One reactor, what should I run?

[Djbetterly]

So I have one of the two little fishies reactors on my solana34. Currently I am running carbon in the reactor, but I recently received some advice that I would like a second opinion on.

This person told me I would be better running rowaphos in the reactor and putting the carbon in a media bag inside my media basket. His reasoning makes sense to me. He mentioned that due to the granular size of carbon, water will flow through it much easier, where as with the rowaphos, it clumps easier and if used with a media bag water will not flow through it as easy.

Any thoughts?

 

[thirty5]

Well if you want to run rowaphos then I would put it in a reactor also. Carbon can be put into a media bag, or just pick up ChemiPure and use them already pre bagged

 

[Djbetterly]

Ok. So whats the difference between carbon and CPE?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Whether carbon OR gfo, if ran in a bag water will only contact the outside layer completely. Either will work in a bag, but both will work much better in a reactor.

 

[noelskii]

Run carbon and GFO in the reactor, there are videos on BRS on how to do it. When I had my solana, I used CPE since the reactor doesn't look good hanging on a rimless tank. CPE is a mix of carbon and GFO.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Run carbon and GFO in the reactor, there are videos on BRS on how to do it. When I had my solana, I used CPE since the reactor doesn't look good hanging on a rimless tank. CPE is a mix of carbon and GFO.

I'm not a fan of that and never understood why people did it. They both need majorly different flow rates and I wouldn't want gfo squished in with carbon. I'd be concerned that the granules would get ground up if given near the flow the gfo needed. If you're not going to give a certain media the flow rate required why half a$$ it? Just don't run it then.

Out of the 2 I would say gfo would be the more important one to run. Unless you're water is yellowed or smelly, gfo will do way more good than carbon.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Gfo all day

 

[House of Laughter]

I agree with JR1 on all counts

Both require very different flow rates to maximize their efficiency and impact on your tank and although BRS shows it working it really isn't ideal.

Also, passive flow over a filter bag (with carbon) works, but not for as long as if you ran it actively through a reactor. Will the bag work, yes, definitely - I use CPE in my sons 24 aqua pod with a pair of clowns in it and it's always algae free and crystal clear, but it's only 24g and I change it every 3-4 months.

Now my point - I think running CPE on your 34g tank is ideal since you are going to be running it passively. If the tank were a 75 or even 90g, then I would look to separate them out and run them independent on each other. Factors like the look and feel of a hang on reactor - vs - the disposable approach is much more conducive to a smaller tank and works (for the most part).

So practically speaking, not the ideal way to run Phos and carbon, but it works for smaller tanks and can be cost deferring over time.

HTH,

House

 

[noelskii]

I understand they both need different flow rates. Running CPE (GAC and GFO) passively in a filter bag - are they getting different flow rates?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

I understand they both need different flow rates. Running CPE (GAC and GFO) passively in a filter bag - are they getting different flow rates?

Nope they're not, but he has a reactor so the question was which ONE should be run in it. Nothing's stopping him from running CPE as well as what he runs in the reactor. I was only commenting basically on running both in 1 reactor which I have always and will always will say is a waste of 2 medias. Run one at the correct flow rate to get the most bang for your buck.

 

[House of Laughter]

I understand they both need different flow rates. Running CPE (GAC and GFO) passively in a filter bag - are they getting different flow rates?

No, but in a tank that size, the value of running it passively (including cost and time to change every month factors) outweigh the benefits of running it actively and having an obtuse reactor hanging from a nice rimless tank.

Just an opinion.

House

 

[Djbetterly]

Wow thanks guy, great opinions all around. I did order a second reactor yesterday from Russ. My biggest concern overall is looks, oddly enough. So I figured instead of worrying about it, I'm going to come up with some sort of mod so the reactors hang below the edge of the tank. I don't like doing things half a$$, I like doing it right the first time.

 

[noelskii]

Do you have a lot of space behind the tank? Are you gonna be running separate pumps for the reactors? The reactors are gonna be a big hassle for such a small tank. CPE worked great in my solana and it's a lot easier to replace.

 

[Djbetterly]

Well I pulled the tank away from the wall just enough to make room for the reactors. Yes it is a bit of a hassle to change out the media, but a lot of things in this hobby are a bit of hassle. I've used CPE for several months now and found that it works well at first, but it doesn't take long for the phosphates to creep back up. Russ from saltwater critters said it best,

"Running any media (carbon or gfo) in a media bag is basically worthless. The principal of hydro dynamics (water flow) dictates that water will take the path of least resistance. What that means is, water will 'want to' flow around the media bag, as opposed to through it. The media bag is an obstacle that the water can flow around with less resistance. IMO media in a bag is referred to as passive and a waste of money. Running the media in a reactor is running it actively and you get the best bang for your buck."

 

[Djbetterly]

I'm so happy I have both reactors now. Phosphates are 90% gone after only two days.