Changing reactor media..

[Mattj815]

So is it just me who makes a mess everytime I do this? Or am I just an idiot?

This is my first reactor and im liking running gfo so far. But ive only changed it 3 times so far and everytime its a pain in the butt. First time was much more so bc of where I mounted the reactor. After realizing that was gonna be a problem I moved it to a better location. But I still get water everywhere. And realizing I basically have to do a water change when I change out gfo bc after I rinse it im out a gallon or so. And still feel like I get some fines in the tank.

My torch shrivels up right after but soon comes back to normal. Think im going to maybe try BRS' high capacity next as I read its less dusty.

Is this normal for everyone and their reactors?

 

[Jason mack]

I rinse mine with RODI Water before putting it in the reactor ... also I have some fine wadding on top on my sponge too catch the finer particles rinsing didn’t get .. I never spill water but mine stands in my sump with easy access ..when I’m changing it out I just pop the lid off and pour the water in the sump .. before throwing the gfo away .. not sure if this helps any .. but it’s what I do ..!

 

[lapin]

Can you take the reactor out of where it is to work on it? Shut off the flow. Unhook the the in and out lines. Take it to a 5 gallon bucket and take the top off and shake it out. Then take it outside and hose it off. New media can be rinsed in a mesh filter sock in your sink. Turn that inside out to fill your reactor. Another option is to put the media in a large measuring cup to rinse. Once you have the reactor refilled, take the output line and place it in a bucket. Turn on the pump and in a few min the water will run clear. Put the line back into your sump and you are good to go.
This might work or not depending on your setup

 

[Mattj815]

I rinse mine with RODI Water before putting it in the reactor ... also I have some fine wadding on top on my sponge too catch the finer particles rinsing didn’t get .. I never spill water but mine stands in my sump with easy access ..when I’m changing it out I just pop the lid off and pour the water in the sump .. before throwing the gfo away .. not sure if this helps any .. but it’s what I do ..!

Yea no sump here im AIO.

Can you take the reactor out of where it is to work on it? Shut off the flow. Unhook the the in and out lines. Take it to a 5 gallon bucket and take the top off and shake it out. Then take it outside and hose it off. New media can be rinsed in a mesh filter sock in your sink. Turn that inside out to fill your reactor. Another option is to put the media in a large measuring cup to rinse. Once you have the reactor refilled, take the output line and place it in a bucket. Turn on the pump and in a few min the water will run clear. Put the line back into your sump and you are good to go.
This might work or not depending on your setup

Well I remove the canister and bring it to the bathroom and clean and refill in there. I guess my issue is how to purge the water out of the canister. I guess id need a pump on the outlet which im not really gonna do. Id rather just deal with catching the water.

Im also trying to change frequently now bc I have high po4. Once it comes down Ive read people go 3-4 weeks between refills. Id be ok with that. Im shooting for every few days right now. Ive read conflicting info on just how fast gfo goes bad when po4 is high.

That and keep my maintenance routine early in the morning like I have been so my wife doesnt see the mess I make.

 

[merkmerk73]

Can you take the reactor out of where it is to work on it? Shut off the flow. Unhook the the in and out lines. Take it to a 5 gallon bucket and take the top off and shake it out. Then take it outside and hose it off. New media can be rinsed in a mesh filter sock in your sink. Turn that inside out to fill your reactor. Another option is to put the media in a large measuring cup to rinse. Once you have the reactor refilled, take the output line and place it in a bucket. Turn on the pump and in a few min the water will run clear. Put the line back into your sump and you are good to go.
This might work or not depending on your setup

Old, but this is still the best way I've found to do it.

Unfortunately you burn through a gallon or two of saltwater - in my experience - flushing the media out

But any other method has still resulted in me getting particles in my tank.