how often to change out carbon in media reactor?

46bfinGA · 12/05/2006, 09:11 AM

im buying four of the 150 tlf phosphate reactors from dr. fosters and am planning on using three for carbon and one for phosguard.was just wondering how often most people change out the media in their reactors?

dippin61 · 12/05/2006, 01:58 PM

at LEAST once a month.

Charlie97L · 12/05/2006, 02:08 PM

that's a lot of carbon. which tank will you be running it on?

i'd say every two weeks if it's a heavy bioload.

Ti · 12/05/2006, 02:23 PM

depends on load and amount used.
When you notice the water yellow, swap it out.

46bfinGA · 12/05/2006, 04:25 PM

ill be using it on my 500 fowlr.i may only use two for the 500 and use one of them on my 240 gallon as needed.ive just heard about changing it out 3-4 days and i wasnt sure if i was confusing that with phosphate removers. i like the thought of doing it once a month that will save me a boat load of expense on carbon and phosphate remover.im going to be using phosguard in the reactor unless there is something better,any opinions on that?

also where is a good place to buy bulk media?

fishytoo123 · 12/05/2006, 08:00 PM

Carbon absorbs the most with in the first few days. Your better off using small amounts and replace it once a week. I also just use enough phosban to keep the levels down and change that with the carbon each week.

46bfinGA · 12/05/2006, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishytoo123
Carbon absorbs the most with in the first few days. Your better off using small amounts and replace it once a week. I also just use enough phosban to keep the levels down and change that with the carbon each week.

makes since. the tlf phosban reactors you can use different amounts in them correct?you can use as little as you want or do you have to fill them up?ive never used one before ive been using filter bags in the past.

12/05/2006, 09:11 AM	#1
46bfinGA Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ball Ground, Ga. Posts: 1,333	how often to change out carbon in media reactor? im buying four of the 150 tlf phosphate reactors from dr. fosters and am planning on using three for carbon and one for phosguard.was just wondering how often most people change out the media in their reactors?

12/05/2006, 01:58 PM	#2
dippin61 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,897	at LEAST once a month. __________________ Reefers Law: It can take about 48 hours to brown, and 48 weeks to color back up! Current Tank Info: 55 Gallon BB Low Iron Glass, Dual 110w VHO Actinics, 250w PFO MH 20k XM

12/05/2006, 02:08 PM	#3
Charlie97L Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Clarksburg, MD Posts: 379	that's a lot of carbon. which tank will you be running it on? i'd say every two weeks if it's a heavy bioload. __________________ Getting set back up!

12/05/2006, 02:23 PM	#4
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	depends on load and amount used. When you notice the water yellow, swap it out. __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

12/05/2006, 04:25 PM	#5
46bfinGA Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ball Ground, Ga. Posts: 1,333	ill be using it on my 500 fowlr.i may only use two for the 500 and use one of them on my 240 gallon as needed.ive just heard about changing it out 3-4 days and i wasnt sure if i was confusing that with phosphate removers. i like the thought of doing it once a month that will save me a boat load of expense on carbon and phosphate remover.im going to be using phosguard in the reactor unless there is something better,any opinions on that? also where is a good place to buy bulk media?

12/05/2006, 08:00 PM	#6
fishytoo123 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Woolwich NJ Posts: 207	Carbon absorbs the most with in the first few days. Your better off using small amounts and replace it once a week. I also just use enough phosban to keep the levels down and change that with the carbon each week.