how to use carbon in a reactor

nyisles016 · 07/05/2009, 09:31 AM

I am looking to start using carbon to help polish the water. I have a TLF phosban reactor 150 that I would like to use and would like to feed it using a gravity syphon from the display. Do I need to have the flow dialed back at all? How much media should be in the canister? I also have been reading that it should be packed tight?

THanks in advance,
Ryan

Shane Hoffman · 07/05/2009, 11:11 AM

In my experience it is more effective using a small external pump and pushing the water up through the reactor. Fromm bottom to top. The water gets more "dwell time" on carbon and it reduces channeling of water through carbon. Hope this helps.

reefboy1994 · 07/05/2009, 11:49 AM

make sure the flow isnt strong enough to have the carbon tumbling.

Michael · 07/05/2009, 11:55 AM

personally if i use carbon in a reactor i use it reverse flow, theres no way it can crumble as the water is forced through it downwards and it just cant tumble

JAustin · 07/05/2009, 12:00 PM

X2 on the reverse flow, no way for it to tumble.

nyisles016 · 07/06/2009, 08:02 AM

hmmm, so I would just swap the hoses? HAve water come into the output and leave through the input?

BuddhaKiss · 07/07/2009, 12:04 AM

correct

njdevilsfan · 07/07/2009, 12:35 AM

+1 on backwards thinggy
pack it pretty full and let er rip
just dont use the brs rox8 its to fine
its a good product just bad with the tlf reactor

07/05/2009, 09:31 AM	#1
nyisles016 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Long Beach, NY Posts: 113	how to use carbon in a reactor I am looking to start using carbon to help polish the water. I have a TLF phosban reactor 150 that I would like to use and would like to feed it using a gravity syphon from the display. Do I need to have the flow dialed back at all? How much media should be in the canister? I also have been reading that it should be packed tight? THanks in advance, Ryan

07/05/2009, 11:11 AM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	In my experience it is more effective using a small external pump and pushing the water up through the reactor. Fromm bottom to top. The water gets more "dwell time" on carbon and it reduces channeling of water through carbon. Hope this helps. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

07/05/2009, 11:49 AM	#3
reefboy1994 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 362	make sure the flow isnt strong enough to have the carbon tumbling. __________________ --Charlie-- 40 Breeder Mixed Reef Current Tank Info: 30 Gallon Rimless -- Mainly Softie tank and a few 'Nems

07/05/2009, 11:55 AM	#4
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	personally if i use carbon in a reactor i use it reverse flow, theres no way it can crumble as the water is forced through it downwards and it just cant tumble __________________ 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)

07/05/2009, 12:00 PM	#5
JAustin Acropora Nut Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,628	X2 on the reverse flow, no way for it to tumble. __________________ 211g Planet Aquariums Hybrid PVC bottom 48"x34"x30" and steel stand from CustomReefCreations - Reeflo Super Dart - OM 4way - SRO XP3000 External - ATI Dimmable 8x54w - Apex.

07/06/2009, 08:02 AM	#6
nyisles016 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Long Beach, NY Posts: 113	hmmm, so I would just swap the hoses? HAve water come into the output and leave through the input?

07/07/2009, 12:04 AM	#7
BuddhaKiss Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 1,068	correct

07/07/2009, 12:35 AM	#8
njdevilsfan Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: texas Posts: 658	+1 on backwards thinggy pack it pretty full and let er rip just dont use the brs rox8 its to fine its a good product just bad with the tlf reactor __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS Current Tank Info: 210lps,75anemone,60frag,20