A question about carbon

CoRPS · 12/15/2008, 09:13 PM

I'm going to be ordering some Carbon online today. This is my first time ever using carbon so I'm not sure if I will need to get some kind of filter media bag or if it comes with it.

Sorry for the newb question but I'd like to know if I should order the bags before I check the cart out.

WaterKeeper · 12/15/2008, 09:19 PM

I'd order the bags. Bulk carbon usually is a box or bottle with just carbon in it.

CoRPS · 12/15/2008, 09:25 PM

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=356

one of those is fine right? Is Fluval a good brand for carbon?

kel2682 · 12/15/2008, 09:58 PM

+1 on the bags

isgon26 · 12/15/2008, 10:59 PM

You should get a reactor and put the carbon in that.

gsxr750 · 12/16/2008, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by isgon26
You should get a reactor and put the carbon in that.

What kind of carbon reactor? Is that different than a phosban reactor?

DevilBoy · 12/16/2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gsxr750
What kind of carbon reactor? Is that different than a phosban reactor?

no... alot of people use 2 TLF phosban reactors. one reactor for the phosphate media and the 2nd reactor for carbon.

gsxr750 · 12/16/2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DevilBoy
no... alot of people use 2 TLF phosban reactors. one reactor for the phosphate media and the 2nd reactor for carbon.

So I can purchase two phosban reactors, one for phosphate media and one for carbon?

Michael · 12/16/2008, 01:32 AM

yes you can if you have room to fit 2 in, if not then carbon can be put in a bag, just wash the dust out first in some ro water, dont pack it to tight in the bag, allow room for it to move about a bit and stick it in a high flow area

skinnykenny · 12/16/2008, 07:21 AM

I just bought some womens knee high stockings at the dollar store. (like panty hose) I got 4 pair for a dollar. Put some carbon in, tie the end closed with a rubber band or a knot, rinse, and add to tank filter. I guess you could try to reuse the stocking when changing carbon but I just throw it away and use a new one each time. You can't beat the price.

crvz · 12/16/2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gsxr750
So I can purchase two phosban reactors, one for phosphate media and one for carbon?

Yes, I use a phosban for carbon only. I'd recommend it, much nicer and more effective than the bag.

CoRPS · 12/16/2008, 09:10 AM

Aren't those reactors VERY expensive?

ser_renely · 12/16/2008, 09:32 AM

$35 for tlf's

CoRPS · 12/16/2008, 09:35 AM

that isn't bad at all. Might have to wait until next month though. Got a link?

tdp22 · 12/16/2008, 10:21 AM

I just bought two reactors and the pump for like $90 (Dr. Foster's). Not bad considering my LFS wants $60 a pop! Anyway, not to hijack your thread, but is it better to T the line into the reactors or piggyback them into one another? Just thought this could help everyone.

WaterKeeper · 12/16/2008, 10:52 AM

I like a tee myself as you can valve off one unit while servicing it and not need to stop the other.

Michael · 12/16/2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CoRPS
that isn't bad at all. Might have to wait until next month though. Got a link?

this isnt the best deal around im sure, but it shows a pic and gives you an idea of tubing and the pump etc

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ID=tf-reactor3

DevilBoy · 12/16/2008, 11:43 AM

i recommend teeing them also. GFO media requires a slower flow rate to work properly, while carbon media needs a higher flower rate. so teeing with a ball valve will allow to you to adjust the flow rates to each reactor.

12/15/2008, 09:13 PM	#1
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	A question about carbon I'm going to be ordering some Carbon online today. This is my first time ever using carbon so I'm not sure if I will need to get some kind of filter media bag or if it comes with it. Sorry for the newb question but I'd like to know if I should order the bags before I check the cart out.

12/15/2008, 09:19 PM	#2
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	I'd order the bags. Bulk carbon usually is a box or bottle with just carbon in it. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

12/15/2008, 10:59 PM	#5
isgon26 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York Posts: 111	cARBON You should get a reactor and put the carbon in that.

12/16/2008, 01:32 AM	#9
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	yes you can if you have room to fit 2 in, if not then carbon can be put in a bag, just wash the dust out first in some ro water, dont pack it to tight in the bag, allow room for it to move about a bit and stick it in a high flow area __________________ 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)

12/16/2008, 07:21 AM	#10
skinnykenny Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lima, Ohio Posts: 34	I just bought some womens knee high stockings at the dollar store. (like panty hose) I got 4 pair for a dollar. Put some carbon in, tie the end closed with a rubber band or a knot, rinse, and add to tank filter. I guess you could try to reuse the stocking when changing carbon but I just throw it away and use a new one each time. You can't beat the price. __________________ Your Friendly Photographer Current Tank Info: 55 gallon FOWLR

12/15/2008, 09:25 PM	#3
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=356 one of those is fine right? Is Fluval a good brand for carbon?

12/15/2008, 09:58 PM	#4
kel2682 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: CT Posts: 532	+1 on the bags

12/16/2008, 09:10 AM	#12
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	Aren't those reactors VERY expensive?

12/16/2008, 09:32 AM	#13
ser_renely Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,820	$35 for tlf's __________________ RIP: Osc. Clown - Ammonia, YW GobY - overflow, YW Goby - Pistol shrimp, Firefish - acclimation. 5 Fire fish - pistol shrimp, Mandarin - Pistol shrimp!!!!! Current Tank Info: 60g Cube, 15g sump/fuge,Tunze 9010 skimmer, Reefbreeders Photon 16" - 2 Osc. Clowns,2 Lyretail Anthias, Blue Chromis, mp20, mp10....another DAMN pistol shrimp!

12/16/2008, 09:35 AM	#14
CoRPS Big Time Reefer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: P-RINE Posts: 2,887	that isn't bad at all. Might have to wait until next month though. Got a link?

12/16/2008, 10:21 AM	#15
tdp22 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 524	I just bought two reactors and the pump for like $90 (Dr. Foster's). Not bad considering my LFS wants $60 a pop! Anyway, not to hijack your thread, but is it better to T the line into the reactors or piggyback them into one another? Just thought this could help everyone.

12/16/2008, 10:52 AM	#16
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	I like a tee myself as you can valve off one unit while servicing it and not need to stop the other. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

12/16/2008, 11:43 AM	#18
DevilBoy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wooster, Ohio Posts: 1,724	i recommend teeing them also. GFO media requires a slower flow rate to work properly, while carbon media needs a higher flower rate. so teeing with a ball valve will allow to you to adjust the flow rates to each reactor.