Carbon and phosphate remover in same reactor?

[84chris]

If i seperate the 2 with a sponge is this ok? Also i was going to buy gfo maximum capacity, how long would you say it is good for?

 

[Tennsquire]

I've done this before, and it's fine. Since you want the GFO to tumble, it's best to put this on top (otherwise, if it's on the bottom and you leave a gap for it to tumble, the carbon portion will fall down on the gfo). However, a good deal of the GFO will eventually make it's way into the carbon portion. Also, the gfo typically lasts longer than the carbon, so it's a pain to replace. I finally broke down and bought another reactor. As to capacity, it depends on how much phosphate you start with.

 

[bearpeidog]

I also think you would want to drive as much water through the carbon, where you need to limit the flow through the phosban. This is what ultimately led to me installing two seperate ones.

Definately be a pain trying to change carbon/phosban. I try to change the carbon monthly.

 

[Peter Eichler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12606019#post12606019 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bearpeidog
I also think you would want to drive as much water through the carbon, where you need to limit the flow through the phosban. This is what ultimately led to me installing two seperate ones.

Definately be a pain trying to change carbon/phosban. I try to change the carbon monthly.

No, GAC is much more effective with a slower flow going through a reactor just like GFO.

 

[jaquesdp]

run both in same reactor with good results.