Carbon and GFO in one reactor

[JPUA]

I am considering a GFO reactor from bulk reef supply. What are your thoughts on running a mix of carbon and GFO in one unit? I have a 30 gallon tank. I think the dual unit would be overkill.


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[BlueDartReefer]

Running the two in the same reactor is perfectly fine.

 

[JPUA]

How much do I add? 50 50? How often to change?


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[Downbeach]

Mix two parts GAC to one part GFO, add a sponge(s) if necessary to keep the media from tumbling. I would replace it at least once a month.

 

[matty0206]

I use 5 tablespoons of Carbon and 4 tablespoons of GFO for my 40 breeder. I mix them gently and pack them in the reactor between 2 sponges so they don't tumble. I replace mine every 2-3 weeks or every other water change. I clean the reactor and change the media and then pump my water change water out of my tank through the reactor to rinse the dust and fines out. Works well.

 

[JPUA]

Would that amount be sufficient for a 30 gallon reef?


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[BlueDartReefer]

I would suggest starting with a small amount. Stripping your water of any impurities to quickly could shock your corals and cause negative reactions.

 

[JPUA]

I'm running an aqua clear on the back now with carbon and phosgaurd, would a reactor be a big difference?


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[Flameback Pair]

One of bulk reef supply's videos recommends using their calculator on their site to find the amount of GAC to use. Then measure out GFO by a third of the amount of GAC put in. Then mix the two til the GFO is evenly dispersed in the GAC. This prevents the GFO from sticking together. You then keep it together between sponges in a reactor or in a media bag in a high flow area. The other method of keeping it from sticking together is to tumble the GFO.

 

[KoleTang]

Use the BRS calculator.

Add the suggested amount of carbon. Only use half the suggested amount of GFO. (Why? Because carbon gets changed every two weeks; GFO every 4 weeks. So use half the amount of GFO and change it every two weeks with the carbon)

 

[matty0206]

Would that amount be sufficient for a 30 gallon reef?


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Like others have suggested I would look at the BRS calculator and use less than they recommend for the GFO. I have been running this amount for a long time but I started at a lower amount and worked up. Sorry, I should have mentioned that part.

 

[JPUA]

Should I buy the single or dual chamber?


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[matty0206]

Should I buy the single or dual chamber?


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I have never used the dual but I do know that I have been happy with the single. That being said, the dual is probably much more efficient. Gfo lasts much longer than carbon so when combined in a single reactor you are throwing out GFO that is still good when you change the carbon as the carbon exhausts much quicker. For me it was a matter of space under the stand and the fact that with the small amount I would be using I would be ok with waisting a little.

 

[JPUA]

Good point. What carbon and gfo do you use?


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[matty0206]

I have always used BRS but this last time I ordered from salty supply. I ordered their GFO and Vertex Rox carbon, came out to be cheaper than BRS and wasn't on sale. Brs has quality products but my problem with them is their ungodly shipping charges.

 

[JPUA]

Is everything pretty easy to setup? I don't have a sump, so would I just hide it in my cabinet under the tank? Do they include enough tubing?


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[JPUA]

Also, how do I secure return hose in tank?


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[Flameback Pair]

Is everything pretty easy to setup? I don't have a sump, so would I just hide it in my cabinet under the tank? Do they include enough tubing?


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Since you don't have a sump this could make things difficult. You can buy the reactor with or without a maxi-jet pump. The pump slips into the tubing adapter. Problem is getting tubing over edge of tank. You will need two murlock or john guest fittings with a 90* bend of proper size to fit tubing. BRS should have it. I would call them and tell them your situation, don't worry they have excellent customer service. I called them once and they worked me right through a situation. Good Luck.

 

[JPUA]

Ok, thanks, I might be sticking to the aqua clear


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