PO4 not dropping with Phosban Reactor

[DrBDC]

Were you completely nucience algae free or just not showing phosphates on the test kit? Also, what test kit? I'm thinking of doing something similar. I show 0 on Salifert, I'm going to check with a Hanna Thursday and if testing 0 I may try it. I do have some cyano though so I know it's there somewhere on the rocks or ?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8308458#post8308458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBDC
Were you completely nucience algae free or just not showing phosphates on the test kit? Also, what test kit? I'm thinking of doing something similar. I show 0 on Salifert, I'm going to check with a Hanna Thursday and if testing 0 I may try it. I do have some cyano though so I know it's there somewhere on the rocks or ?

Although all the phosphate kits I have tried are basically a kind of Yes or No testing I finally ditch the money and got a Hanna colorimeter which is what I use now.

 

[Reefflections]

Hey Jdieck
I mentioned just above here on this thread about,modified my Zeovit Reactor.For the same reason you stated,and easier to get into.But what I don't here,when you did this.I see where you mentioned a Maxi Jet 1200 with a control valve for your flow.I thought they want a flow rate about 80 GPH.So I'm not sure you are using such a large pump as for the Maxi.I know you have a control valve,to throttle it back.But 80 GPH vs 1200 that's a huge difference.I was wondering why this is.I know we try to use our extra equipment we don't use.But this is a radical swing here.Can you possible clear this up for me.Because I'm planning same type of design.
Curt

 

[jdieck]

Oh, you definitively can use a smaller powerhead, I use that one because that is what I had at hand. I had to use the cilindrical nipple that comes at the outlet of the power head which has an orifice for air suction. This orifice let excess flow return to the tank so even though the reactor is seeing a reduced restricted flow, the pump sees a higher flow for colling purposes. So, if you use a large powerhead you need to provide means for some of the flow returning to the plant to prevent pump overheat.

 

[Reefflections]

Oh ok now I see where you were coming from.It just that statement really caught me eye.It just didn't make sense,when I first started to read it.You are just like the rest of us,with all the extra equipment laying around.Have to put it to use,that's for sure.
Curt

 

[jdieck]

By the way. With such a large reactor and the amount of media, do not really think the MJ 1200 is super oversized. If your reactor is above the sump level you might need at least a 900. I have it about 3/4 open.

 

[Reefflections]

Here is one for ya to think about?Zeovit reactor is 24 inches high,and 5 inches round.My little mini jet puts out about 80 gph.So using the mini jet pumping into my " Empire State building "reactor.Surely won't cut it.I'm like you want to "use what I have."
So where does this leave me as for pump size.I really don't have a flow meter,and surely don't want to buy that and use it once.Because will probably never use that again.The reactor does sit in my sump,one good thing.Have any ideas with a 2 foot rise,and 5 inches round acrylic tube?To get around the 80 GPH ?Boy this is ending up being a math problem?

Curt

 

[jdieck]

Math problem? not really, flow is not that critical, the ideas is to have enough flow just to rise the media and have the grains on top slightly stumbling. That is enough.

 

[Reefflections]

Slightly tumbling ?
Here what it says on the Phosban media.Have it right in front of me.
"The flow must be reduced sufficiently to prevent the grandules from tumbling,which would "grind"them into a powder".These words are coming right off their directions?
Note:
They even give you a nylon bag,for even containing them also.It seems no matter what product is used here,they for some reason don't want the tumbling effect.More of a channeling effect of the water passing threw it and around the media?
No I was only kidding about the math problem.It just that as I was writing it,that's what it sounded like.

 

[jdieck]

By preventing tumbling Julian refers to have the bed fully fluidized. When I say tumbling is that you barely notice movement in the surface of the grains. When there is chanelling you will notice little volcano like areas on top of the media.
The best way to check if the flow is not too low is to start opening the valve, notice the mdia start to rise as it is pushed upwards by the water then settles, the little grains will start flowing to the surface of the media and will indicate the pass of flow. The ideal point is were without seeing tumbling but slightly on the surface if you tilt the reactor sideways the media will move like if it was water. In other words suspended without tumbling.