Carbon Required?

Bryon · Nov 17, 2012

My tanks been running for four months with a HOB skimmer and filter. I finally got a sump/refugium running this week, but I'm still running my HOB filter for the carbon. Do I need to continue using the carbon or is there something I can add to the refugium to replace it. Thanks

Phyber · Nov 17, 2012

You can use a simple reactor for multiple filter media (carbon, gfo, bio pellets). Generally, hob filters hold more detritus than other methods of filtration.

Depending on your water parameters and algae content, u may be fine with carbon, or, have to switch to other methods.

skinz78 · Nov 17, 2012

I run carbon all the time in my tanks, it really polish's up the water nicely.

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 17, 2012

I run carbon in my tanks all the tank. Do I think it is required? No. It helps keep my water looking crystal clear.

Downbeach · Nov 17, 2012

I use it in a reactor 24/7. Here is a good read:

Reefkeeping 101 - Bogus Information - by Tom Murphy (aka WaterKeeper) - Reefkeeping.com

james30ct · Nov 17, 2012

Downbeach said:
I use it in a reactor 24/7. Here is a good read:

Reefkeeping 101 - Bogus Information - by Tom Murphy (aka WaterKeeper) - Reefkeeping.com

Thanks for posting that I found it really helpful.

Bryon · Nov 17, 2012

Downbeach said:
I use it in a reactor 24/7. Here is a good read:

Reefkeeping 101 - Bogus Information - by Tom Murphy (aka WaterKeeper) - Reefkeeping.com

Thanks for the link. There was some interesting info.
Can anyone recommend a good reactor and carbon.

feh · Nov 17, 2012

I run it in a reactor 24x7... I use a reef octo reactor mf1000 or something like that with BRS large size lignite. I wouldn't necessary recommend the reef octo reactor because it uses a screen design where they cut slits in some PVC instead of sponges which limits the size of the media you use whether its carbon, gfo or whatever. other than that its well made. Also the media can get stuck in the slits and its a real pain getting them out of the one in the bottom of the reactor. I'd recommend one of the Vertex UF models personally. Also you can either tee off the return or run it with a separate pump.

Downbeach · Nov 18, 2012

I'm using the BRS deluxe reactor's for both GFO and GAC. I use about 1 1/2 cups of media in each, ROX 0.8 GAC, and the HC GFO. Instead of using the ball valve they provided, I preferred to go with a more appropriate size pump for each, so I used a MJ400 on the GAC and a MJ600 on the GFO. The GAC needs to be replaced monthly, and the GFO every two months in my system.

Bryon · Nov 19, 2012

Downbeach said:
I'm using the BRS deluxe reactor's for both GFO and GAC. I use about 1 1/2 cups of media in each, ROX 0.8 GAC, and the HC GFO. Instead of using the ball valve they provided, I preferred to go with a more appropriate size pump for each, so I used a MJ400 on the GAC and a MJ600 on the GFO. The GAC needs to be replaced monthly, and the GFO every two months in my system.

You're using two reactor's, one for GFO and one for GAC? Would the BRS dual reactor be able to do the same thing but with only one pump?

Downbeach · Nov 19, 2012

Bryon said:
You're using two reactor's, one for GFO and one for GAC? Would the BRS dual reactor be able to do the same thing but with only one pump?

You can, and many folks do. But, I think the best case scenario, and the one I preferred to go with is the two reactor route, so I could better tune the flow to each reactor. Contact time with the water and media is important, but the GFO needs to be tumbling a little or it will clump together and solidify. The GAC should be compacted enough so that it doesn't tumble, so there should be different flow rates for each media. The other issue is flushing the media when you first install it. So, unless you rinse the media, before you install it in the reactor's cartridge, which I think would be a PITA, whatever media you've placed in the first chamber, typically the GAC, is going to flush into the media of the second chamber. With the individual reactor's, I can change the media, rotate the discharge tube into a small bucket, and run the pump for a few seconds to remove any remaining fines, and then redirect it back into the sump.
I installed mine, by hanging them on the side of my sump, but I've seen a few that mounted them above/near the sump, and just have the pumps and discharge tubes running into the sump.
You could run both the individual reactor's on a single pump, but you would have to get an additional tee, use a large enough pump and utilize the ball valves to regulate the flow to the individual reactor's.
You could also run these by mixing the media's together, about 2:1 GAC:GFO, and compact them enough so they didn't tumble at all, since the GFO would grind the GAC into dust. But you may not get the full value out of the GFO, since you'll have to replace it when you replace the GAC, in which case I would use the basic GFO, instread of the HC GFO.
Another possibility, if your system is small enough, is to run both in a single reactor, by separating the media with a sponge.
So there are a couple of options, but I think the best is to have a reactor for each media.
How big is your system? If it's small enough, maybe one of the single reactor solutions would be best.

Bryon · Nov 19, 2012

Downbeach said:
How big is your system? If it's small enough, maybe one of the single reactor solutions would be best.

It's 65 gallons with a 14 gallon sump/refugium.

Downbeach · Nov 19, 2012

Bryon said:
It's 65 gallons with a 14 gallon sump/refugium.

I think, if I were you, I'd start with a single reactor, you can always add another later if you want/need to. Mix 2/3 cup of the ROX 0.8 GAC with 1/3 cup of the HC GFO together in the reactor, if you need to, add an additional sponge to keep it from tumbling. I would replace it after a month, check your PO4, and make an adjustment if needed, i.e. 1 cup of GAC and 1/2 cup of GFO.

mainereefer · Nov 19, 2012

reactor? on that small of a tank? save your $$ and waterchanges will take care of the rest
is there a reason you want carbon

in the past 12 years I ran carbon on one tank, a mixed reef with lps and sps corals were to close so they always fought (chemical warfare at its finest)
carbon may take chemicals out and polish the water but at what price? its now found it will kill tangs, and some inverts. what else is it doing to your system.

I say get your tank stable and keep it there. stability is the key to keeping any sw tank