Phosban reactor Flow Rate

[Dj Orion]

I have a TLF Phosban reactor and I feel like I am missing something here. I have a 75g tank, and according to their instructions, you are supposed to add for a reef tank, 1 Tablespoon per 20 gallon on a reef system. I added that amount and cannot get the media to "tumble" The recommended flow rate is much lower than what I am using (MJ 900), and I still dont get the media to "tumble" the way I feel it should be.

Technical Data
C a p a c i t y
Use with minimum 130 grams (250 ml) up to a maximum of 200 grams (385 ml) of PhosBan.
Aquarium size
One reactor for up to 150 gallons (568 Liters). Multiple reactors may be used for larger aquariums.
Maximum recommended flow rate
ca. 30-50 gal/hr = 115-190 l/hr. Use included ball valve to reduce the flow from any pump.
Connection for hoses
1/2 inch (12.7 mm) i.d. The inlet and outlet flexible 90? fittings rotate to suit your installation

Here is the data that they recommend. I am using Pura Phosloc (GFO),,,,Am I missing something here?

 

[MikeyZO]

If I remember correctly when I added mine, there was a min and max amount of phosban you could put in the reactor (as per the reactor instructions). I believe it was a min of 2 inches and a max of 5 inches. I have a 36g + about a 10g sump, soo I figured around 40g (took off a few gallons for rock volume) and by the phosban measurment it was 50grams (1/3 the container) per 50 gallons of water. After talking to Masterswimmer about it, he explained to me that there is nothing wrong with putting in more, just means it will be that much longer until you have to change it (all things considered...). So I put in about 4 inches worth (more than what was called for). I used the ball valve I got with the reactor and put it between the MJ and the reactor inflow, closed it off then opened it slowly to fill the reactor and flush the phosban. If you open the ball valve slowly, it will begin to run and as you SLOWLY open it more, you will notice a few spots on the top of the phosban start moving a little, almost as though little bubbles were coming up through that particular spot (there really arent any bubbles though, just the best way I can describe it). That is what is described as 'tumbling'. You dont want to have it flowing more then that because if the phosban tumbles too much, it can get pulverised and disperse back into the DT. I hope this helps a little.

 

[reefman]

if u cant get the media to tumble, it usually cause u either put too much or too much bottom cotton. i never put more than 2 inches. if i think my po4 is high, i rather change more often than put more.

 

[Dj Orion]

ok well maybe my definition of tumble is off... i have about an inch of media in there and it seems like the media is bubbling a little bit. does anyone have a pic of what theirs looks like when its tumbling?

 

[KathyC]

Tried to take a pic for ya..impossible to see that it is moving. Think you'd need a video.
On my 75 I would put about 3" into the reactor. Properly adjusted, only the top 1/2 to 3/4" moves..and that is only a gentle motion.
I think Mikey gave a great description & info above!

 

[MikeyZO]

woo hoo Thanks K! :lol:

 

[Dj Orion]

thanks guys, i think that my tumble is ok... no body likes an underachieving tumble

 

[ghostshadow]

search phosban on youtube.. a bunch of videos up to see how their reactors are tumbling

 

[Dj Orion]

found this one, this guy has a ton of media in there...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVbw1yCGTbg

 

[KathyC]

Wow Ryan, that's some movement in that video! That is what it should look like, though I seem to recall 'they' suggest only the top 1/2 to 3/4 should move. I would think that the more that is moving, the greater the chance of pulverizing the GFO (bad..). Would love to know what pump that fellow used to get that movement!

I think part of your issue might be that you have such a small amount in your reactor, it might be tough to get the motion you are looking for?

Hey Mikey..

Here's part of the instructions from the 2 Little Fishies site:

4. Initial Operation and Adjustment​

​

​

Direct the initial water exiting the
reactor into a bucket to catch the PhosBan fines. Open the ball valve, turn on
the pump, allowing water to fill the reactor, and then close the ball valve to
stop the flow. The PhosBan will settle. Open the valve for 2 to 3 seconds to
purge air, then partially close the valve to reduce the flow and allow the initial
dusty 1/2 gallon of water to empty into the bucket. When the water runs clear,
close the valve and reposition the return hose to feed water back to the
aquarium. Adjust the flow rate with the valve so that only the upper 1/2 inch​

(1.3 cm) of granules tumbles, looking like water beginning to boil.

 

[kigs]

Wow, that is some good tumblage. Ryan, I'm having the same problem as you...same reactor, same pump. My media stays pretty stagnant too even when the valve is turned all the way open. If you figure out how to cause some tumble action, LMK man.

 

[masterswimmer]

Just an off the wall guess here.....is it possible you guys that are getting zero tumbling action have the feed pump plumbed into the wrong fitting on the reactor? The supply line to the reactor is supposed to be connected to the elbow that attaches to the long tube going to the bottom of the reactor.

Just a guess because it doesn't take much flow to get the Phosban tumbling. We use a minijet 404 and that is more than adequate. We even have to dial it down.

swimmer

 

[Deep Dive Coral]

I agree with swimmer. Its possible.

 

[Bob 1000]

Would love to know what pump that fellow used to get that movement!

I get that movement with natural syphon and about 2 to 3 in. of media... I don't use the top mesh... The height of the syphon is approximately 4 ft down to the reactor... It doesn't pulverize my media... I change it about every 3 to 4 months..

 

[fernandokng]

Bob, you have all the macro algae, but you still need phosban? The algae is not intaking phosphates fast enough?

 

[kigs]

Just an off the wall guess here.....is it possible you guys that are getting zero tumbling action have the feed pump plumbed into the wrong fitting on the reactor? The supply line to the reactor is supposed to be connected to the elbow that attaches to the long tube going to the bottom of the reactor.

Just a guess because it doesn't take much flow to get the Phosban tumbling. We use a minijet 404 and that is more than adequate. We even have to dial it down.

swimmer

Wow, I'm embarrassed. That fixed it right up... Thanks swimmer. I had to change out the media since they became one solid chunk.

 

[Bob 1000]

I also run carbon... Macro or no macro I will run the GFO and Just started running the phosphate option on the dentrifier.. I bought the 5 gallon bucket from bulk reef supply... I'm going to use it even though I'm probably running too much phosphate stuff now... Trying to get my coralline back to total coverage...

 

[fernandokng]

But if your macro are taking in all the phosphates, what's the point of running gfo? You can probably save some cash.

Have you tested your levels with a hanna meter when not using GFO for a month?

I also run carbon... Macro or no macro I will run the GFO and Just started running the phosphate option on the dentrifier.. I bought the 5 gallon bucket from bulk reef supply... I'm going to use it even though I'm probably running too much phosphate stuff now... Trying to get my coralline back to total coverage...

 

[Bob 1000]

Would love for someone with a hanna to stop by... I just use salifert phos and nitrate test kits..

 

[fernandokng]

That also goes with your denitrator. If your macro algae is taking all the nitrates, then you technically don't need one either. But it seems as you have great growth on your macroalgae, so perhaps the denitrator is not out competing the macro.

It would be a good test to conduct though

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread. :splitspin