IceCap 50P Small Controllable DC Media Reactor
SKU: IC-GFO-50P
MSRP: $ 94,50
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Available Through Authorized Retailer
- Compact All-In-One Design: Slim profile slides easily into standard tight sump baffles, rear glass overflow columns, and space-saving nano tank chambers.
- Twin-Chamber Removable Canister: Double separate chamber tracks help distribute flow evenly, preventing media clumping and clunky maintenance cycles.
- 5-Speed Controllable 12V Pump: Bundled with an energy-efficient DC-200 feed pump and external controller pad featuring five customizable speed settings.
- Tool-Free Media Changes: Removable inner cartridge pulls vertically out of the main body, allowing fast sink reloads without unplumbing hardware lines.
- Durable Heavy-Cast Acrylic: Fabricated out of premium, corrosion-resistant clear acrylic with robust splash-resistant secure seal caps.
- Multi-Media Fluidizing Setup: Highly effective for running loose carbon, granular ferric oxide (GFO), zeolite clays, or floating biopellet media.
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IceCap 50P Small Controllable 12V DC Media Reactor
The IceCap 50P Small Controllable DC Media Reactor (SKU: IC-GFO-50P) is an authentic, plug-and-play aquarium filtration system distributed by CoralVue to maximize water clarity and control excess nutrient accumulation in freshwater display layouts and sensitive marine reef aquariums up to 40 gallons. Maintaining chemical filter media—especially granular ferric oxide (GFO) for phosphate export and granular activated carbon (GAC) for organic tracking—is essential for avoiding nuisance algae outbreaks. However, standard passive media bags suffer from water bypassing around the edges, which significantly limits filtration performance. The IceCap 50P media reactor overcomes this limitation by forcing your entire water column upward through an actively fluidized, high-contact column.
The primary design innovation of the IC-GFO-50P centers around its standalone Removable Twin-Chamber Canister and Controllable 12V DC Pump. Bundled with a specialized DC-200 low-voltage feed pump (5W @ 12V), this reactor features an inline controller with five individual speed selections. This adjustment flexibility lets you dial in the exact water movement your media needs, from a gentle surface shimmy for fragile carbon granules to a high-velocity tumble for dense biopellet strings. Maintenance is completely tool-free: simply pull off the splash cap, slide out the inner twin-chamber cartridge, and dump spent media directly into your sink. Built completely from high-tensile clear acrylic with heavy-duty internal tracking pads, it provides excellent reliability within a minimal footprint.
Key Features
Prevents Sudden Media Channeling: Dual internal columns keep diverse media varieties perfectly separated, maximizing water contact time.
Eliminates High-Pressure Splash Disasters: Splash-proof top locking plate channels moving fluid safely down internal walls without generating spray.
Dramatically Simplifies Sump Tasks: Lift-and-reload architecture saves time by removing the need to unclamp or disconnect plumbing lines during media swaps.
Note: This retail package includes (1) fully assembled IceCap Small 50P Reactor Body, (1) DC-200 Controllable Pump, Internal Sponges, and connection hardware. Filter media is sold under separate categories.
What’s Included:
(1) IceCap Small Controllable DC Media Reactor Acrylic Mainframe
(1) Removable Twin-Chamber Inner Media Cartridge Cylinder
(1) IceCap DC-200 Adjustable 12V Low-Voltage Water Feed Pump
(1) 5-Speed Digital Control Pad Interface Block
(2) High-Density Internal Micro-Fleece Media Isolation Sponges
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: IceCap 50P Small Controllable DC Media Reactor
SKU / Factory Part Identifier: IC-GFO-50P (Alternative Reference: IC-MRDC5OP)
Maximum System Coverage Volume: For Aquariums up to 40 Gallons
Total Internal Media Capacity Volumetric Limit: ~170 mL (~6 Fluid Ounces)
Reactor Frame Footprint Dimensions: 2.2" L x 2.2" W x 12.0" H
Acrylic Column Outer Diameter Size: 2.0 Inch Cylinder Profile
Included Pump Electrical Specifications: DC-200 Model (Consumes 5 Watts @ 12V Direct Current)
Variable Pump Operational Output Range: ~80 to 200 Liters Per Hour (~21 to 53 GPH)
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.
Instructions:
How to Use:
The IceCap Media Reactors can be used with many different media and for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Our media reactors are nearly plug-and-play, with only a few steps to take the reactor from the box to your aquarium. When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed. Always unplug the unit from an electrical outlet when not in use or before servicing or cleaning. For indoor use only.
Pre-Installation Inspection:
All IceCap media reactor models come fully packaged with all necessary components needed to operate the unit. You only need to supply the media you want to use. When unpacking your new IceCap media reactor, conduct a complete inventory to ensure all parts are included and undamaged. Handle and inspect the unit carefully before installing and connecting it to power. Refer to your specific model below.
1) Body
(2) Top
(3) Upper Canister
(4) Lower Canister
(5) Mounting O-Ring
(6) Sponges and Filter Floss
(7) Hang-On Mounting Bracket
(8) Flow Diverter
(9) Power Supply
(10) Pump Controller
(11) 12V DC Feed Pump
Initial Assembly Instructions:
Step 1 - Install Feed Pump
Step 2 - Install Media
Carefully remove the empty filter cartridge by pulling it away from the outer body. Rotate the bottom chamber clockwise to separate it. Make sure to use the sponge installed at the bottom of the chamber before filling. Fill the bottom chamber with your preferred media. Place the second included sponge on top of the media and twist lock the bottom chamber onto the top by turning counterclockwise. Be sure to rinse the media thoroughly before use. The top chamber can be filled with filter floss to catch any media that might escape the first chamber, or it can be filled with a different media from the bottom chamber.
Step 3 - Place in Sump
Find a suitable location to install the reactor, which can be hung inside a sump or an all-in-one aquarium filter compartment. Carefully place the reactor in a dedicated section of your sump or filter compartment in an all-in-one aquarium. The controller and power supply are not waterproof and should never be placed above water. Be sure proper drip loops are in place to prevent water from reaching the controller or power supply. To do this, ensure a portion of the cord hangs below the controller and receptacle.
Step 4 - Power On
Connect the pump's power wire to the inline controller and the other end to the power supply. To power your new reactor, plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet and press the controller's power button. To start, make sure you turn the power level down to its lowest setting and adjust the flow only after observing the media and its flow requirements. Water level inside the reactor can be managed with the flow diverter located at the bottom of the reactor.
Maintenance
Over time, the reactor's efficiency will decrease because the filter pads will accumulate debris and restrict flow through the media. This will require cleaning and regular replacement of the exhausted media. Every 4-6 months, disconnect the pump from power and clean it by removing the impeller cover and impeller. Never use soap or detergents for cleaning.
Pro Tips:
- Fine-Tune Flow Speeds Based on Your Specific Choice of Filter Media. Different chemical media types require completely different water velocities to function efficiently. If you are running Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), set the pump to a low speed setting (Mode 1 or 2). Carbon is fragile and will turn into fine dust if tumbled aggressively. If you are running Granular Ferric Oxide (GFO), adjust the pump flow until the very top surface of the media layer is gently simmering like water just before a boil. This prevents the iron granules from fusing into a solid brick without shattering the individual particles.
- Clean the Internal Retention Sponges Monthly to Stop Flow Restrictions. Because the IC-GFO-50P is a highly effective water-polishing filter, the fine black sponges inside the chamber will naturally catch loose detritus, organic slime, and micro-bubbles over time. If you notice your fluidizing action slowing down even when the pump is set to high speed, turn off the power and slide out the inner cartridge. Pop out the sponges and rinse them thoroughly in a bucket of old tank water to dislodge trapped debris, restoring clean flow performance.
- Apply a Smear of Silicone Lubricant on the Upper Cap O-Ring Every Few Months. To maintain a secure, watertight seal that prevents air pockets from entering your filtration loop, take a close look at the rubber O-ring nestled within the upper cap rim. During your routine bi-weekly media changes, wipe the O-ring clean with a dry towel and apply a tiny smear of 100% food-grade silicone grease. This simple trick keeps the rubber soft and pliable, stops leaks, and makes screwing the top cap on and off much easier.