How frequently do you change your carbon?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I changed my ROX carbon after 2-4 weeks. After that, the carbon gets coated in bacteria whether it is occupied by organics or not.

 

[Joe Grubbs]

I too am running a BRS dual reactor, setup as parallel flow (not series), both canisters loaded with 3 parts ROX carbon to 1 part GFO. If my weekly PO4 readings exceed 0.05 then I change them both. Otherwise I change them monthly. My system has a working volume of 260 gallons.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

What kind of reactor are people using?

 

[Feet4Fish]

What kind of reactor are people using?

I use an aquamaxx reactor

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I use the reactor that's built into my Geo sump.

 

[jason2459]

I use supernova carbon and change it every two months. When I used ROX 0.8 I change that monthly as well. This carbon is seeded per the company with appropriate bacteria and enzymes that will help break down organics that could bog down the carbon. What I have found is that even after two months still doing a great job and the water is crystal clear but I still change anyway because that's manufacturers recommendations.

Interesting they market that. I believe its just that. Usually its suggested to change your GAC with in a month because the GAC will get covered in bacteria reducing its effectiveness. Plus, GAC should not be tumbled and once coated with bacteria becomes "clumpy" which again reduces its effectiveness.

Fluidized filters like sand or bio-pellets that would be useful.

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I use the reactor that's built into my Geo sump.

That is really convenient having the reactor built into the sump. What size heater does the Geo Sump you have hold?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

That is really convenient having the reactor built into the sump. What size heater does the Geo Sump you have hold?

I have 2 300 watt heaters on it. Far more than I need though.

 

[lou dog420]

I use the reactor that's built into my Geo sump.

Lucky!!

 

[Feet4Fish]

I have 2 300 watt heaters on it. Far more than I need though.

I saw pics of your sump a week or two ago...awesome! Made me check out GEO for my new build.

 

[lou dog420]

Interesting they market that. I believe its just that. Usually its suggested to change your GAC with in a month because the GAC will get covered in bacteria reducing its effectiveness. Plus, GAC should not be tumbled and once coated with bacteria becomes "clumpy" which again reduces its effectiveness.

Fluidized filters like sand or bio-pellets that would be useful.

You don't tumble carbon, GFO yes, but not carbon.

 

[lou dog420]

You don't tumble carbon, GFO yes, but not carbon.

Oops I just saw u said NOT tumbled, my bad.

 

[sneub]

I use KZ carbon in a zeolite reactor shaken daily.

 

[wpeterson]

I change carbon every 3-4 weeks. The BRS ROX and fancier carbon is nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the money. I always rinse the carbon carefully in the reactor to remove the fines and ensure I'm not dumping any debris in the sump. I usually run cheap Marineland carbon.

You also may be able to determine when the carbon becomes "clogged" and flow decreases through your reactor. I have mine setup in a single reactor with 2/3 carbon packed so as not to move, but GFO above that tumbles. I judge flow rate by the amount of tumbling and replace carbon when it goes down or 4 weeks has passed.

BulkReefSupply did some interesting experiments around the effectiveness of media bags vs. reactors and different types of carbon: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/video/view/week-24-carbon-gfo-filter-media-clean-stable-reef-tank/

This is why I use a cheap media reactor and basic carbon, should deliver 90% of the value of expensive carbon and expensive reactors. If you're running expensive carbon without a reactor, shelling out for a proper reactor is more valuable than paying for premium carbon material, IMHO.

 

[Scott.h]

BRS Rox.. 3/4 cup 24/7 and change out once a month unless I suspect something is wrong. It's pretty much all used up, I believe, after 3 days it's introduced.

 

[Scott.h]

Incase anyone hasn't seen this I found it very interesting

 

[Bob Escher]

I run Red Sea Spec run it all the time and change it out once a month

 

[Salty1962]

ROX 8 every 3-4 weeks depending on color of water and corals.

 

[RONBATTLE]

What brand are you guys and gals using?

I HAVE BEEN USING SEACHEM MATRIX CARBON FOR A FEW YEARS NOW...IT DOES WELL

 

[RONBATTLE]

I run ROX 0.8 passively and change it out once a month.

I HAVE THE SAME TANK AND USE SEACHEM MATRIX, CHANGE IT MONTHLY...