I wasn't told about, removing the little elbow joint and the valve that goes into the cannister. Doing all this while twisted up like a pretzel under my tank with my bad back was truly a horrendous experience!

Thanks for all the advice though, everybody. From this point on I dare any stuck pickle jar to defy me!!!
 
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