How do you use GAC

[PotatoPig]

I have some water discoloration (yellow tint) and understand GAC can help remove impurities / dissolved organic compounds that I think are causing this tint. But I’m new at this and gave not used this before.

So…

How do you actually use this stuff? Do you (at the basic level) just put it in a bag in the filter sock?

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

Like you said, I use it at the basic level, in a bag, but in the return pump compartment of my sump.

 

[underwaterjr]

I use the brs mini reactor in my sump. Reactor is probably most efficient but a media bag in flow area of sump or in overflow also works.

 

[TheBear78]

Media bags are fine but work best in a high flow area to try and keep the carbon moving a bit. If not it can clump together and reduce the area in contact with the water which reduces effectiveness.
Positioned toward the return chamber is better too as this will minimise the liklihood of detritus blocking the holes in the bag.
I ran some in a Bubble Magus reactor along with Rowaphos. Unfortunately, even on the slowest flow setting it would all get pushed to the top and block the flow.
I now run it in a media bag but a reactor would be best.

 

[PotatoPig]

Thank you all

Mini reactor looks like a good option for my setup - have to research more, but in the meantime - would putting one of those prefab HOB carbon filter inserts in the sump bubble trap be a viable temporary option? All flow through the sump goes through this narrow pathway downstream from the mechanical filtration.