Softy tank build
Is the Sicce Shark Better Than a Media Reactor?
Overview
We tested the Sicce Shark line as a compact alternative to traditional media reactors and canister-style filtration. The Shark comes in two sizes: the full Pro and the Nano. Both are built around removable, stackable media canisters, magnetic mounting, and a small integrated pump. At a glance, the Shark aims to simplify media changes, give flexibility for carbon, GFO, or resins, and serve niche roles like sump dosing, quarantine, and nano tank filtration.
What it is and how it works
The Shark is essentially a cartridge-based media reactor. Each unit ships with multiple canisters that slide into a compact housing. The housing can be magnetically mounted in a sump or on a tank wall. Inside each canister you can place foam, carbon, GFO, phosphate resin, or small bio media. A small pump pushes water through the stack so the media gets contact with flow without the complexity of an upflow reactor.
Key features
Modular canister design — slide-on cartridges make swaps quick and clean.
Magnetic mounting — a unique double-magnet system keeps a magnet in place while the cartridge comes off for cleaning.
Multiple media options — foam, carbon, GFO, resins, and plastic bio beads fit the canisters.
Compact pump included — no separate external pump required for most uses.
Pricing and versions
Price varies with size and number of cartridges. The full Pro model typically ranges between $70 and $90. The Nano model is roughly $35 to $45. Replacement or extra preloaded cartridges are inexpensive and make rotating media effortless.
Practical uses and examples
As a sump media reactor
In many sump setups the Shark replaces bulkier media reactors or external canisters. The advantage is reduced plumbing, easier media swaps, and the ability to preload cartridges. If you buy three cartridges and prefill them, you can simply swap a fresh cartridge into the housing and take the dirty one to the sink. That convenience is the Shark’s strongest selling point.
How much carbon? Stick close to the manufacturer’s recommendation for your carbon. A good rule of thumb many of us use is about one tablespoon per 10 gallons for typical pelletized carbon, but these cartridges hold only a modest volume. In practice they likely contain around a cup when the foam is removed, which is enough carbon for many tanks up to roughly 150–160 gallons depending on load and expectations.
In nano tanks
The Nano Shark is small enough to hide behind the back panel or in a corner of a 10 to 20 gallon tank. It makes a tidy alternative to a hang-on-back filter or a small internal power filter and gives access to carbon and GFO without an ugly HOB. It won’t match the capacity of a full reactor, but for modest loads and occasional polish or phosphate control it’s a great fit.
Quarantine and hospital tanks
The Shark is a useful tool for quarantine setups. The included foam and plastic bio beads serve as colonizable media for beneficial bacteria during short-term holding. Because the cartridges are cheap, we can use dedicated cartridges for quarantine and discard them afterwards instead of risking cross-contamination with the display tank. The Shark can also provide gentle flow and aeration via its spray-bar-style output, which is handy in QT where quieter, gentler circulation and extra oxygen matter.
Using resins and GFO
Resin-based phosphate removers and GFO work well in the canisters because they stay contained and are easy to swap. Pelletized carbon or larger particle media are preferred over very fine powdered carbon because fines can clog or compact and reduce flow. Several resins are marketed specifically for slow, controlled phosphate uptake; the Shark’s flow characteristics may make those a useful match when you want to avoid driving phosphate to absolute zero.
Comparison with traditional media reactors
Traditional upflow or in-sump media reactors have large capacities and aggressive contact time designs. The Shark trades raw capacity and long dwell time for simplicity, lower cost, and maintenance convenience. For many hobbyists this is a net win. For very large systems with high pollutant loads, a full-sized reactor remains superior.
Pros and cons
Pros
Very easy to service—magnetic coupling and simple cartridges make swaps clean.
Affordable compared with some media reactors once you factor pump and plumbing costs.
Flexible—works with carbon, GFO, resins, foam, and small bio media.
Small footprint—fits in sumps and many nano tank backs.
Preloading multiple cartridges streamlines routine maintenance.
Cons
Limited media volume compared with larger reactors—may not be ideal for heavily stocked or very large systems.
Stock aluminum-based phosphate media raises concerns for some hobbyists; alternative resins are recommended.
Some supplied plastic bio beads may be better suited to temporary or quarantine use than continuous display use.
Claims about slow phosphate uptake and aeration look promising but deserve testing in your setup.
Who should consider the Sicce Shark
We recommend the Shark for:
Hobbyists who want a low-cost, low-hassle media reactor alternative.
Nano and pico tank owners who need discreet filtration and media flexibility.
Reef keepers who value quick, clean media swaps and preloaded cartridge workflows.
Quarantine and hospital tank users who want dedicated, inexpensive media cartridges to discard after use.
We would not recommend the Shark as the sole answer for very large, heavily stocked displays where continuous high-capacity media contact time is required. For those systems, stick with a purpose-built large reactor.
Recommendation and rating
We find the Sicce Shark extremely useful and versatile. For simplicity, price, and flexibility it earns a strong recommendation. Its greatest strengths are convenience and modularity: magnetic mounting, preloaded cartridges, and compact footprint. For many of us it replaces bulkier reactors and even some canister tricks. Our practical rating lands around 9 out of 10 for the use cases covered here.
Quick tips
Preload three cartridges if your model includes them so you can swap media quickly and avoid downtime.
Use pelletized carbon or larger particles to avoid compaction and channeling.
Replace quarantine cartridges after use rather than returning them to the display system.
Follow the resin and carbon manufacturer’s dosing guidelines rather than overstuffing media—more is not always better.
FAQ
Can the Sicce Shark replace a traditional media reactor?
Yes for many hobbyists. It is a great compact alternative for sump or nano applications and for light to moderate media demands. For very large or heavily stocked systems, a full-sized reactor still provides greater capacity and contact time.
How much carbon should I put in a Shark cartridge?
Follow the carbon manufacturer’s recommendation. A conservative guideline often used is roughly one tablespoon per 10 gallons as a starting point. The Shark cartridges hold a modest volume, so use pelletized carbon and avoid overpacking which can reduce flow.
Can the Shark remove phosphate without driving it to zero?
Resin-based phosphate removers marketed for slow uptake can work well in the Shark. The unit’s flow may lead to more gradual uptake than aggressive reactors, but performance varies by resin and tank load. Monitor levels and adjust use accordingly.
Is the Shark a good choice for quarantine tanks?
Yes. It offers colonizable foam, the ability to add media for treatment, and inexpensive cartridges you can discard after use. The Shark also provides gentle aeration and flow which helps keep fish healthy during QT.
What media should I avoid using long-term in the Shark?
Some hobbyists avoid aluminum-based phosphate media for continuous display use due to long-term concerns. Also, be cautious with plastic bio beads for continuous filtration if you cannot measure or regulate their effect; they are better suited for temporary or quarantine use.
Weigh convenience against capacity. For many tanks the Shark simplifies media management without sacrificing results.
