carbon

[Mr.First]

I just started running phosban though a reactor, how do I now run carbon as well ?

 

[duke62]

or better yet can you mix in the carbon with the phosban in 1 reactor.dont jump on me just asking

 

[prattreef]

It is not ideal to run both together as they require different flow rates, but it can be done. I'd recommend filling half the reactor with carbon and then a barrier sponge layer so the carbon is packed tight and then a layer of Phosban on top and adjust the flow so the Phosban tumbles very gently. The goal here is to force water through the carbon, but avoid the phosphate media from becoming compacted. I would not mix the two together.

 

[dickenscd]

Has anyone seen a good SPS reef tank without using carbon or phosphat remover?

James

 

[masterswimmer]

Keep in mind, if you run carbon and phosban together (especially with phosban on top), you'll wind up changing the phosban more frequently than really needed (added expense). The carbon needs changing every 3-4 weeks. The phosban normally needs changing every 6-8 weeks. Otherwise I'd run it like Randy detailed.

swimmer

 

[tosiek]

you can link two phos reactors and use a T fitting before your phosphate removal and have a valve to control the flow into the phosphate remover. That way your getting the higher flow required for the carbon and can control the phosphate remover so it doesn't mix too much. too much movement in the P04 remover and the stuff tends to move too much and break apart.

 

[meschaefer]

you can link two phos reactors and use a T fitting before your phosphate removal and have a valve to control the flow into the phosphate remover. That way your getting the higher flow required for the carbon and can control the phosphate remover so it doesn't mix too much. too much movement in the P04 remover and the stuff tends to move too much and break apart.

That is a simple, but elegant solution. Well enginered.

 

[cowfish]

More info on carbon use in reef aquariums than you will ever want to know

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/1/aafeature1/

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/2/aafeature1/

FYI using the methodology outlined above, Dr. Feldman estimates that " in a 200 gallon tank using 150 gm of GAC, the GAC will be 90% saturated in about 32 days." ( Pers. Communication) which kind of puts to rest the used up quickly argument.

BTW, the Author Dr. Ken Feldman is one our featured speakers at the upcoming frag swap.

Feldman; et. al.'s study was interesting, but the conclusions you have drawn are not correct. How much organic waste is in the average aquarium in comparison to the amount shown to be absorbed in the study? Different systems have different amounts of organic compounds in them and therefore the rate at which GAC is "used up" will vary depending on the amount of GAC utilized, the method that it is used and most importantly, the amount of "waste" in the tank. The saturation rate will also be affected by other filtration methods such as protein skimming, a refugium, etc. The more these methods remove the less waste in the system and the longer the carbon may last (depending on other variables, but I'm trying not to babble on too much ) To say that X amount of GAC will be saturated in Y days without taking into account a whole host of other variables is not a valid conclusion.

With that in I mind I DO use carbon on my marine systems. It can't hurt and it does do some good. However, IMO, if it was truly as effective as some here believe we wouldn't need live rock, protein skimmers, etc.

 

[Euroreefer]

Bulk reef supply sells a dual reactor that you can run on your tank. Either buy the single reactor and run both, or buy the dual reactor and run them independently. here is the link:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbo...UAL"-GFO-and-Carbon-Reactor/product_info.html