Phosban & Carbon?

[Reef Mongoose]

I have talked to several people who feel that running carbon and phosban is of great benefit. As of right now I do not run either, so before I do anything I would like some more opinions about whether or not it is worth it. If it is worth it to run one or both how do I set it up? I think I just throw a powerhead in my sump with a tub from the PH to the reactor and then just chain it to the second reactor if I want to run both. If that is correct how many GPH should the PH be?

 

[meschaefer]

You could do that. The problem is that both function "best" at different flow rates and Carbon needs to be changed out much more often.

I run phosban continually, and don't remeber exactly but I think something like 90gph. I set it visually, after having used it for the last 1 1/2 years.

Carbon, runs much faster (once again done visually). I also have it in a reactor but I only run it for 3-4 days about once a month. There are others that run it continually.

 

[FREEZE]

I use both. Carbon polishes the water - you will be amazed at results. I like to change carbon monthly - so as not to create a nitrate trap. Phosban is good for removing phosphates - I happen to prefer Rowaphos, but both work. I change that monthly too. Phosphate removal is very important task in keeping a reef tank. Ditto above on using two reactors and different flow rates - research site and you will find all info.

 

[iconoclast]

you could also use purigen! it can be regenerated too.

ive never had any problems with phosphate but i try to grow a lot of macro algae.
for carbon i actually use an old HOB filter now and then.. haha
if you've got an old canister filter... well its really just a chemical filter reactor, right? =)

but first of all do you have any need to run carbon or something for phosphates? 'if it ain't broke'.....

 

[Reef Mongoose]

I am getting some algae growth on the top of my sandbed, I have a bunch of critters to stir it up but I am still getting it. Also I want something to polish the water a little bit.

 

[NDY]

U Should Add both
but don't run them with same PH
i will benefit Ur tank & Livestock

 

[Reef Mongoose]

I have a aquaclear 50 and a old aquaclear 301, could I run the carbon on the 50 and the phosban on the 301? Also, what reactor do you guys like, two little fish?

 

[Dace]

Use two different reactors, two little fishy make a economical reactor. i use both, 90gph on the phos and 280gph on the carbon because it works better when water is forced through it, i change carbon biweekly because after 2 weeks it's usually exhausted already and just becomes a nitrate trap. also, do shake the carbon reactor every other day as to the carbon will form channels in the reactor and wear uneven, by shaking it every other day it will form different water passages
hope this helps

 

[Reef Mongoose]

definatly does, thanks dace

 

[Mario]

I use both. Carbon polishes the water - you will be amazed at results. I like to change carbon monthly - so as not to create a nitrate trap. Phosban is good for removing phosphates - I happen to prefer Rowaphos, but both work. I change that monthly too. Phosphate removal is very important task in keeping a reef tank. Ditto above on using two reactors and different flow rates - research site and you will find all info.

would you also use a refugium as well? I have a hang on with a skimmer...

 

[NYreefNoob]

i use 2 reactors as well and have a t splitting a mj into both of them. you really need 2 reactors to get the most out of each thing, the carbon needs a higher flow and the phos a slower flow, you can adjust it with the regulators that come with them

 

[Reef Mongoose]

looks like I am picking up two reactors and a small powerhead at the swap, what media does everyone prefer, phosbad or rowaphos?

 

[Reef Mongoose]

ooops I mean phosban