I'm running GFO in a reactor, but carbon... can I just use a bag?

[dnguyen1]

I have the aquamaxx single reactor and I chose to run GFO and it's tumbling nicely. But am just wondering, before I get a reactor for carbon and a power head to go w/ it... is it really necessary?

A reactor will take up more space in my sump, increase a little bit more electricity, an outlet and some heat... I know these things are all minuscule but I'm just wondering if the reactor adds a lot more benefits than a mesh bag with carbon in it floating in the sump?

Thanks guys.

 

[NS Mike D]

it's a matter of water exposed to the carbon surface area. A reactor is going to be far more efficient than a mesh bag, but that isn't to say a mesh bag won't be sufficient for your tank.

if you do go with a mesh bag, go with good quality carbon. not all carbons are equal

 

[top shelf]

I'd try out a mesh bag first before taking the plunge. As mentioned it may be sufficient for your tank and a much cheaper way to find out then going with a reactor. If you do decide on a reactor down the road all you'll be out is a mesh bag.

 

[newbie2014]

You should be able to run both media in a single reactor?

I used to run both GFO and carbon in the same TLF 150 reactor. No I didn’t mix the media. I put GFO first (on the bottom), leave some room for it to tumble; then two layers of sponge; then carbon; and finally a layer of sponge right on top of the carbon so that it won’t tumble. I adjust my flow only for the GFO to tumble.

 

[dnguyen1]

You should be able to run both media in a single reactor?

I used to run both GFO and carbon in the same TLF 150 reactor. No I didn't mix the media. I put GFO first (on the bottom), leave some room for it to tumble; then two layers of sponge; then carbon; and finally a layer of sponge right on top of the carbon so that it won't tumble. I adjust my flow only for the GFO to tumble.

Thanks guys and newbie that's a good point I didn't think of... the sponge to separate the two... and I wonder if carbon is further up the flow should slow down at that point after going thru the GFO to just then pass thru the carbon... I wonder where I can find the right type of sponge to replicate that of my current aquamaxx reactor. Where do you go for the additional sponges?

 

[newbie2014]

I don't think the amount of flow (slow or fast) is that important for carbon, as long as you keep them from tumbling.

I ordered extra TLF sponges from amazon. Its a perfect fit. I would think that you can do the same for aquamaxx reactor sponges from BRS supply, marine depot, or even other vendors.

 

[RussC]

I used to run carbon in a mesh bag in both of my filter socks prior to getting a media reactor. It did very well. Just washed it in RODI water prior to putting it in tank. I now have the BRS single media reactor for the carbon. Ran GFO for a while and now let Mother Nature take care of that. That reactor can run both at the same time. The BRS reactor can be hung or placed directly in the sump. Does a great job.

 

[NS Mike D]

You should be able to run both media in a single reactor?

I used to run both GFO and carbon in the same TLF 150 reactor. No I didn't mix the media. I put GFO first (on the bottom), leave some room for it to tumble; then two layers of sponge; then carbon; and finally a layer of sponge right on top of the carbon so that it won't tumble. I adjust my flow only for the GFO to tumble.

same here but found it easier to run it reverse, carbon on the bottom , sponge, then GFO so that it could tumble with the free space above

 

[newbie2014]

I used to run carbon in a mesh bag in both of my filter socks prior to getting a media reactor. It did very well. Just washed it in RODI water prior to putting it in tank. I now have the BRS single media reactor for the carbon. Ran GFO for a while and now let Mother Nature take care of that. That reactor can run both at the same time. The BRS reactor can be hung or placed directly in the sump. Does a great job.

Yeah, I pulled GFO off line a few months ago, and ran the pump full blast through the carbon.

 

[newbie2014]

same here but found it easier to run it reverse, carbon on the bottom , sponge, then GFO so that it could tumble with the free space above

So true...........cause then the flow would be naturally a bit weaker by the time it gets to the GFO. :beer:

 

[NS Mike D]

So true...........cause then the flow would be naturally a bit weaker by the time it gets to the GFO. :beer:

:furious: :beer:

wasn't a flow issue. running them together is a compromise in the first place. i found it easier to pack the lower section to ensure it wouldn't tumble and there was sufficient flow remaining to keep the gfo fluid. but so long as the carbon stays in place and the gfo can tumble, one can run them in the same reactor either way.

 

[dnguyen1]

I don't think the amount of flow (slow or fast) is that important for carbon, as long as you keep them from tumbling.

I ordered extra TLF sponges from amazon. Its a perfect fit. I would think that you can do the same for aquamaxx reactor sponges from BRS supply, marine depot, or even other vendors.

Hey Newbie I tried to search TLF sponge on amazon but got zero results, can you link me? Thanks.

 

[newbie2014]

Hey Newbie I tried to search TLF sponge on amazon but got zero results, can you link me? Thanks.

Here's the link;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018CIOMK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AIAO82TX05A4Z&psc=1

Just to clarify, I used these sponges on Two Little Fishes Phosban 150 reactor. I'm not sure if you can use them in your Aquamaxx reactor.