Hang On Carbon Reactors

[Itchy Trigger]

I've been using my Phosban 150 to run GFO and carbon on my 75g sumpless reef. The reactor seems to work properly, but I've been thinking I'd like to try and go without the GFO. I want to test my water and see if the phosphates that were once present are still there. My feeling is that they were a result of new live rock. I want to continue running carbon though, as I have lots of soft corals in the tank and I like that crystal clear look... But I'm not convinced this Phosban is the best way to run carbon. I believe it's better to run carbon so that the water pours down over it instead of fluidizing all around it like the reactor does. As the tank has no sump, I'd need something that could hang on the back of the tank. Are there better/more effective hang on carbon reactors out there?

 

[Reef Frog]

Lots of people run carbon in that reactor with no issues. Just use the valve so the water moves through the granules evenly and slowly and you should be fine IMO.

There are more sophisticated reactors available but the 150 works well for me. Keep in mind that those 90 degree rubber elbows could possibly wear out over time (no problem for me after 3 years) so make sure they are properly seated on the barb fittings, use a clamp if necessary and check it out from time to time to avoid the possibility of a drip developing in a HOB application.

 

[PirateToast]

If you're going to use a phosphate reactor, most people swear by the phosban. Most reactors work by the same process (e.g. pumping to a canister and mixing). That really ensures the phosphate it interacting with as much water as possible.

They do provide the net with phosban. You could try placing that over a return... but you don't have a sump... and that method sucks anyways (messy and not as much reaction).

Side note: You don't need any phosphate reactors. If you aren't having algae problems, try going without it.

 

[Itchy Trigger]

OK, will try it. I just changed it out, replaced fresh carbon and have the flow choked down to pretty slow.

PirateToast - I was too hasty in buying this phosphate reactor initially. Don't think I need to run GFO, so trying to go without it for awhile and see. I do want to continue running carbon though, which is why I wondered if perhaps there was a different reactor more suited to running carbon. But it does seem a lot of folks use the Phosban for carbon and are happy with it, so I will stick with it for now.