IceCap GFO 100EXT Media Reactor
SKU: IC-GFO-100EXT
MSRP: $ 138,59
-
Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Removable Inner Canister Core: Features an innovative slide-out internal vessel that lets you swap out exhausted media quickly without moving the main reactor housing.
- Universal External Configuration: Engineered as a space-saving external unit ("EXT") that can be mounted universally inside or outside of cabinet sump spaces.
- Pre-Plumbed Flow Control Valve: Outfitted with an integrated ball valve at the output port to let you fine-tune the fluidization tumble speed of sensitive media.
- Included EVO-1000 Feed Pump: Arrives completely plug-and-play with a dedicated, energy-efficient 20-watt IceCap EVO submersible feed pump and connecting tubing.
- Generous 2-Liter Fluid Capacity: Internal canister cavity holds up to approximately 2 liters of loose chemical media, carbon, granular ferric oxide, or biopellets.
- Heavy-Duty Leak-Proof Barb Ports: Sized with standard 19mm (19mm / 3/4-inch) input and output barb nodes to ensure a secure, leak-free vinyl tubing interface.
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IceCap GFO 100EXT External Canister Media Reactor (IC-GFO-100EXT)
The IceCap GFO 100EXT Media Reactor (SKU: IC-GFO-100EXT) is an authentic, highly efficient chemical filtration system distributed by CoralVue to provide universal water purification in advanced freshwater systems and marine reef aquariums up to 100 gallons. Utilizing advanced loose filtration media—like Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO) for aggressive phosphate removal or activated carbon for pulling out yellowing pigments and toxins—is standard practice for preventing nuisance algae blooms. However, traditional media reactors are notoriously frustrating to maintain, often requiring you to disconnect tight plumbing lines, unbolt leaky thumb-screws, and drag the entire dripping cylinder over to a sink just to change a single cup of carbon. The IC-GFO-100EXT fully resolves this maintenance headache with its clever split-tier canister architecture.
At the core of the 100EXT is a removable inner cartridge. To change out your media, simply pop the top union cap and lift the self-contained inner canister straight out of the reactor column. This internal pod confines the media safely to its vessel, meaning you can easily dump old media, pour in new granules, and thoroughly rinse away fine black dust right at the sink before sliding it back into the main housing. Driven by an included, silent 20W EVO-1000 submersible feed pump and packaged with thick-walled 19mm (3/4") vinyl tubing, this comprehensive kit can be deployed inside a sump baffle or mounted right outside your filter room setup. With its clear acrylic structural body for easy visual monitoring and a precise top-mounted flow-control gate, the IceCap 100EXT delivers professional-grade water clarity with effortless upkeep.
Key Features
Hassle-Free Media Rinsing: The inner core cartridge acts as its own wash basket, keeping fine carbon or GFO grains completely contained while you rinse away transit dust under your sink tap.
Precise Fluidization Tracking: Ultra-clear outer acrylic walls give you a perfect view of your filter bed, letting you check for plumbing channels or adjust your flow rate to prevent tumbling GFO from grinding into dust.
Complete Out-of-the-Box Kit: Ships fully loaded with a matching high-performance submersible utility pump, an adjustable output ball valve, and heavy-duty 19mm/25mm connecting plumbing hoses.
(Note: This complete reactor assembly includes the external reactor housing, removable inner media canister, output gate valve, IceCap EVO-1000 pump, and plumbing hoses. Granular carbon and bulk GFO media are sold under separate product categories).
IceCap EXT Series Canister Reactor Sizing Matrix
| Reactor Sizing Classification | SKU Part Number | Physical Footprint (LxWxH) | Max Media Capacity | Feed Pump Model Included | Target Aquarium Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IceCap 100EXT (Small) | IC-GFO-100EXT | 4.4" x 4.6" x 20.0" | ~2.0 Liters Vol | EVO-1000 (20 Watts) | Up to 100 Gallons |
| IceCap 120EXT (Medium) | IC-GFO-120EXT | 5.4" x 5.4" x 20.0" | ~3.0 Liters Vol | EVO-2000 (30 Watts) | Up to 250 Gallons |
| IceCap 150EXT (Large) | IC-GFO-150EXT | 6.6" x 6.6" x 20.0" | ~6.0 Liters Vol | EVO-3000 (49 Watts) | Up to 500 Gallons |
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap 100EXT External Clear Acrylic Reactor Body Shell
(1) Removable Inner Media Containment Canister Insert
(1) IceCap EVO-1000 (20W) Submersible Utility Feed Pump
(1) Integrated Adjustable Top Flow-Control Gate Valve
(1) Pack of 19mm ID / 25mm OD Heavy-Duty Flexible Vinyl Connecting Tubing
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap EXT Media Reactor – Small
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-GFO-100EXT
Maximum System Capacity Rating: Efficiently treats aquariums up to 100 Gallons (378L)
Total Internal Media Volume Room: ~2 Liters Maximum Carrying Limit
Reactor Dimensions: 4.4"L x 4.6"W x 20.0"H (11.18 cm x 11.68 cm x 50.80 cm)
Main Reactor Body Cylinder Diameter: 4.0 Inches (10.16 cm)
Input and Output Barb Port Sizes: 19mm (3/4-Inch Inner Diameter Connection)
Feed Pump Power Metrics: 120V AC / 60Hz / 20 Watts Power Draw
Warranty
CoralVue, Inc. hereby guarantees this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- 1 Year
Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
- Unbox your IC-GFO-100EXT reactor kit. Twist the top cap assembly counter-clockwise to open the main body, and lift the inner clear canister cartridge out by its top rim handle.
- Remove the top sponge sheet divider from inside the inner canister. Pour in your chosen filtration media (such as activated carbon or GFO), place the foam layer back down to compress the media bed, and snap the canister top cap securely into place. Note: Depending on the media used, particularly GFO it is best to place it in a fine mesh bag to prevent the media from blowing out past the foam retainers.
- Take the packed inner canister to your sink and run cold water down through the center core pipe. Continue rinsing until the discharge water runs completely clear of dark carbon or iron dust.
- Lower the rinsed canister back down into the primary reactor body shell, ensuring it sits flat on the base alignment tracks. Re-seat the main top cap ring and twist it clockwise to seal the unit. Note: If this is the first time installing and using, we suggest that you place the whole reactor in a bucket of aquarium water and run it prior to placing in your sump.
- Cut a section of the included 19mm vinyl tubing to connect your EVO-1000 submersible feed pump to the lower intake barb port of the reactor. Attach a secondary piece of tubing to the top outlet barb to route clean water back into your sump or tank.
- Submerge the EVO-1000 pump fully into your sump water line, open the integrated gate valve halfway, and plug the pump into a wall outlet. Slowly turn the valve dial to adjust the internal flow until your media reaches a gentle rolling fluidization. Note: Depending on the media used, particularly GFO it is best to place it in a fine mesh bag to prevent the media from blowing out past the foam retainers.
Pro Tips:
- Dial in a Low, Gentle Tumble for GFO to Prevent it from Grinding into Dust. Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO) is quite brittle compared to activated carbon. If you push too much water through the reactor, the heavy iron granules will slam against each other violently, grinding themselves into a fine red dust that can bypass the internal filter sponges and cloud your display tank. When running GFO, adjust the built-in top output gate valve down until only the very top surface of the media bed is gently simmering like boiling water. This gives you optimal chemical contact time while preserving the structure of the granules.
- Do Not Pack Carbon Too Tight; Aim for a Static, Non-Tumbling Packing Bed. Unlike GFO, which needs a light fluidizing movement to prevent it from solidifying into a solid brick, activated carbon should remain completely static inside the reactor. If carbon granules are allowed to tumble and rub against one another, they will quickly wear down and release fine black carbon dust into your tank water column. Use the internal sponge sheets to pack your carbon down firmly so it stays locked in place while the water passes through.
- Clean the Internal Sponges and Check the Pump Impeller Every 60 Days. Over months of continuous filtration work, fine organic mulm, bacterial slime, and calcium scales will naturally accumulate within the upper and lower foam filter discs inside the canister. Left unchecked, this buildup will restrict water flow and cause backpressure on your feed pump. Every second media change, take a few minutes to rinse the sponges thoroughly in hot tap water and pull the magnetic impeller out of your EVO-1000 pump to wipe it clean. This simple maintenance step keeps your flow rates consistent and significantly extends the lifespan of your pump.