Makeshift gfo/carbon reactor

[bjledbetter]

I have a old protein skimmer that im not using and want to add carbon and gfo to my tank but not enough money to buy new reactors, after the holidays. So i had a idea that i would take the old skimmer and take the air tube off so it just ran water threw it and add carbon to a media bag and stick it down inside it. Would it not basicaly be the same thing as buying a reactor?

 

[ritter6788]

The GFO needs to tumble to keep it from clumping together. If the skimmer has the right amount of water flow then you can use it just like a reactor. Too much flow causes Gfo dust to get into the water column. The flow through the carbon isn't as important so you can for sure use it that way.