Mixing gac and phosban

[sleezyp1]

Can you mix GAC and phosban in the same phosban reactor? If so at what ratio I have a 72 gallon w/ 20 gallon sump. Will either damage each other?

 

[david8956]

I do. Same size tank and sump, 1 cup of TLF Hydrocarbon2 brand of carbon along with 4 tbs of Pura Phoslock, both running together in the same reactor. Both replaced every 30 days.

Curious to see Randy's comments too.

 

[sleezyp1]

That doesnt sound like alot of GFO.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is fine to mix them, in general. I have done it in a cannister filter (which I prefer) when I was doing some tests. Assuming you can get the GAC to mix properly and not come it, it should be fine.

 

[sleezyp1]

Have you ever used seachem reef matrix carbon?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have not, but I gather that it is a fine brand.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6844874#post6844874

 

[david8956]

That doesnt sound like alot of GFO.

The label calls for 1 tbs per 25 gallons in a reef tank (1 tbs per 50 gal if used in freshwater aquariums) Claims it "is the benchmark German made ferric hydroxide media...". I read where Randy will have an article soon comparing the efficiency of different brands of GFO. Hope this is among the brands tested.

Looks just like the Rowa I have used in the past, seems to work just as well, but cost a LOT less.

 

[DrBDC]

The only problem I see is that GAC needs to be changed more frequently than the GFO unless the phosphates are so high that they are "used up" w/in a week or so. DIY fluidized chambers are so easy to make or to buy a TLF phosban reactor for 30 bucks that I run 2 of them, one for GAC and one for GFO. Room in the sump is not an issue for me so it may be different issues for some.