mesh bag or reactor?

[GR808]

Just wondering if there's a difference in having carbon in a mesh bag in the sump or in a reactor? Any thoughts?

 

[Aquaph8]

Ive always ran my carbon in a mesh bag. Carbon's not something I wanted to grind up.

 

[FOO-CAT]

Water will tend to flow around the mesh bag in your sump. Flow in a reactor is much more efficient. Just have the flow low enough to prevent grinding.

 

[Aquaph8]

hasn't been an issue in 10 years, I feel alright about it floating right infront of my skimmers return. My GFO resides in a reactor but never felt the need for one for my carbon.

 

[GR808]

good to know folks. thanks
anyone else?

 

[btkrausen]

I use a reactor, but I don't let it tumble. I put the carbon in with the reactor upside down, and then push a sponge to the "what will be the bottom" and then flip the other way.

Now that I have a much bigger tank, I fill my my entire canister.

 

[blurry]

be carefull of using too much carbon - too much of a good thing can be bad. I usually run just under the BRS calculator recomendations

 

[btkrausen]

be carefull of using too much carbon - too much of a good thing can be bad. I usually run just under the BRS calculator recomendations

I'm Fish only

 

[Lateral72]

Fill one or two mesh bags and then put them into a reactor. It forces more water through the bags.

 

[five O]

Fill one or two mesh bags and then put them into a reactor. It forces more water through the bags.

I started doing the same thing with my rowaphos and carbon. Seems to be working well. It makes it nice and easy to clean.

 

[kevantheman35]

A reactor is always better IMO. I have recently switched to reactors on my AIO as I have seen little results when using chemipure ect in bag form. I think 80% of the water finds its way around the bag as water will always find the easiest route.