Carbon reactor

[b4tn]

As far as I know I dont really need one, but ran across a deal on a BRS reactor and pump this weekend so I picked one up. With my algae scrubber running Nitrates and Phosphates are undetectable so instead of GFO I picked up some ROX carbon. My question is other than water clarity is there any other reason to run carbon? Should it be run 24/7? Any disadvantages?

 

[Downbeach]

Potential of allelopathy, especially in a mixed reef. I would run it 24/7, and replace it at least monthly. I would also recommend that you run the reactor in reverse flow to prevent the potential of the media grinding itself into fines, which are believed to be a possible cause of HLLE.

 

[wpeterson]

The only negative to carbon are the potential for fine grains in the water column. If you rinse your carbon carefully you should be able to eliminate 99% of this problem.

I recently directed the effluent from my reactors back into my filter sock as a secondary screening of any escaping phosphate media or carbon fines. Another nice safety check.

 

[b4tn]

I was going to put it away to have in case I ever needed a reactor down the road but it seems the general consensus is to run it. For my water volume I wont need much carbon either so the it should go a long way. I will run it see how it works.