Layering media in a reactor??

[ucantmakeme]

So i was wondering if it would work if you layered Carbon followed by a foam spacer then GFO if it would still work correctly. I dont have room under my sump for 2 reactors and the GF will NOT let me have anything outside the stand.

Was thinking carbon on the bottom so the GFO could still tumble up top?

Input, ideas, Experience?

 

[Paul_N]

You can do it and people have both setup in a reactor just like you are describing. But Carbon and GFO require different flow rates to be the most efficient. Carbon requires much less flow than GFO. Also I change my carbon out every two weeks and when I used GFO I changed out every month. IMO you can, just not the most efficient method.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

You could always just run carbon passively and run GFO in a Rx. Your plan would work though.

 

[firsttime]

GFO needs to tumble slowly and carbon does not.

If GFO doesnot tumble it will bind and will not do its job effectively.

Flow through carbon should be slow ( no tumble) to allow it to work effectively. Thats why carbon can work pasively as well.

 

[ucantmakeme]

Alright, i was just curious.

So for efficiencys sake i will just keep my nylon of carbon in the sump and put my GFO in the reactor till i get more room.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[aquafrags]

I run rox carbon on the bottom of the reactor seprated by two foam disks and GFO on the top to let it tumble. I have done this for a while, no issues. this is in a standard two little fishes reactor.

 

[ucantmakeme]

like the $50 one? thats exactly the one i was looking at.