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Octo CR200 Replacement Sponges (Set of 2)
SKU: ROP-CR200-SP
Genuine OEM Direct Replacement: Authentic factory-spec open-cell foam pads designed explicitly to fit the interior column of the Reef Octopus CR200 Calcium Reactor.
Dual-Action Media Isolation: Arrives as a balanced 2-piece set to sandwich calcium media safely between the lower distribution grid and the upper effluent screen.
Recirculation Pump Protection: Physically blocks fine aragonite chips and crushed coral dust from migrating into the plumbing line and seizing the impeller assembly.
Optimized Uniform Flow Matrix: Features a precise porous cell density that promotes even water distribution up through the chamber without creating high-pressure channeling.
Rigid Form-Retention Cut: Laser-cut circular geometry matches the internal diameter of the reactor acrylic tube perfectly to eliminate peripheral bypass gaps.
100% Acid-Safe & Inert Build: Manufactured from heavy-duty, non-leaching poly-foam engineered to withstand low-pH environments without breaking down.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus CR200 Calcium Reactor Replacement Sponges (ROP-SP-CR200)
The Reef Octopus CR200 Calcium Reactor Replacement Sponges (SKU: ROP-SP-CR200) are genuine factory-direct OEM internal foam dividers distributed by CoralVue to maintain the structural efficiency of your heavy-duty supplementation system. In a professional reef aquarium, a calcium reactor utilizes an influx of carbon dioxide (CO2) to lower internal pH levels, slowly dissolving aragonite media to supply calcium, carbonate alkalinity, and trace elements. Because the water inside the main chamber is constantly recirculating under high flow, the tumbling media breaks down into tiny, abrasive shards. These specialized replacement foam inserts act as a critical mechanical shield, locking your primary media in place while filtering out small particles before they can enter your plumbing lines.
Over time, these internal sponges become heavily impacted with compacted calcium dust, debris, and bacterial mulm. If left unchanged during media refills, a clogged sponge will restrict water flow, spike internal reactor pressure, and create localized tracking channels through your media that drop the reactor's efficiency. Even worse, aging foam can eventually turn brittle and tear under pressure. Upgrading to a fresh set of factory-spec sponges ensures a uniform, bottom-to-top water saturation profile, protecting your expensive recirculation pump from internal scouring and ceramic shaft damage.
Key Features
Perfect Internal Tolerances: Sized exactly to press-fit against the clear acrylic inner walls of the native CR200 reactor housing.
High-Pore Stability: Open-cell structural webbing allows water saturated with dissolved gasses to pass through cleanly while retaining fines.
Tough low-pH Resilience: Specially formulated to operate continuously inside acidic environments without dry-rotting, crumbling, or shedding fibers.
Complete Top & Bottom Coverage: Twin-pack layout fully covers both the bottom support diffuser plate and the upper containment collar screen.
Verified Hardware Compatibility
Reef Octopus Reactor Series: Engineered exclusively for the Octo Classic 200 Calcium Reactor (CR200).
(Note: This sponge set is calibrated for the 200mm diameter chamber footprint. If you operate the smaller CR140 or a different reactor model, please verify your chamber diameter to choose the proper matching framework).
What’s Included:
(2) Reef Octopus Replacement CR200 Open-Cell Internal Media Sponges
(Note: Clear acrylic reactor bodies, CO2 recirculation pumps, bubble counters, pH probe holders, and aragonite media are sold separately).
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: Reef Octopus CR200 Replacement Sponge (2-Pack)
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: ROP-SP-CR200
System Diameter Application: 200mm Heavy-Duty Reactor Chambers
Material Composition: Acid-Resistant Industrial Open-Cell Foam Matrix
Primary Function: Internal Media Containment / Pump Impeller Protection
Official Manufacturer Warranty Support: 90-Day Factory Limited Parts Coverage
- Disconnect your calcium reactor's recirculation pump from the electrical wall outlet and close the CO2 gas regulator bottle completely.
- Isolate and disconnect the feed lines, then unscrew the heavy-duty top lid thumb screws to open the main reactor column.
- Pour out your remaining aragonite media and carefully remove the old, clogged top and bottom sponges from the acrylic tube.
- Take your new ROP-SP-CR200 sponges and rinse them under fresh RO/DI water to clear any manufacturing dust.
- Push the first sponge down to the absolute bottom of the empty chamber, letting it seat perfectly flat across the lower plastic diffuser plate grid.
- Pour your fresh calcium reactor media into the chamber, slide the second sponge flat over the top of the media bed, reinstall the upper screen cap, and reassemble the lid.
Pro Tips:
- Always Replace Your Sponges During Media Re-Fills. The easiest time to change your internal reactor sponges is during your annual or semi-annual media replenishment routine. Do not try to clean and reuse old, flattened sponges that have been compressed under heavy media for months. Over time, the constant exposure to a low-pH environment hardens the foam material, meaning a used sponge will never expand fully back to the chamber edges, leaving open gaps where media can bypass.
- Check for a Tight Peripheral Fit to Prevent Channeling. When inserting the bottom sponge, use a clean piece of PVC pipe or a long acrylic rod to push it down evenly. Make sure the edges of the sponge do not roll up against the chamber wall. If the sponge buckles or creates an edge gap, the high-velocity water current will choose that path of least resistance. This bypass path sweeps fine aragonite sediment straight out of the chamber and directly into your pump body.
- Dissolve Stubborn Calcium Build-Up Safely. If you are doing a mid-season check and find the sponges are clogged with solid calcium scale but the foam is still structurally sound, don't scrub or wring them out aggressively, which can tear the open-cell structure. Instead, soak the pads in a warm bath of fresh water and pure citric acid powder for 30 minutes. This safely dissolves the hard mineral scale and restores the sponge's original porosity without damaging the poly-foam material.