Let's talk about carbon

tank o tang · Feb 15, 2018

Brs rox
Once in a while the Brs large particles but it has alot more dust to rinse.

JBKReef · Feb 15, 2018

scuzy said:
I've been using rox 0.8 but it gets clog to easy in a reactor. Recently changed to seachem matrix and its been good since they are round spheres less clogging of the reactor.

Ever thought about mixing the two? Benefits of rox and breaking it up with matrix to ensure no clogging?

scuzy · Feb 15, 2018

The matrix carbon are round beads so water flows through it pretty good and less dirt gets trap.

amazongb · Feb 15, 2018

I've read that carbon can snatch up trace elements, so I stopped using it a while ago.. that said, if I had a need to use it, I would..

Gordon Cashmore · Feb 15, 2018

I run mine through a canister filter. Works fine

Gareth elliott · Feb 15, 2018

I use bitmous carbon mixed with phosgaurd in an aquatop reactor. Its cheap, keeps yellow pigment and algea away. Change once a week with wc.

SteadyC · Feb 15, 2018

Gareth elliott said:
I use bitmous carbon mixed with phosgaurd in an aquatop reactor. Its cheap, keeps yellow pigment and algea away. Change once a week with wc.

Carbon usually lasts 4 weeks, you could probably get more use out of that carbon.

SteadyC · Feb 15, 2018

I use the BRS large particle lignite, carbon is a throw away product, so I go with the cheap stuff. For what it’s worth, I suspend roughly half of the BRS reactor with one sponge in the middle, never had a problem with it moving.

Gareth elliott · Feb 15, 2018

SteadyC said:
Carbon usually lasts 4 weeks, you could probably get more use out of that carbon.

I change less depending on water changes. Sometimes its every 2-3 weeks depending on work. Stops me from forgetting if i just do it when i do a wc lol.

Forsaken77 · Feb 16, 2018

JBKReef said:
I'm new to the hobby, the biggest issues I've found using carbon in a reactor is getting a small amount to stay still in the BRS reactors. For my 100 gallon total system volume I only need 10 tablespoons of media. Trying to keep that between two sponges at the top of the reactor is difficult. I've had the sponge slip twice and allow a gap at the top that allows it to tumble.

I'm debating about switching to the mini-reactor because of this.

I've noticed a big difference in clarity after beginning to run the carbon after my cycle.

I use the BRS Black Deluxe reactor and never have an issue. Are you sure you're using the right sponges? They should be the harder ones with bigger pores in them, and you're not using too strong of a pump with a ball valve?

I have about a 125 total system volume and use a cup of AquaMaxx Rox carbon in the reactor. There's probably no difference in the carbon.

40B Knasty · Feb 16, 2018

One of the biggest reasons to use carbon is if you have anything photosynthetic in your tank. Any tinting of the water can reduce PAR pretty dramatically. We spend so much on our light fixtures and bulbs. Might as well get the best use out of them.
Seen a BRStv video awhile back and here it is with all you need to know.

Forsaken77 · Feb 16, 2018

ROX carbon is by FAR the best to use. It's actually meant for water use, whereas bituminous carbon (like Marineland Black Diamond pellets) are meant for air purification and is a filthy carbon to rinse. ROX is almost dust-free. ROX also has much more absorption capacity.

The downside is that it's more expensive, a LOT more expensive. But it kind of balances out a bit when you have to use less, it absorbs more, lasts longer, and it's a much cleaner carbon.

The only carbon I haven't used is lignite, which is the most dusty carbon there is and pretty much should be used in a reactor always. Is has better absorption rates than bituminous carbon, but is not worth the risk imo.

If you look up lignite carbon on BRS (which is one of the few places that sell it), they give a comparison of the 3 carbons at the bottom of the page. One example is rinsing... ROX is 10 seconds, Bituminous is 30 seconds and Lignite is 2 minutes. But I have heard people have good results with it. I just feel that if any carbon will cause an issue it will be lignite.

40B Knasty · Feb 16, 2018

Forsaken77 said:
ROX carbon is by FAR the best to use. It's actually meant for water use, whereas bituminous carbon (like Marineland Black Diamond pellets) are meant for air purification and is a filthy carbon to rinse. ROX is almost dust-free. ROX also has much more absorption capacity.

The downside is that it's more expensive, a LOT more expensive. But it kind of balances out a bit when you have to use less, it absorbs more, lasts longer, and it's a much cleaner carbon.

The only carbon I haven't used is lignite, which is the most dusty carbon there is and pretty much should be used in a reactor always. Is has better absorption rates than bituminous carbon, but is not worth the risk imo.

If you look up lignite carbon on BRS (which is one of the few places that sell it), they give a comparison of the 3 carbons at the bottom of the page. One example is rinsing... ROX is 10 seconds, Bituminous is 30 seconds and Lignite is 2 minutes. But I have heard people have good results with it. I just feel that if any carbon will cause an issue it will be lignite.

It is in the video posted above your post

OldMoonBoots · Feb 16, 2018

I have a question for everyone. I currently am running the Elite chemi-pure 5.4 oz bag of carbon mix (which has GFO) in my 29 Oceanic Biocube. I only change it every month. Would ya'll suggest switching to the same amount in BRS ROX 0.8 flavor?

NeilW · Feb 16, 2018

I use D-D Rowa Carbon in 2 bags. I change one of them every 2 weeks which means I leave each bag in a month. I've been thinking about running it in a reactor but have never felt the real need to make that change. Interested in thoughts from people who have moved from bag to reactor and what benefits they may have seen

ReefTeacher · Feb 16, 2018

I use BRS Rox. Over the years I have had the same trouble other people mention here: keeping it in the reactor. Also, the reactor is a pain and keeps me from changing it out. So I reduce the amount I use to 1 cup for my 180 gal, use it passively in a bag and change it weekly. I find the water to be crystal clear!

JBKReef · Feb 16, 2018

Forsaken77 said:
I use the BRS Black Deluxe reactor and never have an issue. Are you sure you're using the right sponges? They should be the harder ones with bigger pores in them, and you're not using too strong of a pump with a ball valve?

I have about a 125 total system volume and use a cup of AquaMaxx Rox carbon in the reactor. There's probably no difference in the carbon.

I am using the sponges that came with the reactors so I believe so? This issue was only for the first 2-3 times trying to install the canister, things are functioning fine now. It was just getting started I had issues with controlling the carbon. It was a more delicate process than I was anticipating.

120reefkeeper · Feb 16, 2018

I use Aquaforest carbon and it works just as well as other carbons I’ve used including ROX. It has high porosity and high absorption. It’s very clean.
All Activate carbons effective absorption capacity is greatly reduced after a few days. You reallly should change out your activated carbon every 3-7 days regardless of the brand. You can keep it in longer, say 2 to 4 weeks but the absorption capacity at this point is much lower. If your changing out carbon like this , why pay so much money for a product that lasts the same amount of time??