Using a Phosban Reactor for Carbon.

[TimberTDI]

I want to use a Two Little Fishies phosban reactor for running carbon. I was just wondering what's the right way of setting it up. Do you flush the carbon before or after filling the reactor?

Thanks,
Steven

 

[pecan2phat]

Hey Steven,

I set up carbon in a reactor the same method as with phos media. The reactor is emptied of the old media and rinsed, new dry media is placed in the reactor and put back together, then I attach a small power head with a spare ball valve attached inline to control the flow rate and run about 10g of RO/DI water through the reactor, then place back into the running system.

 

[dreko]

what I do...

I mix carbon and Phosban media in the reactor... work very well!

 

[Deanos]

What do you do when the carbon needs replacement before the phosban?

 

[neptune]

how much is too much carbon?...using esv reef

 

[dreko]

I replace the carbon and phosphate usually at the same time... doesn't matter to me if one media isn't expired yet...

so either water is turning yellowish (carbon is expired)
or phosphate levels rise (phosphate sponge is expired)

but I prefer only 1 reactor in the sump, media is affordable to replace

 

[pecan2phat]

I like the separate reactors due to the different flow rate for optimal performance.
Carbon should have a high flow but not high enough to cause tumbling. Phosban should be the opposite where the top portion should tumble at a low flow rate.

 

[reefman]

yes, carbon need higher flow rate

 

[masterswimmer]

Warren, I've found that carbon tumbling vigorosly is fine too. But like you said, phosban (and the likes) should barely tumble at the very top.

swimmer

 

[Tim]

Read the phosban package it states that it should not tumble at all,this causes the media to break down.....

 

[pecan2phat]

Tim,
I find that if you don't tumble the top portion just a bit, then over time, the bottom 1/4 portion tends to bind up from lack of flow.

 

[deelucky]

would a seaclone make for a good reactor for lets say carbon?im going to order the phos reactor but would like to run them seperate.

 

[TimberTDI]

Ok, Do you guys fill the Phosban reactor all the way to the top? Also how often should I be changing the media out if I'm going to use this much carbon?

Steven

 

[DRZL]

I dont really think its dependent on how much you add, that will give you longer life. You have to remember that carbon is porous and gets filled with discolorants, toxins, as well as bacteria. Once its full, its full and will severely decrease its absorption.

I usually change my carbon sock, once a week. There is an advanced aquarist article that states that carbon, should be changed no less than two weeks at the most.

 

[jf2381]

I dont really think its dependent on how much you add, that will give you longer life. You have to remember that carbon is porous and gets filled with discolorants, toxins, as well as bacteria. Once its full, its full and will severely decrease its absorption.

I usually change my carbon sock, once a week. There is an advanced aquarist article that states that carbon, should be changed no less than two weeks at the most.

ditto.

 

[Pedro]

I have always used the reactors for carbon and phosphate media. You can run one small pump, like a maxijet, and T it off to feed both reactors. Since they have valves, you can control the amount of flow for each one independently.

I fill up the chamber about 1/2 to 3/4 and i throw out the first cup or two that comes out. That depends on the brand though, as some take longer before the fine particles clear out. I use Kent right now which uses big particles. Right now i have a maxijet mini running full blast on it and it doesn't tumble the carbon at all. If i were using the lighter stuff, i would have to cut back on the flow.

HTH

 

[aaron23]

Just out of curiosity, I've got a question regarding phosban.

Has there been any STN issues if phosban is being tumbled too much and it is breaking up if there's too much flow in the reactor?
What if the reactor is receiving too much flow what are the effects?

 

[TimberTDI]

I dont really think its dependent on how much you add, that will give you longer life. You have to remember that carbon is porous and gets filled with discolorants, toxins, as well as bacteria. Once its full, its full and will severely decrease its absorption.

So how do you know what's the proper amount to use?
Steven

 

[dylanjs]

Is there an ideal flow rate or is it better to check it by eye for amount of tumbling?

 

[Deanos]

I'd check it by eye. The amount of media in the reactor will affect the flow rate.