Using media without a reactor?

[rad1687]

I am interested in running carbon and GFO either in a filter sock or in a mesh stocking in my sump. Would this accomplish anything, or not be worth the investment? Thanks for your time!

rad

 

[Rybren]

I ran both in a nylon stocking for a couple of years. I set mine up so that the output of the skimmer was constantly flowing over the media, and once a week or so I'd shake the bags to make sure the media didn't compact. I've since switched to Phosban 150 reactors and see no difference in results.

 

[rad1687]

Thanks so much! Any suggestions as to what brands of carbon or GFO to use?

 

[bertoni]

The media will work as long as water is forced through them, and the flow isn't high enough to abrade them into dust. That said, they might work somewhat better in a canister or reactor.

I've used SeaChem and Black Diamond carbon, but I'd consider trying the ROX 0.8 from BRS at some point. For the GFO media, PhosBan and Phosphate Killer seemed fine to me, but a lot of people are happy with the other products, too.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use GAC and GFO in a reactor and it is fine that way.

 

[rad1687]

Would it work to place the stockings full of media in between the baffles of my bubble trap?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

As long as it would force water through it, rather than around it, it should work.

You might want to remove it ever few days and mix the media around so that if the water made channels through it, that you'll close them and expose some unused media.

 

[rad1687]

Thank you so much!

 

[rad1687]

Randy, what salt mix do you use or recommend? Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Almost all salt mixes will work fine as long as you understand their pros and cons (all have cons, unfortunately).

I use normal Instant Ocean which I boost a bit with calcium and magnesium (I never measure or add magnesium to the tank itself, only the water change mix).