BRS Carbon/GFO Reactor Set Up

[jtomasi]

I know that BRS recommends combining carbon and GFO, but I have seen people split them up in a single reactor before, just not the BRS reactor. Does anyone have experience with this? Pros/Cons? Even though it might still be a pain to change the carbon out, you would be less likely to waste GFO given that they exhaust at different rates.

 

[kevinf]

BRS GFO and Carbon Reactor - Bulk Reef Supply - YouTube

 

[ddiver]

I know that BRS recommends combining carbon and GFO, but I have seen people split them up in a single reactor before, just not the BRS reactor. Does anyone have experience with this? Pros/Cons? Even though it might still be a pain to change the carbon out, you would be less likely to waste GFO given that they exhaust at different rates.

Even if they exhaust at a different rate you should still change both out regularly whether thats once a month or more often...That's not the problem...I don't like mixing the 2 because depending on the size of the carbon you use, if using a big grain carbon, your gfo will not be able to tumble properly therefore not using it efficiently and ultimately wasting it....BRS recommends that ,I'm sure, only with their ROX carbon which is significantly lighter than most carbon on the market..even then i would advise against using the 2 in one reactor.

 

[jtomasi]

Thank you both for your relpy - wish I could watch youtube at work. The question wasnt if I can use both in the same reactor, it was the way in which I could: mixing or keeping them seperate.

 

[Downbeach]

Contact time is important with both GAC and GFO, so the slower the flow, the better. The problem with GFO is that if it is not kept fluidized, it will begin to solidify into a brick, and will become ineffective. You could actually mix the two media's together in a ratio of about 2 parts GAC to 1 part GFO, this way the GFO will be separated enough by the GAC, that it will not solidify. I would mix the recommended amount of GAC with about 1/2 the amount of GFO, and replace it on a scheduled basis, maybe every three to four weeks, or you could go by your PO4 readings, and replace it when needed, but I wouldn't go beyond a month, since I think the GAC will become ineffective by that time. You might start by using the Lignite carbon and the standard GFO, since they are somewhat larger pellets. Since they will be mixed together, you want to prevent any tumbling, so add a sponge if necessary. Using a pre-filter sponge on the pump will also help to keep the internal sponges from clogging too quickly.