GAC & GFO in the same reactor?

bu11itt · 08/13/2012, 12:55 PM

I've got the phosban 150 reactor and currently have it in GAC service. Having only added 9 tablespoons of carbon I've got quite a bit of unused reactor volume.

I currently have no need to run GFO but if the time comes that I do, does anyone see an issue (other than possibly exhausting one before the other and being forced to change them both out) with running both media types in the same reactor? My thoughts are put some sort of the dispersion plate or other means to keep them separated when both media types are in service.

Thanks.

RG21 · 08/13/2012, 01:24 PM

This has been debated about many times.. There are a couple reasons why you should or shouldnt. First, the carbon needs to be changed much more frequently than the gfo. Second, the carbon requires a higher flow than the gfo which cannot be attained in the same reactor. Third, the carbon can crush the gfo and it can be pumped into your tank, however if they're separated, it's not a concern. I've run carbon in my phosban reactor and it cleared up my water a great deal, however it was run at very low flow and didn't work to its fullest potential.

IMO, I'd get another reactor and a feed them both from one pump. The pump should have a high enough gph to run carbon and gfo with the outlet line is split. Put a ball valve between the pump and the GFO reactor and slow the flow going into it, and let the carbon run at the appropriate (higher) flow. That way, you can change each when they need it, and both the GAC and GFO reactors have the right flow running through them.

Metal Man 1221 · 08/13/2012, 04:05 PM

You want to run higher flow through GFO, it needs to tumble. And slower flow through carbon to allow enough contact time for the carbon to absorb organics.

LinkinReef · 08/13/2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RG21

IMO, I'd get another reactor and a feed them both from one pump. The pump should have a high enough gph to run carbon and gfo with the outlet line is split. Put a ball valve between the pump and the GFO reactor and slow the flow going into it, and let the carbon run at the appropriate (higher) flow. That way, you can change each when they need it, and both the GAC and GFO reactors have the right flow running through them.

+1 on this.

I currently run both in a reactor and they are separated by a bubble plate and sponge. It's really hard to achieve the different flow for both of them and that's pretty much why i'll be buying a second rector and feed both of them with a mj1200

cherubfish pair · 08/13/2012, 10:50 PM

I asked Randy Holmes-Farley this question and he said they shouldn't have an adverse chemical reaction when together but he didn't say anything about different flows.

hanaumabay · 08/14/2012, 12:01 AM

I had been considering the same thing as well. I saw in one demonstration, that although gfo requires more flow, if you put carbon at the top sandwiched between filter pads, the flow will go through much slower and will not tumble at all. I'm still on the fence. It definitely saves space and convenient.

bu11itt · 08/15/2012, 09:09 PM

Thanks for the info and help. I decided to go with two reactors so I've got another PhasBan 150 and some PhosBan on the way.

As a side note; the GAC is really doing a number clearing up my water.

08/13/2012, 12:55 PM	#1
bu11itt Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest, LA Posts: 122	GAC & GFO in the same reactor? I've got the phosban 150 reactor and currently have it in GAC service. Having only added 9 tablespoons of carbon I've got quite a bit of unused reactor volume. I currently have no need to run GFO but if the time comes that I do, does anyone see an issue (other than possibly exhausting one before the other and being forced to change them both out) with running both media types in the same reactor? My thoughts are put some sort of the dispersion plate or other means to keep them separated when both media types are in service. Thanks. __________________ - bu11itt

08/13/2012, 01:24 PM	#2
RG21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 221	This has been debated about many times.. There are a couple reasons why you should or shouldnt. First, the carbon needs to be changed much more frequently than the gfo. Second, the carbon requires a higher flow than the gfo which cannot be attained in the same reactor. Third, the carbon can crush the gfo and it can be pumped into your tank, however if they're separated, it's not a concern. I've run carbon in my phosban reactor and it cleared up my water a great deal, however it was run at very low flow and didn't work to its fullest potential. IMO, I'd get another reactor and a feed them both from one pump. The pump should have a high enough gph to run carbon and gfo with the outlet line is split. Put a ball valve between the pump and the GFO reactor and slow the flow going into it, and let the carbon run at the appropriate (higher) flow. That way, you can change each when they need it, and both the GAC and GFO reactors have the right flow running through them. __________________ -Ryan Current Tank Info: Fully automated 65 SPS plans in the works. Getting ready to stock a NUVO 20gal and a CADlights mini 4gal! Last edited by RG21; 08/13/2012 at 01:26 PM. Reason: Typo

08/13/2012, 04:05 PM	#3
Metal Man 1221 FMMAS Executive Director Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Fargo ND Posts: 1,504	You want to run higher flow through GFO, it needs to tumble. And slower flow through carbon to allow enough contact time for the carbon to absorb organics. __________________ "My advise is, always look at their aquarium before you take their advise. Because alot of people give advise and they havnt got a clue" ~David Saxby~ "Only after the last tree's cut and the last river poisoned only after the last fish is caught will you find that money cannot be eaten" ~Lamb of God~ Current Tank Info: 125g DT, 45g sump ---- 57g Illuminata, custom sump

08/13/2012, 10:50 PM	#5
cherubfish pair Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Libby, Montana Posts: 7,061 Blog Entries: 1	I asked Randy Holmes-Farley this question and he said they shouldn't have an adverse chemical reaction when together but he didn't say anything about different flows. __________________ pairo chero Thanks for looking at my build thread and subscribe to it if you already haven't yet! Current Tank Info: thirty rimless

08/15/2012, 09:09 PM	#7
bu11itt Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest, LA Posts: 122	Thanks for the info and help. I decided to go with two reactors so I've got another PhasBan 150 and some PhosBan on the way. As a side note; the GAC is really doing a number clearing up my water. __________________ - bu11itt

08/14/2012, 12:01 AM	#6
hanaumabay Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 50	I had been considering the same thing as well. I saw in one demonstration, that although gfo requires more flow, if you put carbon at the top sandwiched between filter pads, the flow will go through much slower and will not tumble at all. I'm still on the fence. It definitely saves space and convenient.