Have one reactor. What should I Run?

[wonderballz]

I got a TLF reactor for my 40 breeder reef tank and I am trying to decide if I should run carbon of Phos. If you had to choose one or the other, which route would you go?

Thanks

 

[thirty5]

I thought I actually heard people running both in it at same time. But don't take my word on it. Just what I "think" i remeber reading.

 

[KathyC]

While you can run both medias in a single reactor, it's not the optimum thing to do as they requires different flow rates for the best performance.

IMO ...if you have no elevated phosphate issues (meaning you tested with a Hanna meter, not a liquid test kit) and you reading is totally in check, I'd go with carbon. If you have a phosphate issue, then run it with GFO.

Do you plan on adding a second reactor in the future?

 

[wonderballz]

I have read something like that before, but I think most run both reactors or one at a time. Hopefully someone will chime in.

 

[wonderballz]

Yes Kathy, I will eventually have another reactor. I'm just waiting for a breakdown to happen. Good point Kathy. I will see if I can get my hands on a Hanna Meter. Yay! More money to be spent.

 

[MIKE NY]

the different granular size makes it difficult to run both in the same reactor.....run the carbon...I never ran a tank with out it. Controlling phospates is easier then the other pollutants in the water without doing water changes all the time...

 

[mbg75]

I ran both in 1 for a while. Carbon on bottom, separate with 2 sponge disks and GFO on top. Works, but wastes GFO cause carbon only good for 2 weeks, GFO up to 6.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

[wonderballz]

I was thinking carbon also. I have read 1 cup of carbon : 100 Gallons of tank. Is that the ratio that most start off with?

 

[CONSTANTNE]

I run GFO in my TLF reactor and the carbon in a mesh bag between baffles.

 

[LatinP]

Depends on the tank if you have higher than average phosphates definitely run GFO, if your phosphates aren't that bad run carbon. If I was you I'd just buy another little reactor and run both separately never a bad idea and those little reactors are solid and cheap.

 

[ryangrieder]

Do you run a filter sock?

 

[wonderballz]

No filter sock yet. I only have one right now, and don't really have room I'm my sump for it. When I upgrade, I will have more room.

Sent from my PC36100 using Reefs

 

[duke62]

why wouldnt you have room for a filter sock.you have room for the drain pipe ..all you need is a sock and tie a line around it and hang it on your pipe

 

[wonderballz]

Problem is, my dragon (damn you autocorrect! I meant to say drain) section had my skimmer which is taking a lot of real estate. the drain comes down at a 45 degree angle, in close proximity to the cone if the skimmer, so the sock would be too close to the rim of the sump. The sock I have is 4 inches wide at the mouth, so if it overflows, I run the risk of it spilling over the side of the sump.

Sent from my PC36100 using Reefs

 

[duke62]

i wish you lived closer.im a master at making tight spaces work.filter sock is so important in the filtration..

 

[wonderballz]

When I upgrade, I have a proper sump with enough space. I am not totally worried about it right now. I am going to pick up my upgraded tank stand sump and such. Woot?

 

[LatinP]

What size tank did you upgrade to if you don't mind me asking? Also what sized sump are you planning to use with it?

 

[ryangrieder]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ter-bags/dual-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html

Call it a day

 

[wonderballz]

I am upgrading to a 125. The sump is what the guy was running on it. I am basically buying almost a whole setup.

 

[wonderballz]

I have seen that Ryan. The only thing is that you have one inlet and one outlet. I am probably going to build a manifold and run everything off one pump but teed off so that I can control flow individually.