Carbon question for Boomer & others

[reef_doug]

I'm currently using Lignite GAC (large size) from BRS which I'm running out of. I use it inside a phosoban reactor. I also have ROX 0.8 but it's too tiny for reactor use so I run some passively.

I've heard Boomer mention good things about the Catalytic GAC 12-40 mesh from The Filter Guys.

Between Lignite GAC at BRS and CGAC at The Filter Guys... which would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[Billybeau1]

If you want larger media for your reactor, you may want to look at Seachems Matrix Carbon.

I can't remember off hand where the two you listed are on Boomers scale but the Matrix is pretty high.

I used it for years before I started using the Rox. But I run it in a canister so it works for me.

I'm not that familiar with the phosban reactor setup but are you sure you cannot run the Rox in it ? Rox is pretty good stuff.

 

[reef_doug]

I've used the Matrix carbon... it's just pricey compared to the bulk stuff.

I have some ROX, the problem is it has a tendency to float even under low flow and the lower portion tends to go through the bottom sponge due to it's tiny size. I use a little bit of ROX passively but looking for a recommendation for inside the reactor.

I really liked the Lignite BRS larger grain stuff however I'm open to opinions on the Catalytic GAC from Filter Guys. Apparently it's different stuff then the average good carbon.

 

[einsteins]

I have been using the Carbon from the Filter Guys...it is really nice stuff...I highly recommend it.

Good Luck

eins

 

[Billybeau1]

Well, I have used neither so we'll see what Boomer has to say.

When I talk to him, I'll send him your way.

 

[pjf]

The small size of a ROX 0.8 granule makes it hard to clean out of a reactor's sponge filter. I'm looking for a GAC with a larger granular size that is easy to remove from a sponge filter.

If there is another GAC that is as dust-free and almost as effective as ROX 0.8 but with a larger granule size, please let us know.

 

[BigJay]

I'm positive that many of the other carbons are slightly better than the BRS large lignite. Consider though that given the low price of the BRS carbon, you can afford to change it out twice as often as the more expensive carbon and get better/more consistent results overall.

I'm curious as to what Boomer thinks as well, tagging along.

 

[BigJay]

DP, terribly sorry everyone.

 

[HighlandReefer]

BigJay, I agree with you. It took some prying out of Boomer in one post I remember, but he did agree.

FWIW, I don't think he likes the idea of using an inferior product.

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14036861#post14036861 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HighlandReefer
BigJay, I agree with you. It took some prying out of Boomer in one post I remember, but he did agree.

FWIW, I don't think he likes the idea of using an inferior product.

I think it depends on how inferior the product is, and whether it leaches anything into the water column (phosphates?). I'm hoping Boomer can clear that up.

A gain of 10-15% effectiveness isn't worth more than twice the money if I can afford to change it out every week.

 

[HighlandReefer]

From what I recall, Boomer said that the BRK products did not cause problems with increased phosphates, but, will wait for his confirmation.

 

[reef_doug]

For Boomer the question is:

"Between Lignite GAC at BRS and CGAC at The Filter Guys... which would you recommend? "

 

[Mike O'Brien]

I made a reactor to run ROX in. I used 500 micron mesh instead of the foam. You could get some of that and just cut it to fit on top of the foam.

 

[pjf]

I'm still tagging along and waiting to see if there is a recommendation for a GAC that is larger in granule size than ROX 0.8, just as dust-free, and almost as effective.

 

[Billybeau1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14052883#post14052883 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjf
I'm still tagging along and waiting to see if there is a recommendation for a GAC that is larger in granule size than ROX 0.8, just as dust-free, and almost as effective.

From my experience, Seachems Matrix fits that bill. I used it for years and never had any problems. Nice media size.

Boomer is out for awhile and will be checking in from time to time during the winter.

 

[reef_doug]

I've used Matrix before and it's form factor is excellent for reactors.

The problem is Matrix is approximately more than double the price of TFG or BRS Lignite.

 

[einsteins]

TFG carbon is excellent I have been using it most of this year.
It is larger than ROX and rinses very clean very quickly.
I run it in a reactor with no issues at all, I highly recommend it.

Just order a bag and give it a try...you know it wont be so bad that you cant use it or something.

eins