Reactor question

[Floyd-]

I just got my first reactor.
Can I place GFO and Carbon in there at the same time to tumble?
Also FYI a TINY bit of GFO goes a loooooong way. I used the "recommended" amount from BRS calc and it was so powerful it took my phosphate from .22 to .00 in less than 12 hours.

 

[kados]

Carbon should never be tumbled. It will crumble. You don't necessarily need to tumble GFO to work either but it's more effective if you do. If you only have one reactor then I would create layers separated by the sponges it comes with (if your unit does). Carbon will be exhausted quicker so keep that in mind. GFO can stay in as long as you see the numbers you want. Carbon will exhaust once it reaches its capacity which depends on the state of the tank and what you're using it for i.e. odor, water clarity, medicine removal etc.

 

[kados]

Additionally, I put GFO in a media bag in my GEO reactor. It works great and much easier to replace and not have media everywhere.

 

[X-37B]

I just changed my media reactor today.
I do not tumble anything.
This is what I do for my 120.
1/3 cup gfo
1/3 cup phosgaued
1/3 cup rox carbon.
They are put into an old chemipure nylon sock and mixed together.
I have found this to work the best.
I have never had the gfo clump using this method.

This is replaced around every 2 weeks when po4 aproaches .1.

 

[vic5hands]

Just a thought. What I do is on the discharge of the reactor I put a filter sock to catch anything that passes

 

[X-37B]

Just a thought. What I do is on the discharge of the reactor I put a filter sock to catch anything that passes

What reactor are you using?
Nothing passes mine but water.

 

[Floyd-]

Also figured id mention that this is on a AIO tank with a innovative marine reactor This thing it very small.
Im only putting in 4 tablespoons worth of GFO and its still almost too much at the moment. Only a 45 gallon tank.

 

[vic5hands]

What reactor are you using?
Nothing passes mine but water.

I was told by a Marine Biologist that particles will pass . I do catch a lot of and change my socks regularly

 

[X-37B]

I was told by a Marine Biologist that particles will pass . I do catch a lot of and change my socks regularly

I use filter floss at the top of my reactor. Some fines may pass but no particulate, imo.
The sock cant hurt though.