The Bubble Magus BP-100 is a compact fluidize

The Reactor BIO-PELLETS Filter BP-100 by Bubble Magus

The Bubble Magus BP-100 is a fluidised bed / bio-pellet reactor / media reactor designed for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It allows you to use various media such as bio-pellets, carbon, resins, zeolite, etc., by fluidising them so that the media is gently tumbled by water flow. This increases contact between water and the media, improving filtration (especially for nitrates & phosphates).

It’s built from acrylic and other materials that are safe for saltwater, so it won’t corrode, and the pump is also suitable for marine use. In freshwater, it works the same way to fluidise bio-pellets, carbon, or other filter media.

The only things you’ll need to adjust between saltwater and freshwater setups are:

• The type and amount of media you put inside (for example, GFO is typically used in marine tanks for phosphate control; freshwater tanks might use different resins or carbon).

• The flow rate depending on the media’s density and the tank’s needs.

Key Specifications 

The Bubble Magus BP-100 Bio-Pellets Filter has an internal media capacity of around 1.5 litres, suitable for medium aquariums. It is powered by a Rock WP600 pump that delivers steady flow while consuming about 11 watts of power, ensuring efficient, quiet operation. The unit measures roughly 146 × 179 × 450 mm (length × width × height), providing a moderate footprint with good vertical clearance. It is generally recommended for aquariums between 300 and 600 litres, depending on bioload and the type of media being used.

Although designed primarily for biopellets, the BP-100 can also be used with other media such as carbon, GFO, activated carbon, or even certain resins or rocks if configured correctly, making it a versatile filtration option.

Features & Benefits

• Compact size makes it easy to fit in smaller sumps or filtration compartments.
• Upward flow design keeps media fluidised, prevents clumping, and ensures even contact for more efficient nutrient removal.
• Versatile media use: biopellets, activated carbon, GFO, zeolite, or specialised resins.
• Durable acrylic construction is safe for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
• Energy-efficient pump integrated into the base reduces plumbing complexity and footprint.

Things to Watch / Limitations for the Reactor BIO-PELLETS Filter BP-100 by Bubble Magus

• Requires maintenance: You’ll need to clean periodically; bio-pellet reactors can degrade or clog, or media can break down etc. Also need to check pump performance and fluidisation.

• Initial setup sensitivity: The flow rate, amount of media, and how fluidised the bed is will impact how well it reduces nitrates / phosphates. If media doesn’t tumble enough, performance drops.

• Media cost: Bio-pellets or specialized media (e.g. GFO) cost, so operational expense should be considered.

• Noise / vibration: With the pump, depending on installation, you might get some vibration or noise, especially if not mounted well. (This is general with these reactors.)

• Oxygen demand: biopellets host bacterial colonies which consume oxygen; ensure good aeration / avoid oxygen drops.

• Footprint / height: reactor is quite tall (~ 50 cm) so sump needs vertical clearance.

Practical Tips

• Rinse new media before use to remove dust and fines.

• Start with a smaller amount of biopellets and increase gradually to let bacterial colonies establish without oxygen dips.

• Adjust pump flow so media gently tumbles rather than churning violently.

• Clean the pump and sponges regularly to prevent clogging and maintain flow.

• Monitor nitrate and phosphate levels to see how effectively the reactor is working.

Maintenance is easy thanks to removable thumb screws that provide quick access to the media and pump chambers.

Additionally, the BP-100 offers versatile installation options, allowing use in both internal and sump setups.

This makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists looking for efficient and flexible filtration solutions.