BRS Dual stage reactor GFO question

[mbray94]

I purchased a dual stage reactor back in December from BRS and was wondering if it was a necessity to use both filter pads when running GFO in that chamber. I am using the standard BRS GFO and after approximately 3 days the flow is cut by atleast 80%. I am using the BRS .08 Carrbon in the other chamber. I make sure to use at least a 2 gallons for flushing before placing the return pump back into the sump. I use the recommended amount of GFO for my water volume. The GFO tumbles gently but stops after 2-3 days. I am using the cobalt 1200 with all of the accessories that were supplied with the kit. I have seen some on youtube that are not using any of the pads. I figured I would get advise from you guys before I did anything. Thank you so much for your time and help.

 

[3Twinklets]

Theoretically if you have the correct amount of flow, and you rinse throughly before using, the top filter pad should make no difference, however, sometimes GFO gets beat to powder in handling and therein lies the problem perhaps.The correct flow is a gentle tunbling. It should never be strong enough to blow the GFO to the top of the cylinder.Instead of using the sponge filter pad try the disc filter pads and watch the flow amount throughout the day for a day or two.