Phosphate reactor used for carbon

EMV7904 · 11/06/2008, 10:44 PM

Hello, I run 2 phosphate reactors on my 180 gallon reef tank and both are filled with carbon. I have a mixed reef...lots of leathers, 8 to be exact and most are LARGE. I have 2 huge toadstools, GIANT sinularia, colt coral etc etc. I am getting more and more into the sps thing and that's why I run the carbon.

The questions I have are, am I running too much carbon? 2 phosphate reactors filled with it...and my next question is this: when changing out the carbon, I don't empty out both reactors and change the carbon out. I dump out about half from each, and then add the new on top of that. (I read somewhere about wanting to keep the bacteria from the bottom half of carbon??) Does this make any sense or should I just get rid of ALL of it and start with fresh each time? And how often should I replace the stuff...how can you tell if carbon is 'spent'?

Thanks!
EV

Don-Coraleone · 11/06/2008, 10:53 PM

no with all those leathers you will need to run alot of carbon.

spleify · 11/06/2008, 10:55 PM

I personally don't know if there is a way to tell when it is spent, maybe someone else will chime in on that.
I change mine monthly, and I think that is what most folks do. If it were me I would empty the container out completely and replace with fresh carbon monthly. I would also try and get on a rotating schedule and alternate between each reactor every two weeks. Change one two weeks later change the other and so on....This way you are not going from all exhausted carbon to two full units at once.

JMO

HTH

Spleify

EMV7904 · 11/06/2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by spleify
I personally don't know if there is a way to tell when it is spent, maybe someone else will chime in on that.
I change mine monthly, and I think that is what most folks do. If it were me I would empty the container out completely and replace with fresh carbon monthly. I would also try and get on a rotating schedule and alternate between each reactor every two weeks. Change one two weeks later change the other and so on....This way you are not going from all exhausted carbon to two full units at once.

JMO

HTH

Spleify

HAHA, I knew I posted this for a reason! I LOVE that idea. Makes much sense and I feel stupid for having not thought of it.

Oh and is there a Good/Better/Best brand of carbon? I use Black Gold right now but have used many others...what's the best?

Michael · 11/06/2008, 11:44 PM

i believe black diamond is popular in the usa, its had good reviews

mlbarry · 11/07/2008, 05:41 AM

I only have one reactor on my 125 and I change it every 2 weeks. I have heard that if you leave it too long it can become a nitrate trap. I completely dump it out, clean the canister, hoses, and pump, and replace the carbon. I get my carbon from www.bulkreefsupply.com They have great products, even better prices and the best customer service!

11/06/2008, 10:44 PM	#1
EMV7904 Moved On Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: US Posts: 203	Phosphate reactor used for carbon Hello, I run 2 phosphate reactors on my 180 gallon reef tank and both are filled with carbon. I have a mixed reef...lots of leathers, 8 to be exact and most are LARGE. I have 2 huge toadstools, GIANT sinularia, colt coral etc etc. I am getting more and more into the sps thing and that's why I run the carbon. The questions I have are, am I running too much carbon? 2 phosphate reactors filled with it...and my next question is this: when changing out the carbon, I don't empty out both reactors and change the carbon out. I dump out about half from each, and then add the new on top of that. (I read somewhere about wanting to keep the bacteria from the bottom half of carbon??) Does this make any sense or should I just get rid of ALL of it and start with fresh each time? And how often should I replace the stuff...how can you tell if carbon is 'spent'? Thanks! EV

11/06/2008, 10:55 PM	#3
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	I personally don't know if there is a way to tell when it is spent, maybe someone else will chime in on that. I change mine monthly, and I think that is what most folks do. If it were me I would empty the container out completely and replace with fresh carbon monthly. I would also try and get on a rotating schedule and alternate between each reactor every two weeks. Change one two weeks later change the other and so on....This way you are not going from all exhausted carbon to two full units at once. JMO HTH Spleify __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

11/06/2008, 11:44 PM	#5
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	i believe black diamond is popular in the usa, its had good reviews __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

11/06/2008, 10:53 PM	#2
Don-Coraleone Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: east coast Posts: 1,478	no with all those leathers you will need to run alot of carbon.

11/07/2008, 05:41 AM	#6
mlbarry Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florence, KY Posts: 157	I only have one reactor on my 125 and I change it every 2 weeks. I have heard that if you leave it too long it can become a nitrate trap. I completely dump it out, clean the canister, hoses, and pump, and replace the carbon. I get my carbon from www.bulkreefsupply.com They have great products, even better prices and the best customer service!