beadlocked450r
New member
How long is carbon good for in the tank?how do you know when its time to change it?
carbon
- Thread starter beadlocked450r
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beadlocked450r
New member
I also have a cartiage filter I an only using for carbon so my question is how much should I put in there?it has 3 chambers and I'm only using 1 and the other 2 are empty.should I use more and fill the whole thing with carbon?
scubasteve06
Jeeper Reefer
I'd get a couple media bags and fill them with carbon, size of the bags would depend on how big the catridge filter is and its media housing. Carbon should be changed once every month at least. I usually change mine after 3 weeks or so.
Maybe one of the bags put GFO (phosphate remover) in it also.
Maybe one of the bags put GFO (phosphate remover) in it also.
beadlocked450r
New member
Gfo even if there are no signs of phosphates?
scubasteve06
Jeeper Reefer
Well yes and no, it's just good insurance.
I agree that carbon likely gets clogged with bacteria or saturated after 3-4 weeks. I changed mine monthly. How big is the system? As long as the carbon dose is ramped up gradually, it's hard to use too much, but it can get wasteful. Also, what kinds of corals are in the tank?
seapug
Premium Member
I find changing it once/month is optimal when using a quality GAC. I run it in a Phosban reactor for maximum efficiency and also allows you see when it starts getting clogged up with detritus.
In my experience, GFO can last a lot longer once you are running with reduced Phosphate levels. I also daisy chain my carbon and phosban reactors with the carbon first. The carbon extends the life of the GFO and the GFO can handle any phosphate that may be released from the carbon. Kinda of a symbiotic thing between the two. When you run the two together you also get that awesome "invisible water" clarity.
In my experience, GFO can last a lot longer once you are running with reduced Phosphate levels. I also daisy chain my carbon and phosban reactors with the carbon first. The carbon extends the life of the GFO and the GFO can handle any phosphate that may be released from the carbon. Kinda of a symbiotic thing between the two. When you run the two together you also get that awesome "invisible water" clarity.
beadlocked450r
New member
Ok next question who makes a good reactor?I have mostly fish now but plan on corals in the future,so if there is a reactor that can be used with more then 1 chamber?
scubasteve06
Jeeper Reefer
BRS (bulk reef supply) has really good reactors along with dual reactors that you can run your choice of media in either one or the same media in both. They also sell the TLF reactors there too so you can make your choice. Get a Maxijett 1200 to power them if you want a cheap pump that works well.
It depends on the tank really, the cleaner the tank the longer it will last, I change mine out every 2 weeks now, I have kept it in the water stream for 4 weeks previously many times, but I personally think for my system 2 weeks is about right.
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